tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53703127773711269542024-03-04T23:19:02.677-06:00FlexinesA blog about expression through the art of movement.Flexineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208564998962034001noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-51142288640922715652016-04-04T17:57:00.000-05:002016-05-22T14:34:37.765-05:00When You Fall Out of Love with Your Fitness Routine [Do This]<br />
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For the longest time I was willing to move heaven--and squirmy two-year-old children--to get my workout on.<br />
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No matter what, you would see me trying pole holds and other upper body work--even ab work (ugh, ab work!).<br />
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<b>And then I slowly didn't.</b><br />
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I stopped forcing my schedule to match Skype workouts with my amazing pole friends. I stopped doing that ab work. All sorts of clothes found a home in my pole room and <i>all over</i> the treadmill.<br />
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The one thing that kept me in some sort of shape, even when I no longer prioritized my workouts, was going out for open ice. Ever since my first time watching figure skating I have been inspired by the amazing strength, flexibility, and flow of skating. Being on the ice, even just to move clumsily across it, felt magical.<br />
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<b>All the magic of pole is gone for me.</b><br />
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I don't feel motivated to practice my spins anymore--and it's okay. I'm finally okay with saying goodbye to pole and hello to whatever is next, to whatever feels good.<br />
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My one rule for fitness still stands:</h2>
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<b>it has to feel amazing.</b><br />
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Whatever you do to get your heart working, it has to make you feel like your glowing from within. It has to be something that reminds you of your power, regardless of what your body looks or feels like. Your workout should make you feel sexy. It should make you feel like you can crush any limit.<br />
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So when you're stuck:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Take time to consider if what you've been doing--running, pole, or yoga--just isn't feeling good.</li>
<li>If you still love your fitness strategy in theory but not in practice try switching things up.</li>
<li>Make a new, more upbeat playlist.</li>
<li>Could it be time to invest in the right gear to help you make your next milestone?</li>
<li>Try making a mood board on Pinterest, pinning all your inspiration in one place</li>
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Here's to a new journey, of stretching and strengthening, of finding power and grace within our own bodies!<br />
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<b>What was it like to fall out of love with your fitness routine? Would you recommend anything else for getting un-stuck?</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131505524110802258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-78265973237002631972016-01-12T09:00:00.000-06:002016-01-12T19:50:01.720-06:00Using a Yoga Strap to Improve King of Dancer's Pose<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPb3d7ec6ea5dd077925f9e6726d151c1a" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIDdKNJt9zwGzBEIYyt7DE9OZAQkiG5Kf4yysDCB4ycfcVYzGwNspF1o7yjtfG-eHMiIDv7usAJNOIiirlwLAmqTO4uG8tpkvmjUYZS8d8FHXvfeHp8xOVH_Tk9bs9c-Py2pC1neP4gY/s1600/Yoga+Strap+King+of+Dancer%2527s+Pose+Flexines+650.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIDdKNJt9zwGzBEIYyt7DE9OZAQkiG5Kf4yysDCB4ycfcVYzGwNspF1o7yjtfG-eHMiIDv7usAJNOIiirlwLAmqTO4uG8tpkvmjUYZS8d8FHXvfeHp8xOVH_Tk9bs9c-Py2pC1neP4gY/s1600/Yoga+Strap+King+of+Dancer%2527s+Pose+Flexines+650.png" /></a>
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[Oh haha, the freeze frame struggle is too real!]<br />
<h3>
Working on King of Dancer's Pose from the floor</h3>
One of my favorite tips for working on King of Dancer's Pose was from my friend CapFeb--she told me to work on this from the floor. It keeps you from having to deal with balance at the same time that you're simultaneously perfecting that tricky hand grip and working your stretch. <br />
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Solution: work on pigeon to King Pigeon <br />
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<h3>
The secret to good form when you're not flexible</h3>
<a name='more'></a><br />
A yoga strap! Before I used my own DIY version--just recently I received a yoga strap from Five Four Ten in exchange for an honest review and it's been very helpful. Using any sort of a yoga strap will keep you all lined up. Think of the way the body aligns when yogis grab their feet--it makes these really great lines (#goals). Without having that foot-to-hand connection it's so much harder not to end up at odd angles.<br />
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How I use my yoga strap to improve my King of Dancer's Pose</h2>
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[All of this is described in the video below so feel free to scroll past and click play button.]<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>Loop your strap through the buckle.</b> I'm using a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZQ7DS74" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">thick yoga strap with a metal buckle by Five Four Ten</a>.</li>
<li><b>Get your yoga strap around your foot.</b> Go around the arch, pulling the strap tight enough to stay comfortably put. Be sure to keep the buckle between your torso and your foot rather than at the back of your foot.</li>
<li><b>Get into Pigeon Pose.</b> Remember we're working our flexibility from the floor so technically we'll be doing close to a King Pigeon.</li>
<li><b>Arch back gradually into King Pigeon Pose.</b> This is where the grippy-ness of the strap material helps--inch your fingers down slowly. As you get close to your limit you'll find you can get a slightly deeper stretch using a yoga strap. </li>
<li><b>Strengthen. </b>As you get better focus on doing more of the work with the muscles involved, so getting your foot to your head with less pulling and more positioning, because ultimately strength in your new poses will maintain your flexibility.</li>
</ol>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="365" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/85d8mPUKyPM" width="650"></iframe><br />
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<h3>
The good, the bad, the lovely:</h3>
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I love that the Five Four Ten yoga strap is so grippy.<br />
When I first was working on King of Dancer's pose what helped me get it was being able to pull on knots I'd made in my DIY yoga strap; with this strap the whole length is easy to pull along. Also, the ability to grip my foot without feeling like I'm <b>strangling </b>it is really nice.<br />
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The one improvement I'd make is to find a way to have the same foot grip without the metal buckle, although I'm not really sure how that would be possible. I've seen other straps with a plastic buckle, which is the same issue but easier to break, or with a continuous loop which makes it less intuitive to use (read: it might sit at the bottom of my drawer waiting for me to figure it out). In any case I found it very easy and painless to work with.<br />
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My favorite part is having a pretty bit of gear. Honestly, I've made more flexibility progress by finding ways to enjoy stretching. My workout room is already a bit of a "torture chamber" without dismal gear. It makes a difference to take some time to oneself and enjoy every aspect of it.</div>
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<h3>
What are your goal poses?</h3>
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Do you have a love for back-bendy poses like me? Are you way too concerned with splits to care about anything else? Let me know below, I <b>love</b> comments!<br />
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Remember to <a href="http://youtube.com/theflexines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">subscribe and stay inspired</a>!<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMb3d7ec6ea5dd077925f9e6726d151c1a" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a>
</h3>Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-37774998709336452472015-12-26T00:00:00.000-06:002015-12-26T00:00:15.099-06:00How to Perfectly Combine Coffee & Yoga | R'stoyours Review<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP1ee0bde9056afff023cd20dc63d07cf0" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW68zs700ElRkWSxrMFG6WhEuFxyq02jAkUxNCQ9fsesREBEW2SG_4DWtO6htbykG-Fy4JY5c-rpUQ0qPoryc_nfkvLl7PbGrfd-jYz0BsHq_kqW1VLZPzSgQjqvHPN7O7VFzQp94HwPD1/s1600/Perfectly+Combine+Coffee+Kcups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to perfectly combine your coffee & yoga routines with reusable k-cups" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW68zs700ElRkWSxrMFG6WhEuFxyq02jAkUxNCQ9fsesREBEW2SG_4DWtO6htbykG-Fy4JY5c-rpUQ0qPoryc_nfkvLl7PbGrfd-jYz0BsHq_kqW1VLZPzSgQjqvHPN7O7VFzQp94HwPD1/s1600/Perfectly+Combine+Coffee+Kcups.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Some days are must-have-coffee days.<br />
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In the true yogi spirit, though, it's hard to stomach the massive amount of trash, clutter (k-cup stash!), and environmental impact of k-cups. Finally having a Keurig to simplify life = not so simple. Well... having a k-cup machine at the school parent group anyways; I'm donating these to the school after writing this.<br />
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Being a systems person I am pretty excited to share my solution to yoga happiness + coffee bliss.<br />
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How to perfectly combine your Coffee & Yoga routines</h3>
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Possibly my worst sin against stretching is my nasty habit of skipping a warm up... and I know you're no stranger to being too busy to worry. In the one minute it takes to brew you can get started on some quick jumping jacks or running in place--let your coffee cool to perfection while you finish.</div>
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Here's the quick breakdown:</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI26xopVJcYB250O7dTnJKqcwktyKH-UVUzZSPG44-G1ur1d5k_EiqIK6ljncRYa8fmVyduSzDTaGmlXL4HzzjJCmCTPc096MkAiuu_2LYnSi285Sed6D5ig_KII3Iq111L35-_0XRLg12/s1600/Perfectly+Combine+Coffee+Kcups+Yoga+Pinnable.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to combine your yoga and coffee routines: 1) Grab a reusable kcup (these are R'stoyours) 2) spoon in grounds 3) Morning warmups (Brew time = get those muscles warm!)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI26xopVJcYB250O7dTnJKqcwktyKH-UVUzZSPG44-G1ur1d5k_EiqIK6ljncRYa8fmVyduSzDTaGmlXL4HzzjJCmCTPc096MkAiuu_2LYnSi285Sed6D5ig_KII3Iq111L35-_0XRLg12/s1600/Perfectly+Combine+Coffee+Kcups+Yoga+Pinnable.png" title="" /></a></div>
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How it works:</h3>
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Because I'm eternally curious I also tried this in a shot glass. Outside. In the snow. The pictures are much better than they'd have been inside--now you see why I shoot everything outside, haha! I used the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014ICN3BS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">R'stoyours reusable k-cups</a> as I got them free to review and they seemed easier to use than other brands. (For example, brand name Keurig k-cups are massive and require removing a huge weird part of the machine... yeah I'd rather not lose any more kitchen gadgets.)<br />
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<h3>
The good, the bad, the lovely:</h3>
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I love that there is no waste! I am so sick of taking the trash out when I have so much to learn over here. I felt a nasty twinge every time I threw out a plastic little cup--I will still use them, just not as a default.<br />
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The bad... I honestly have no complaints this round. I'll come back and edit if I have issues.<br />
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My favorite part is getting to use regular coffee grounds! Yay! Even though I'm no connoisseur of coffee I really hate the *idea* that I am limited to what I can buy in disposable form. </div>
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<h3>
What are your morning routines? Any tips on how to get those warmups done?</h3>
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I want to hear what you do to get ready in the morning--and to keep yourself from skipping warmups on stretch days. Comment below!<br />
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Coffee Cup Image:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolyncoles/7845272668/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bright layers are the cure for grey days by Carolyn Coles</a>, CC <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">Atribution 2.0</a> License<br />
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<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM1ee0bde9056afff023cd20dc63d07cf0" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-68493371872179990482015-12-23T20:55:00.000-06:002015-12-25T02:05:26.471-06:003 Yoga Poses That Perfectly Match Molecular Structures <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPb7532ce9a95279b9c5986c30704567f6" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAnyLhSKvlmSFezPm3jeKvoEe8Q3mxUU4hshEb7iCK82TTaRwzouv0v_UB3TQA3YNjpeYrLySwWF5FyCrqMYUwA6L0HtMpZnqUxVXwvBjeMvdYsXm8jxqwlXnH64g05aLAm5SQ988Kcpn/s1600/yoga+by+kiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAnyLhSKvlmSFezPm3jeKvoEe8Q3mxUU4hshEb7iCK82TTaRwzouv0v_UB3TQA3YNjpeYrLySwWF5FyCrqMYUwA6L0HtMpZnqUxVXwvBjeMvdYsXm8jxqwlXnH64g05aLAm5SQ988Kcpn/s1600/yoga+by+kiki.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeRKBQpsNG7BGuEQKbh4GIidxc_XwauG98tu4jrz75y4oxdVah6FKNmkgm7LEBknY0uuIZefUa6ZV8AWbhiwQ18CTLDMWV-ZNWnJxVO2i4eBK_l9Gz9OP8SAs8j1YT3U6gG_W5QXX1RNP/s1600/Tetrahedral+One+Legged+Wheel+Pose+Flexines+Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 Yoga Poses that perfectly match Molecular Structures" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeRKBQpsNG7BGuEQKbh4GIidxc_XwauG98tu4jrz75y4oxdVah6FKNmkgm7LEBknY0uuIZefUa6ZV8AWbhiwQ18CTLDMWV-ZNWnJxVO2i4eBK_l9Gz9OP8SAs8j1YT3U6gG_W5QXX1RNP/s1600/Tetrahedral+One+Legged+Wheel+Pose+Flexines+Header.png" title="" /></a></div>
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Visual learner + Yoga Poses + Chemistry = ...</h4>
I've been thinking of how to work with the theme of "stretching the limits of expression"--because I definitely need a fancy (read: DIY) logo. Wouldn't it be awesome to make a play on the word "limit" as in Calculus? Oh, don't worry, I'm not a Calculus nerd. Yet. This concept definitely pushes me in that direction.<br />
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I vaguely remember something about limits and Calculus... and that infinity symbol. I adore the pants off the infinity symbol. Not even years working retail jewelry could kill that (seriously, can we pick a new fad yet?). So in honor of my analytical love for impossible subjects (read: Calculus, Chemistry) I'm playing with going in that direction. Enter... molecular models!<br />
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The 3 Perfect Molecular Models in Yoga</h3>
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I had the random opportunity to get a discounted <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B016ZAWAIS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">student molecular model set</a> so I could share a review and this is the result. I found that these three structures are perfectly represented in yoga: linear, bent, and tetrahedral. This is my favorite proof to me to cave in and do more yoga. Well, after the fact that one of my fave people on Earth is an <a href="http://yogabykiki.blogspot.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">acro yoga superstar</a> now.<br />
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The good, the bad, the lovely:</h3>
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I love that there is no wasted space with this model--it's exactly what you need to get building. I haven't tutored Chemistry in what feels like forever now but I always come back to trying to explain models to laypeople--words cannot describe how hard to explain or understand these are without a 3D model. </div>
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One improvement I wish for is for someone to come up with a molecular model that doesn't hurt my fingertips. Desk life + pull plastic = good thing there's a removal tool! This one is much easier on the fingers than the models we used in high school and college so clearly it's just part of making models that stay together. </div>
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My favorite part? The double bonds are not insanely long! I *loathed* those silly spider-leg-long bonds I used in school. (If you forgot double bonds are shorter than single in real life but this rule is broken in molecular models, worse in some than in others.)</div>
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What do you nerd out on?</h3>
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Do you have a love for Chemistry? Or maybe writing? I think the coolest people to know have some kind of intellectual passion... but then maybe I'm biased. ;) Leave a comment below and tell me what you get super cerebral about, I want to know!<br />
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Remember to <a href="http://youtube.com/theflexines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">subscribe and stay inspired</a>!<br />
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Music by: <a href="http://jowavemusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Joywave</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMb7532ce9a95279b9c5986c30704567f6" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-37384854770938054342015-11-30T09:00:00.000-06:002015-12-25T02:39:19.610-06:00The 4 Essentials for Cold Weather Workouts | Urban Athletic Running Belt Review<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPfd01b775dc5caa572a93b45904b3eae0" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlvpzBzGetubseSRN2uABMlRuKYr6gKO-7iyZKKJjglYQHDOmwmAY-rflVvMWQpu-6etx0-tGMGvTpDQp1_B2TrXxLLYGhJXFzpTpj7fmBHNpT95VSPAQ2edqOMgIgXP4vDtd9EFC5-V3/s1600/Glisalis+225+70+flexines+ad.png" imageanchor="1" style="display: none; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlvpzBzGetubseSRN2uABMlRuKYr6gKO-7iyZKKJjglYQHDOmwmAY-rflVvMWQpu-6etx0-tGMGvTpDQp1_B2TrXxLLYGhJXFzpTpj7fmBHNpT95VSPAQ2edqOMgIgXP4vDtd9EFC5-V3/s1600/Glisalis+225+70+flexines+ad.png" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oyT4a-0bK7NEDd-yVNF-PrnC6t5eJTbI_CjPE4Dn0S-MaZLleN3kF5IPuE4kK7nzBuigwyl8PDnHQA4Di7s2V-E1znuWBupA6b4nEEgCsOzxw6M3Ya7DCBMn3dBBXvH2fVLmTTqe7WKK/s1600/Cold+Weather+Workouts+Flexines+Title.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What You Need for Cold Weather Workouts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oyT4a-0bK7NEDd-yVNF-PrnC6t5eJTbI_CjPE4Dn0S-MaZLleN3kF5IPuE4kK7nzBuigwyl8PDnHQA4Di7s2V-E1znuWBupA6b4nEEgCsOzxw6M3Ya7DCBMn3dBBXvH2fVLmTTqe7WKK/s1600/Cold+Weather+Workouts+Flexines+Title.PNG" title="" /></a><br />
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Let's get out there!</h4>
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As promised here's a little insight into getting outside and being active when it's COLD! I've broken down the four bare essentials you need to go run outside when the world is telling you to snuggle into your covers.<br />
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The key: be prepared</h3>
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Now more than ever it pays to have your gear squared away. There's nothing worse than realizing a few blocks down that you've left something behind. Here's what you're really going to need:<br />
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How will you get yourself outside?</h3>
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Do you have a running belt? What other gear do helps you brave the cold? Share in the comment section below and let's keep each other inspired!<br />
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Remember to <a href="http://youtube.com/theflexines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">subscribe and stay inspired</a>!<br />
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Music by: <a href="http://jowavemusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Joywave</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMfd01b775dc5caa572a93b45904b3eae0" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-19083695670034961682015-11-18T09:00:00.000-06:002015-11-29T13:54:10.435-06:00Winding down after Stretching--on chilly days | Influenster #Voxbox Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSqdZtyMRbhZBhZgS-CnimkWDhbhaDUR6izOQ6S5qhWZKE8pQKUML7Svy5oFWeHaXF1v1OHgf5p-DG3cTMuxvWnsne344kQYfFdpDo6KdomZqaFW2iv5Ge9W0kzoKtk-XmatsNqJ6jJ_e/s1600/Winding+Down+Chilly+Stretching+Days+Flexines.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Winding Down After Stretching on Chilly Days Flexines" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSqdZtyMRbhZBhZgS-CnimkWDhbhaDUR6izOQ6S5qhWZKE8pQKUML7Svy5oFWeHaXF1v1OHgf5p-DG3cTMuxvWnsne344kQYfFdpDo6KdomZqaFW2iv5Ge9W0kzoKtk-XmatsNqJ6jJ_e/s1600/Winding+Down+Chilly+Stretching+Days+Flexines.PNG" title="" /></a></div>
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These cold days are taking <i>a lot</i> more motivation in the workout department. I've been trying some new tricks to get myself out there (more on that another day) and putting in some effort to make my workout time extra special. If it doesn't feel good, we're not going to do it, right?<br />
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Something hot</h3>
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My favorite post stretch (and during stretch!) indulgence is to get some hot chocolate or soup next to my yoga mat.<br />
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I've been doing a lot of lunges in the morning sunshine and right up until it got way, way too cold sipping on something hot did the trick. Now I sit in front of the window--anything to get my morning sun--and sip. I would advise against anything solid if you're still doing a little stretching simply because stretches like cobra make it a bit too easy to choke (I should know, ha!).<br />
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Here (above) I'm going with Annie's Organic Tomato Soup--which I highly, highly recommend if you like the idea of tomato soup but hate any trace of that canned taste (these come in cartons). I was lucky enough to receive this and the other items mentioned so I could make this review for you all.<br />
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A Little Multi-tasking</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO2XqmMIcYzOjYqAYy7J5oz0DgPFu5UqRF6SkNhW3VDsRaVpim4OG0tJALzWxhB7aD0NrogAk8kcH9wZH_EGpvsm2SyXdmnacWdFiiWImNu9yqdO1BRghVWRWzZpkFL7r5NO0QPMgfMDx/s1600/Wash+Yoga+Mat+Chilly+Stretching+Days+Flexines.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tide Ultra Stain Release for Washing Yoga Mat" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO2XqmMIcYzOjYqAYy7J5oz0DgPFu5UqRF6SkNhW3VDsRaVpim4OG0tJALzWxhB7aD0NrogAk8kcH9wZH_EGpvsm2SyXdmnacWdFiiWImNu9yqdO1BRghVWRWzZpkFL7r5NO0QPMgfMDx/s1600/Wash+Yoga+Mat+Chilly+Stretching+Days+Flexines.PNG" title="" /></a></div>
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You know how I love to strive to get <i>everything</i> done.<br />
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So of course it makes it just that much sweeter to wash my go-to yoga mat while I stretch on my extra pretty mat. (This I didn't get to review from Influenster, I got the pretty mat from Yoga Design Lab, in Blush, and the mat I've washed from a local hardware store--really!). <a href="http://www.flexines.net/2013/08/can-you-machine-wash-yoga-mat.html" target="_blank">I have done this before</a> and it worked, surprisingly.<br />
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I put it in on the cold cycle with a few other items (more multi-tasking) and then air-dryed it. It was really, really filthy from going to the beach, sitting in the summer sun and rain, and being dragged everywhere I caught a whim to stretch. Fall is a perfect time to recover from summer chaos and the ensuing dirt!<br />
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As you can see, the Tide took off most of the dirt. You can get a better sense by comparing these starting from the sun-bleached strip next to each number. What I love most is that there was no detergent scent afterward.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01Pre8B7CUZmNYiOQCyimT32uloVTn4WIvF6HzANUBFxL4jr-gukDhgjcKqKao62MIYbeNEuCYgrHE-APtaLevUFVIRLtHfBD1sqOTzxM0eJ6YV86DZ8iUTxoPEfZV8aBiwDJkLA8IN-q/s1600/Wash+Results+Yoga+Mat+Chilly+Stretching+Days+Flexines.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yoga mat before and after being washed with Tide Ultra Stain Release Free" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01Pre8B7CUZmNYiOQCyimT32uloVTn4WIvF6HzANUBFxL4jr-gukDhgjcKqKao62MIYbeNEuCYgrHE-APtaLevUFVIRLtHfBD1sqOTzxM0eJ6YV86DZ8iUTxoPEfZV8aBiwDJkLA8IN-q/s1600/Wash+Results+Yoga+Mat+Chilly+Stretching+Days+Flexines.PNG" title="" /></a></div>
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For finding time for myself</h3>
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Lately we've been having bathroom catastrophes with one of the kids. Serendipitously, these Fiber Choice gummies came in my #Voxbox from Influenster and saved me from lots of time waiting around in the bathroom. If there are ever kids in your house, you know what I mean--their extra potty time requires morale support. Luckily these are tasty!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GV6ALApRe0xnxm5ExTmNX_MOHLR-__Se-E_Xa2Y2kcru_uklGcraZctsCqfTE1ysKXn3-3aZc6untRK83uXr6C3WW_EZK_Buko7TppqesfFoMmksoyXgHA1461CKMG5tAPHE9gnTfIXI/s1600/Fiber+Choice+Gummies+Chilly+Stretching+Days+Flexines.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fiber Choice Gummies Flexines" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GV6ALApRe0xnxm5ExTmNX_MOHLR-__Se-E_Xa2Y2kcru_uklGcraZctsCqfTE1ysKXn3-3aZc6untRK83uXr6C3WW_EZK_Buko7TppqesfFoMmksoyXgHA1461CKMG5tAPHE9gnTfIXI/s1600/Fiber+Choice+Gummies+Chilly+Stretching+Days+Flexines.PNG" title="" /></a></div>
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Morale of the story: ENJOY</h3>
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Cold days make steam rising from hot soup and chocolate delicious. They make clear windows a magical portal for morning sunshine, yet not for blasts of wintery air. </div>
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I hope you take a few of these tips to get yourself back into your stretching routines--or to not fall out of them--when everyone seems to be saying the cold air means it's time to hibernate.</div>
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How will you get into stretching on these cold days?</h3>
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I'd love to know which of these ideas you are planning to try--OR what ideas pop into your head? Let me know by leaving a comment!</div>
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Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-63083132528817342252015-11-04T00:00:00.000-06:002015-11-12T23:39:45.377-06:00How to Plan for Superman Abs | Review: Live Infinitely Stability Ball<div dir="ltr">
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Here I am coming off months of slowly progressing strength training--maybe you can relate. Months of trying to fit in workouts + lack of motivation = blah. So I'm trying something I've been resisting for awhile.</div>
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A dream plan for Superman abs! <a name='more'></a></h4>
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I can already imagine the amazing lines and painting-esque posture--actually, that's the point. This blog started with the idea of workouts feeling good and for so long ab work has been another chore I do with a sulk, à la laundry day. Clearly it's time to change it up.</div>
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I found out that stability balls are good for way more than those crazy tough exercises seen all over the internet (or bouncing on, which is something way more manageable for me!). They are rumored to be an amazing replacement for a chair and help weak people like me get in squats with good form and gentle ab work (more further down). I asked Live Infinitely to help me out to that end and they've sent me <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Exercise--Professional-Supports-2200lbs--Access-65cm/dp/B010J1JTJ2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">their stability ball</a> so I could write this review. I've got it in short person size which is 55cm--I'm 5'3ish. (You'll want to choose a stability ball that corresponds to your height.) </div>
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The Chair Plan</h4>
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Add swapping out your sofa as number one on your plan. You'll want to be careful to find something burst resistant like the Live Infinitely ball--especially if you can count on having toddlers or four-legged friends stealing it. I'll admit it's a lot easier to practice posture on something I can let my inner child loose on [read: bounce around giggling on]. I found my stability ball grippy enough so I didn't feel I'd lose IQ points on my wooden floors but slippy enough to bop around.</div>
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The Squat Plan</h4>
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(Yes, they are good for those of us with weak abs on top of being amazing for glutes! )<br />
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A long time ago I gave up on squats. All that knee strain on top of being an avid jogger sucked--yup, I know it's not supposed to hurt. And yes, it's because I have <i>terrible</i> squat form. My favorite use for my stability ball is SQUATS! It's a whole 'nother thing to feel your squat in the right form. This is especially true while listening to Kanye's Stronger, also highly recommend for squats. </div>
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To get in squat form correctly I put my Live Infinitely ball between the wall and my back and roll it along on the way up and down. It does the job smoothly. If you've heard of any good squat challenges comment below because I'm game! I'll report back on my results next month so watch this space.</div>
<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPe7fb7340d03287d24c3ea2b3e5e6f17b" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a><br />
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The View From Up Here</h4>
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What I have really loved about the pole move Superman is the idea of the view from above; it's what I love about Spirals in figure skating. There's a feeling of looking down at the world like a vignette even while you're pretty well grounded. Stay imaginative, I say. </div>
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This point of using a stability ball for me is to Superman on a cloud, a bouncy, safely-close-to-the-floor sort of a cloud. I've never been able to force myself to keep up with traditional superman floor exercises because they are so... un-super. I am a very visual person so having the extra space between the floor and me makes a huge difference toward getting into super hero mode. Obviously this is the point of exercise, right?</div>
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I'd love to know--are you starting a new workout? Reviving an old one? Writing Santa for <a href="http://%28yes%2C%20they%20are%20good%20for%20those%20of%20us%20with%20weak%20abs%20on%20top%20of%20being%20amazing%20for%20glutes%21%20%29/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this stability ball</a>? Tell me in the comment section below. :)</div>
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<style display:=" none="><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWgrVPZglGnhr0X8JILPJ8MJXwE6caDCT3cHEZfCufF3pvv_jd6nWisl4hzx3h3rjf6NZERAjjOP6ZjogN3BxWudVeolwY4FXkAqGLHwJhM7enRuTEBUF9x5yZRV61ew3W-FTY1873Wo/s1600/Live+Infinitely+Review+by+Flexines.PNG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWgrVPZglGnhr0X8JILPJ8MJXwE6caDCT3cHEZfCufF3pvv_jd6nWisl4hzx3h3rjf6NZERAjjOP6ZjogN3BxWudVeolwY4FXkAqGLHwJhM7enRuTEBUF9x5yZRV61ew3W-FTY1873Wo/s320/Live+Infinitely+Review+by+Flexines.PNG" /></a></style>
<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMe7fb7340d03287d24c3ea2b3e5e6f17b" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a>Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-72712111837675767502015-09-30T00:00:00.000-05:002015-09-30T00:00:05.900-05:00From 2 Hours to Delete<div dir="ltr">
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I slid away from posting to Flexines--but the bigger problem is a decision I've made.<br />
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For a long time I've been struggling with centering Flexines--until I realized that I had <b>no idea</b> what I wanted this magically stretchy-dreaming place of the internet to be. I didn't even know who <i>I </i>wanted to be!--until I tried this new shift.</div>
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When we want to try a new pole routine we start with the feel of it, right? Immediately the song, or at least the type of song, comes to mind. We imagine glaring spotlights or lush green outdoor pole scenery or darkness and glitter. I saw... </div>
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Nothing. And everything, in a huge jumble. So I stepped back for one day that slid into months and burst into a huge breakthrough for me and, ultimately, for you my lovely readers.</div>
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Expect more art. More light and dark--chiaroscuro. Maybe I'll resurrect video chat and maybe it will become something new, a way to hang out in a higher quality setting. Two hours before this site expired I stopped considering deleting Flexines and took a leap. It was a decision to center Flexines around artistic expression was beautiful and horrible--it gave me an idea but no clue on where to start until today.</div>
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We're starting on Wednesday, bright and early. Check back every 1st Wednesday of the month for the relaunch #AllOverWednesday, a celebration of everything flexibility and artistic movement. </div>
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Love and Allegras-on-spinny,</div>
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Graphic created from: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21022123@N04/15584902770/in/photolist-KsTV3-8ALjm2-pK9RLx-8B8SHG-bNazni-pKbGCb-y6VT5-9B3wGV-pKbGdd-pZqmTW-pKbFTf-tNrXQX-8AZ7L7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Little Dancer by Degas</a>. <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CC Attribution 2.0 License</a>.
Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-45296737849142827142015-03-25T20:45:00.000-05:002015-03-26T20:46:50.482-05:00How to Make Flexibility Progress When You Have No Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you are wondering when you will <i>ever</i> find the time to stretch again you are not alone. I wish I had all the time it takes to get all suited up, warmed up, and have time to relax into stretching. Not going to happen!<br />
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Even though I have less time than ever before I have found a few ways to get a little closer to getting back my splits. Scroll down and click it to HD, enjoy!<br />
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Answer the mini forum question:</h3>
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What challenges are you facing on your flexibility journey? Comment below and let's get through them together! #AllOverWednesday is your invitation to ask anything right here in the comment section and get a lot of love.<br />
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Remember to <a href="http://youtube.com/theflexines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">subscribe and stay inspired</a>!<br />
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<br />Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-72358475501807715072015-03-11T23:27:00.001-05:002015-03-21T19:27:37.234-05:00Get Ready to Let Art Inspire Your Flexibility Dream HERE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; display: none; text-align: center;">
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For <i>months</i> now I have been planning, researching, and writing down creative brainstorms on the back of every envelope in reach--resulting in #AllOverWednesday!<br />
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What is #AllOverWednesday?</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicb30iJyY5zz4jAnjzmZGOnr5ThuA-GkEMb2sko_9FnJzOF8OHJEGreWP5Lq8_TPJvPRK0EnxQ8sVSHaHNeivP0QuRRgukx_AfDPU0O7YOsL9iDU6QCtRLhg-LDK_CpSgMLWB3dp0CSJtv/s1600/FirstAllOverWednesdayAnnouncement.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Allover Wednesday on Flexines.net. Everything flexibility and expression - 1st and 3rd Wednesdays." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicb30iJyY5zz4jAnjzmZGOnr5ThuA-GkEMb2sko_9FnJzOF8OHJEGreWP5Lq8_TPJvPRK0EnxQ8sVSHaHNeivP0QuRRgukx_AfDPU0O7YOsL9iDU6QCtRLhg-LDK_CpSgMLWB3dp0CSJtv/s1600/FirstAllOverWednesdayAnnouncement.png" title="" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>Allover (or all-over) is an art technique covering an entire medium while paying equal attention<br />
to each part of the composition [<a href="https://www.moma.org/cef/abex/html/know_more9.html" target="_blank">Museum of Modern Art</a>]. I have been bursting with ideas for a myriad of topics <b>all over the spectrum of flexibility and expression</b> to share with you in equal, loving detail.<br />
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We're going to get this flexibility spark together--are you ready??</div>
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When?!</h3>
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The stretching tips and motivation inspiration happens here every <b>1st and 3rd Wednesday</b>. I am so excited to have started the first video which will be out next Wednesday, March 18th! The picture you see above is me all smiles and <i>thrilled</i> that I found time to go through the process of getting my work flow down and will get these ideas out to you. I can hardly wait!<br />
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Be sure to follow this blog allover so you don't miss it:</div>
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Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-60762212024934607832015-02-06T20:59:00.000-06:002015-02-06T21:09:50.656-06:00What does fitness mean to you? #BeMoreHuman by ReebokWith <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=699342&u=919962&m=45519&urllink=&afftrack=%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://static.shareasale.com/image/45519/728x90_flag_pole.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Be%20More%20Human%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">my re-evaluation of fitness</a> I have been really thinking about what fitness means to each person. Serendipitously, I recently received an email request to share Reebok's #BeMoreHuman message with all my Flexines, and I had to smile at the included graphic (below). I received compensation in exchange for this post but honestly how could I not share it regardless!<br />
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=699331&u=919962&m=45519&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img alt="Be More Human" border="0" src="http://static.shareasale.com/image/45519/468x60_flag_pole.jpg" /></a>
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I wish I had known Reebok was going to have such a great commercial (read: containing a pole reference) so I would have thought to tune into the Superbowl for once--if it does not have figure skating or pole dance, the sporting event is wasted on me. I immediately thought of all the sporty pole dancers out there but as I clicked on I discovered a bit more.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UDb-7DY3CjU" width="560"></iframe>
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You can <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=698216&u=919962&m=45519&urllink=&afftrack=" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: calibri;" target="_blank">take the HUMAN SCORE test from Reebok</a> and find out a bit about your own fitness motivation and goals. It asks you to choose between two options, much like those Facebook quizzes to find out which movie character you are, and gives you a score at the end. I fully expected to get a score that matched a couch potato but instead I got this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOVMwjaXNaT-BfdnNtFPY2P4-fXo5rIMTENzXM0_7UQOGIB7RbP76s51fBK41HZsDFQcpGcPTadYkb3onvOM8xfRVqFygTrRUM5gSeVRwQVRRDdi_yPtcggnS8Zkt4iRXySsr9FL5bDvl/s1600/Screenshot+(41).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="#BeMoreHuman Brain Buff" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOVMwjaXNaT-BfdnNtFPY2P4-fXo5rIMTENzXM0_7UQOGIB7RbP76s51fBK41HZsDFQcpGcPTadYkb3onvOM8xfRVqFygTrRUM5gSeVRwQVRRDdi_yPtcggnS8Zkt4iRXySsr9FL5bDvl/s1600/Screenshot+(41).png" height="359" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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The description reads, "Brain Buffs do more than keep their bodies fit - they actively work to regularly challenge themselves to think big thoughts way outside the box. And they are rigorous thinkers inclined to do their own research." As it turns out, I do feel that fitness is an intellectual pursuit for me. It got me thinking about how much that means to me, and how special it is that I can engage so many sides of myself through pole fitness and a new fitness pursuit I am planning to share with you all soon. <b>This multi-faceted quality of fitness is what keeps me going, both in fitness itself and outside of it.</b><br />
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What about you, what were your results?<br />
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<br />Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-64420289679540387392015-02-05T21:03:00.003-06:002015-02-05T21:03:44.374-06:00How I Accidentally Ran 5K | Coping Skills for AnxietyA few months ago I almost posted this--a post about anxiety and being cut short--only to be interrupted again. This blog is dear to me and I hate to put in the 25% that I have the time to so... that day I put in that 25% and waited for the perfect opportunity to finish. Fall became winter while I added "tomorrows" to my self-imposed due dates--until I read a post that put a spark back into me. Alex Beadon <a href="http://www.alexbeadon.com/2015/02/05/how-to-overcome-your-fears-and-a-funny-story/" target="_blank">posted about overcoming your fears</a> and I realized that I need to post this NOW in its current state of imperfection. I am not the only one out there struggling with schedule demands, anxiety, or <a href="http://www.flexines.net/search/label/perfectionism" target="_blank">recurring perfectionist issues</a> so if you have been there or are right there with me now I hope this will kindle your spark, too:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwWp3Rw-uORMF8ogttw_rVnr6CfeJ2spICPxEI9b1zQR_9DOrq8EIUyWw2tKy4aeMUDKAd0PBvjRPmtnTAlcd9vBPQfG0vPmwB8u77HAbXl2ug6QpcK5xwHoL9TNTA0NApkPOOTFX2xkC/s1600/It+is+truly+magic+what+you+can+do+Flexines.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwWp3Rw-uORMF8ogttw_rVnr6CfeJ2spICPxEI9b1zQR_9DOrq8EIUyWw2tKy4aeMUDKAd0PBvjRPmtnTAlcd9vBPQfG0vPmwB8u77HAbXl2ug6QpcK5xwHoL9TNTA0NApkPOOTFX2xkC/s1600/It+is+truly+magic+what+you+can+do+Flexines.png" /></a>
Run, run, run.</h3>
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Crunching to a stop in front of my house I had no idea just how far I'd run, but I knew it was far more than the short circuit I had planned. <strong>It's life or death for me.</strong> My fitness loves keep me sane and safe and this time was no example--I laced up because too many days had passed me by without being able to type a sentence, do a pole climb, or read a chapter. One grey moment strings to the next and I found myself drowning in doubts, analysis paralysis.... anxiety.<br />
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So I ran. The treadmill or my pole room have become snazzy clothes racks--I get as far as the warm up and then sweetest baby cries or the stupid phone rings or I remember to go find freelance work before that bill is due. Outside there is the crunch of fall leaves, the night sky unfolding into infinity, and <b>lung-fulls of autumn magic</b>.<br />
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There is nothing for feeling alive quite like an autumnal run. <br />
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If you could ever fall in love with the endorphin high of running it will happen by steps. Turn on your favorite song for moving until you have to get up and just go for a block. This block melts into the next and at a steady pace you forget that you could ever live still in one spot. Drink the air, the sparkling stars, the beat of your heart and your steps running into one, until you move because there is music and not to reach a destination or check off a distance. Fitness is a lifeline to finding yourself again and it re-connects you to your heartbeat, your thoughts, and your inner self.<br />
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The next thing I knew I had run to the library and back--a distance I looked up and, sure enough... I accidentally ran 5K. It is truly magic what you can do when you let it just happen.<br />
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Getting past fear</h3>
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It is and it is not true that I do not have time for what I love. I get stopped over and over, never having the solid block of time I want to really get everything just right. When I read <a href="http://www.alexbeadon.com/2015/02/05/how-to-overcome-your-fears-and-a-funny-story/" target="_blank">that post on Alex's blog</a> I kept asking myself how fear is connected to this anxiety. What I realized is that I am not afraid of failing, but of being mediocre. It is not that I lack time to do a pole work but that I lack time for a full pole workout and in just the same way I have time for a paragraph but not a start-to-finish blogging session. I think often we set a standard for ourselves that we think we have broken down in manageable steps but we forget to allow ourselves to put in 25% when that is all there is time for. I see so many other polers get into serious pole ruts or neighbors that have not worked out since college athletics--<b>we all just want to find this miraculous moment of time when we have time <i>and</i><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>motivation</b>.</div>
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My message for all you Flexines out there, and for myself as well, is to <b>allow yourself to take it slow, then take it slower</b>. I am going to keep stringing together my 25%'s. I hope you allow yourself the same love. </div>
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Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-58046700013459453832014-08-12T15:46:00.000-05:002014-08-12T15:46:53.990-05:00How much flexibility do you need for King of Dancer's Pose?When I got into King of Dancer's pose for the first time I was confused--I had no idea I was anywhere near getting there and was just preparing. I was convinced you needed to have some incredible degree of flexibility absolutely everywhere. And possibly also be a ninja. It always seems those that can do it are human pretzels, after all. Luckily, you need just a few main points of flexibility:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Leg flexibility</span><br />
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You don't need full splits. Really. I haven't done any sort of a stretching routine since before my nine-month-old was born... so my right front splits are missing and if I twist way out of a squared position like I did in the video I am still a handles width away. Obviously, the more the better! The further your legs can split and the higher you can get your back leg, the less your shoulders need to stretch down and back <em>plus </em>the less your back has to arch. I have about the bare minimum leg flexibility necessary because I can "cheat" with <a href="http://www.flexines.net/2014/02/shoulder-flexibility-stretches-for.html" target="_blank">my very flexi shoulders</a> and back.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Back flexibility</span><br />
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Try this: stand next to a wall, pole, or other support and stand on one leg. Hold your leg so the thigh is parallel to the floor and your foot is pointed to the ceiling. Push your chest out and up and your toes to the ceiling (or to the stars, that's what I like to think of). Does your back resist the position? How much? You need to be able to hold this position, more or less. (More if you want to breathe I it, less to just snap a picture and celebrate. And yes, both are huge accomplishment!) A good indicator that you have enough flexibility for it is being able to do a nice backend like wheel pose (usually called a bridge but wheel pose is really like cow pose upside-down). If you're still working on it, keep faith that you <em>will</em> get there gradually.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shoulder and arm flexibility</span><br />
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From what I hear, this is the major stumbling block for most. You absolutely do <em>not </em>want to force your shoulders into this. I can grasp my hands behind my back easily and without a warm up so I recommend that if you are working towards shoulder flexibility you should warm up with arm rolls, <a href="http://www.flexines.net/2014/02/shoulder-flexibility-stretches-for.html" target="_blank">arm and shoulder stretches</a>, and only then go for it. If you have better leg flexibility than I do you will not need as much shoulder flexibility. You do absolutely need to be able to do an external rotation of the shoulder (that's the twisting motion I make with my shoulder). Biceps also need to be flexible--your biceps need to allow your hand to move down your back and then stretch away from your back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJm9y5F8K397pPIepc0Xr00a1ITKrkvuoWP3MqgfoNeMlLvO2ONN60vsXIbd6XMZFOLmCFAKFqgTVXAI0cp6rfAj3Crtpxj790nLLVoFNYTMpOcmSR6LtvQuvaiyW5dcrbFx0RWv0JA5p/s1600/Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJm9y5F8K397pPIepc0Xr00a1ITKrkvuoWP3MqgfoNeMlLvO2ONN60vsXIbd6XMZFOLmCFAKFqgTVXAI0cp6rfAj3Crtpxj790nLLVoFNYTMpOcmSR6LtvQuvaiyW5dcrbFx0RWv0JA5p/s1600/Edit.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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This pose may seem daunting, but do not underestimate the value of repetition for this one. Trying it out gives you a better indicator of which areas need the most work on your body and gets your brain trained for making the right motions. Remember that a lot is going on in this one, with different muscle groups working together so you <em>can</em> get it even with slightly less flexible areas. Keep at it and you'll get there!<br />
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Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-7390114708788214722014-07-11T05:16:00.002-05:002014-07-11T05:16:36.503-05:00Weekend Muse: Surya BonalyThere could hardly be anyone more perfect to break my blogging hibernation with than the backflip-ing, warrior goddess Surya Bonaly. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWF4qX1EMEH2WkYJtqRw31_qHBHYOJ7PQ8UaJT1IcUmFkEktGo2oQKhzE9uBuFop_ZTpe32afuzFFllzYhLJ6AjJezjzABsDHKj-Dy0AQBKTV3pigMiq0rK17JawJwOpQOjBgc8QkNNHlu/s1600/5223411862_342babeb97_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWF4qX1EMEH2WkYJtqRw31_qHBHYOJ7PQ8UaJT1IcUmFkEktGo2oQKhzE9uBuFop_ZTpe32afuzFFllzYhLJ6AjJezjzABsDHKj-Dy0AQBKTV3pigMiq0rK17JawJwOpQOjBgc8QkNNHlu/s1600/5223411862_342babeb97_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Xtraice Ecological Ice</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CC Attribution 2.0</a></td></tr>
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Once upon a time I had no idea Surya Bonaly existed and was clicking aimlessly around Pinterest (Oh, how <a href="http://pinterest.com/flexines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I love me some Pinterest</a>!) and I saw some comment about how amazing she is. What I found through some rabid searching was that Surya Bonaly shattered Olympic rules. <br />
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As it happens, Surya was a power figure skater, the kind that lands ultra athletic jumps and makes you want to cross train in skates. Expect she BACKFLIPED. On figure skates. She couldn't "legally" backflip on Olympic ice, though, because the rules require landing on one foot. But who really cares about rules in the face of super powers? <strong>Surya learned to backflip one ice and land on one foot. </strong>Yeah, and live.<br />
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The day she was on that hallowed ice Surya was having a bad time with the judges and her program so she pulled out her badass move. Commentary noted that it was all for the performance and the crowd... and that she finished with her back to the judges. They ruled the move illegal in the end, although landing it on one foot should have technically made it count. She was disqualified with dignity and the knowledge that she put one a performance true to her character. <br />
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At the end of the day, <strong>it has to matter more to perform for ourselves</strong>, competition or no. Coming off a drawn out pole, blogging, and stretching rut this message rings particularly true. I am hard pressed to find time away from my second baby (my daughter was nothing like this!) and coming back slowly is excruciating--as a dancer there is always that "audience factor." Do I measure up to my own standards is I were to watch myself dance? My friends'? The knee-jerk reaction is to say "No" and stay in that place but it's bigger than that. <strong>Dance is a living story. </strong>We need to keep telling it and we need to be true to our dancer's story.<br />
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P.S. <br />
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Did you notice the new name? "Weekend Muse" is so much more descriptive than "Weekend Crush," don't you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a>Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-91942986971059444752014-04-04T13:01:00.000-05:002014-04-04T13:02:59.640-05:00Weekend Crush: Sadie, Coloradan Belly Dancer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sadie's been on my Weekend-Crushes-to-be list for too long. She has some kind of voodoo magic that wants you want to watch her forever. You may even be fooled into thinking you can just get up from your belly dance induced trance and start dancing like a pro... okay, maybe that's just me, but is it ever hard! Her belly dance is inspired by her athletic background and it shows. I just want to have half her ability to isolate muscles!<br />
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Did you catch all that craziness around 2:00?? The most I've been able to achieve is isolating my upper and lower abs separately, and doing some sort of a belly roll. And these <i>are</i> doable with more defined abs, but I am partial to belly rolls with belly to them. If you are ever down about not having pole star abs, just remember you have belly dancer abs. You're Welcome. :)<br />
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Other than the ab, hip, and chest isolations to dream for I love that Sadie is this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAYeuxju2wI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">everyday Coloradan, originally from Wisconsin</a>, who has turned her passion for the sensual, mysterious, and exotic belly dance into a reality. I have always wanted to see someone with a strong belly dance background do a pole and belly dance fusion (C'mon Sadie!). Mayhap we can pester Aerial Gypsy from <a href="http://www.femtasticdance.com/" target="_blank">Femtastic Dance</a> to do one? If you've seen one, please do share in the comments! I suppose it would take a lot of strength to pole in a skirt, or maybe a shorter skirt? And no jingly coins.<br />
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I leave you to contemplate Sadie's America's Got Talent submission with her best friend, Kaya. (Ugh, Piers, you dolt. I still <strike>hate</strike> dislike him for being horrible to <a href="http://www.flexines.net/2013/09/weekend-crush-steven-retchless.html" target="_blank">Steven</a>.) Dance friends make everything about a million times better:<br />
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<br />Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-33329225040870434552014-04-01T16:05:00.001-05:002014-04-01T16:05:24.621-05:00How to Stretch Underwear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
No really! I've been saving this for April Fools Day--but if only you knew how many people have ended up at Flexines looking for ways to stretch their underwear (must be because of my post on <a href="http://www.flexines.net/2013/04/underwear-for-stretching-problems.html" target="_blank">how to pick underwear for stretching</a>). Thank you for visiting, Googlers, you searched and it so happens I <i>do</i> have a few tips for you! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40Pl4IOS8IT78iuAd1SrCmF8DWV4SVJqscLEor21I8hZHiUCKb2-iN9Ie3fqSdnSE_xc-Y4sIFGuaXU8C26K9eggi7OargM-n6Jf8h7Vhyphenhyphen5dJ46MSHBvW4K0x3Go9LD3AYrLgf6T66esU/s1600/How+to+stretch+underwear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to stretch underwear" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40Pl4IOS8IT78iuAd1SrCmF8DWV4SVJqscLEor21I8hZHiUCKb2-iN9Ie3fqSdnSE_xc-Y4sIFGuaXU8C26K9eggi7OargM-n6Jf8h7Vhyphenhyphen5dJ46MSHBvW4K0x3Go9LD3AYrLgf6T66esU/s1600/How+to+stretch+underwear.JPG" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Option one: Wear it and skip the heat</span><br />
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Okay, this is sort of a pain, I know, but the best way to get underwear to stretch out to fit your form is to wear it repeatedly. There are a few other alternatives to try, but let's explore this a bit first. Ideally you should wear it and wash it COLD. We've all heard that heat shrinks clothes but if you usually stick everything in the dryer you'd be surprised how <i>much</i> of a difference it makes to skip the heat. (Aside: If you've ever watched Myth Busters you may remember that experiment to see if jeans in a hot tub could shrink enough to cut off a deadly amount of circulation--and they can't but they shrink down tremendously.) If you need them dry quick, set your dryer to a low setting so the clothes comes out damp and air dry the rest of the way.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or try: Pillow stretching</span><br />
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If they are too uncomfortable or you need to avoid wedgie pulling, pillows are your friend. Be concious of where you need a little more room--the last thing you need is drapey panties. Ish. I recommend a pillow or balled up towel--hangers and the like will give you a really horrible silhouette. (I have yet to see someone who is shaped like a hanger.) One of our teen boys hangs <i>everything</i> from socks to ties on hangers, or at least he did growing up, and I got a kick out of the funny contortion abilities of his underwear.<br />
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Keep in mind that cotton and high-cotton blends will resist stretching so you can be a bit more extreme in your attempts. Those cotton boy briefs lost the silly hanger shape after a wearing; blends with nylon, lycra, or elastane (think Victoria's Secret goodies) will not fare quite as well--be gentle. As a general rule I hate to stick anything non-cotton in the dryer because they air dry very well out of the washer and tend to take a beating from the dryer (the stretchy become the crunchy).<br />
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For Flexines readers, I hope you got a good April Fools chuckle. And for Googlers, don't forget to subscribe for inspiration on stretching your body, too!<br />
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Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-78160557363643022432014-03-21T14:02:00.000-05:002014-03-21T14:02:04.842-05:00Weekend Crush: Lora Hill, Fights Bullying with Dance<b>"You know when Lora came to me a couple years ago with the idea, the first words that came out of her mouth were, it could be chaotic, it could be...' And I said 'Great!'"</b><br />
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Awesome. This is principal Kelly Halvorsen's response to a project to change high school kids' lives through dance. Lora had this crazy idea to get kids dancing on Friday mornings and it had some really interesting results.<br />
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<b>"When it comes to music, we all stand together" --Lora Hill</b></div>
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Every Friday morning she sets up speakers and turns on the music. What's really cool is that all sorts of students join right in--even teachers dance. It is amazing to see everyone moving together; there are no words, just unity. You can watch video of it at the <a href="http://edmoments.com/" target="_blank">Ed Moments website</a>. Ed moments is supported by Education Minnesota, a union of 70,000 Minnesotan educators and staff. Remember who else is Minnesotan? Uh huh, yours truly. I am so proud that our teachers are spreading this. I'm convinced that Minnesota has the best teachers (<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/best-performing-public-school-students-by-state/47/" target="_blank">we certainly have awesome public schools</a>) and it was my teachers that made me believe in myself in spite of growing up with an abusive mother.</div>
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<b>“I know what can happen to the bullied,” she says. “Suicide. But I also know what can happen to bullies. Prison. “I’m committed to both.”</b><br />
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It's all about confidence. If you can give a student confidence you give them the power to be who they want to be. That kind of strength can stop both students from needing to victimize and students from allowing themselves to be bullied. This reminds me of the strength our pole dance community draws from engaging our bodies for expression and fitness. We come together because we are working on common fitness goals and we learn to embrace differences. That's powerful. I love what Lora Hill is doing and I hope she inspires people to find creative solutions rather than repeating the same hollow messages of what not to do. <b>After all, unity and strength comes from action.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Lockers by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tabor-roeder/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Phil Roeder</a>. Creative Commons <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 2.0 License</a>.</span><br />
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<br />Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-54545972613712624982014-03-20T15:59:00.001-05:002014-03-20T15:59:53.159-05:00Happy Dances Around the World | International Day of Happiness!<b>It's the first day of spring!</b><br />
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"Where?!" my better half asks--and I have no clue because it sure isn't Minnesota! In any case it's also the International Day of Happiness <a href="http://www.un.org/en/events/happinessday/" target="_blank">as declared by the U.N</a>.:<br />
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...recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives.</blockquote>
Basically it's important for people to be happy. (I can guarantee you that if I had dragged out a sentence like that for <i>any</i> one of my professors there would be "happy" red ink all over it.) Obvio. Break out the happy dancing.<br />
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Starting with <b>Bordeaux, France</b>:<br />
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Click to 1:00 at the very least. Scrubs! Dancing in scrubs!<br />
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This next one is from <b>KickAsh</b>'s YouTube channel, aka <b>Ashley Williams</b>. I love that she's so herself and her dancing is organic. My favorite is when she does the dancing-in-the-street bit around 1:28. I'm not sure what it is about dancing right where traffic should go, but I love it. I secretly dance in the middle of the street on my early morning runs. So if I suddenly stop posting one day, it'll probably have been death by happy dance.<br />
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If you click over to the video on YouTube someone comments that the video made him/her happy and Ashley replies that made it worth making. Awwww! I am a sucker for this sort of mush.<br />
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As I was compiling these I found a whole bunch of videos from just about anywhere you can think of. Check out this one from <b>Tahiti</b>--ugghh, Tahiti! Now I just want to leave Minnesota and never return. There is dancing in the street, belly dancing, and the obligatory ballerina. Kudos to French Polynesia's YouTube channel, it's working! *Packs bags.*<br />
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One more--<b>Boston College</b>. Even the mascot got in on this! I have to wonder about the library scenes though--did they have a lookout? Because I know I would have racked up some fines or at least a death stare at mine. Books and dancing. I'm happy!<br />
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What I love most is that so many of the videos to Happy are different people, some of which are amazing dancers and some dance all over the place, like me. That makes my heart glad--people just putting their soul into it and letting go. Because they're happy.<br />
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<br />Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-2796643952456245272014-03-14T14:52:00.001-05:002014-03-14T14:52:24.999-05:003 Tips for Powering Your Flexy Pictures | RAVPower ReviewLately I've been working on having more pictures in my posts and making them the best I can. I quickly figured out how important it is to be able to take pictures on the fly--you never know when a good opportunity for photographing flexy will come up! I thought of my three best tips to keep powered up on the go to share with you in this review:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Keep it together.</span><br />
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I can't begin to tell you how creative my cursing gets when I blissfully find a few minutes to snap a shot... only to discover my battery is dead. #!&? The best solution is to have everything you need in a zip pouch or similar, just make sure your camera is protected from crushing and scratches. I like to have a spare battery, a microfiber cloth, a USB connector cord, and this little charger in there. RAVPower gave me this purse-sized charger free to try and after testing it I am happy to recommend it. It fits nicely in my little photography kit and has already saved me from getting "that look" for draining hubby's cell phone on pictures and <a href="http://instagram.com/theflexines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">instagraming said pictures</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't kill your battery. </span><br />
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You would think knowing the basics of a voltaic cell from Chem class would have prepared me for this but, nope, I had to learn the hard way. I killed the batteries in our home phones almost single-handedly by letting them run down in obscure places (behind the head board, under the couch). Again, "that look" from my dear love. Oops. He explained it like this to me: in a car lead plates are a major part of the battery, and after leaving a car un-operated for an extended period of time you will find that the plates corrode, killing the battery. So now I know, and I'll be using my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/RAVPower-Flashlight-Lightning-Sensation-Thunderbolt/dp/B0084y47SK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RAVPower charger</a> to help me keep the battery in use. And I'll have no excuse not to search for my missing batteries--it doubles as a fun little flashlight with a few neat settings (including strobe). Handy.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a backup!</span><br />
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My spare battery is my favorite extra to carry. I bought my camera, a Nikon Coolpix S9300, used and have had power issues with it. A quick aside--if you shop used please hope for the best but expect the worst, you will save money and it can be a wonderful buy but get it cheap to offset buying accessories and possibly replacing parts. Anyways my battery has a silly short life and a spare is so easy to pop right back in and keep snapping.<br />
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Do you have any tips to share?<br />
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Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-48290210687196834462014-03-10T00:00:00.000-05:002014-03-10T00:00:01.691-05:00Happy Wishes: Mood Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Technically Mood Music is posted every other Monday, but today I wanted to share this anyways.<br />
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A little ray of happiness:<br />
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This song makes me want to go running through the neighborhood with a boom box on my shoulder. I hope you <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/happy-from-despicable-me-2/id823593445?i=823593456&uo=4&at=1l3v4of" rel="nofollow" target="itunes_store">listen to this</a> over and over. Soak it up. Instead of some wrecking ball sex mess, this is what I want to see all over the internet and on the air waves.<br />
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A huge hug to my beloved Flexines. I hope you are dancing-in-the-street happy today!<br />
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<br />Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-8616583844936385782014-02-28T10:46:00.000-06:002014-02-28T10:46:10.517-06:00Weekend Crush: Jenny Liu PHD MD and Pole Dancer MinxI keep saying that pole dancers are an intelligent bunch and here is more proof: Minx. Minx is the stage name of competitive pole dancer Jenny Liu--who is also a double doctor. Jenny started pole dancing because her PHD and MD schooling meant she'd be spending her youth studying--something I can relate to as Pre-Med myself. Cancer research, top of her graduate class, double doctor... and sexy Minx.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's all about the challenge</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rF48ijHOuyI" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"I think for me my success with pole is quite an intellectual process"</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquQdDmTs1o64sTsmfuNsBOIVbluq1qL64zCBw8-RWQS2e-XqA1AkmcmGV6Ht1qISjGTYZCvzJQ5xS42c2d3VQinzU0F9ohVe3jJU7ufnuTzJQly5J4QYEzMvQ_GesDExXlrtfoKfjS7bu/s1600/Minx.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquQdDmTs1o64sTsmfuNsBOIVbluq1qL64zCBw8-RWQS2e-XqA1AkmcmGV6Ht1qISjGTYZCvzJQ5xS42c2d3VQinzU0F9ohVe3jJU7ufnuTzJQly5J4QYEzMvQ_GesDExXlrtfoKfjS7bu/s1600/Minx.JPG" /></a></div>
I first found her story on <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-10/pole-dancing-doc-is-medical-minx/5148184" target="_blank">Australia's ABC website</a>. I was absolutely blown away by how she connects intellectualism in pole dance and in scholarly studies. Dance is an intellectual process and being sexy is an expression of the mind. Minx is so transparent with who she is and I love it. <b>She's a whole person, and society could stand to learn quite a bit from her.</b> Plus she made "heaps of friends." Austrialianisms are so fun! (my favorite new pole blogger is a <a href="http://www.voguefit.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">back-bendingly amazing</a> Aussie herself).<br />
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I also love that she mentions the value of the pole dance community. Jenny felt distanced from her fellow MD scholars when they went on to finish their MD program right away while she added PHD coursework. A lot of the people I go to school with have likewise finished their programs while I build a family life and balance Pre-Med; you do feel isolated studying medicine. It does take part of your life. Pole dance has been amazing for me because it is a challenge and it is an intellectual process but it gives you a release and a chance to connect emotionally. <b>I love that pole connects us.</b> It's beautiful and amazing.<br />
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<b>Has your pole journey been an intellectual process?</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-79106406511576148172014-02-24T01:39:00.001-06:002014-02-24T01:39:40.231-06:00Whisper In My Ear: Mood MusicLast week was busy (and I was a blogging slacker) so let's pick up with a gift for your ears--some softly sexy music. Floorwork music. Sliding slowly into the splits music. "Run your fingers through my hair" music:<br />
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<b>Hold it! Let's go straight . . . to number one</b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LElU3Yf2zLY" width="420"></iframe>
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Yeah... she jumped at the pole. Ah Kate Moss, you are no pole dancer. Although I really, really don't mind the sexy dancing. Not at all! I love the song and there just happened to be a pole related video.<br />
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Whenever I watch this I always wonder what kind of pole that is. It looks like a chrome pole and doesn't seem to wobble... is it an X Stage? Platinum Stages? It has to be a good pole to hold. I have no idea. Comment if you know.<br />
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<b>George Michael, Careless Whisper: </b>So i'm never gonna dance again/ The way I danced with you<br />
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<b>Sade, Smooth Operator: </b>Melts all your memories and change into gold<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="2" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/izGwDsrQ1eQ" width="300"></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="2" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4TYv2PhG89A" width="300"></iframe><br />
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I will never say I love the 80's enough. These are two of my most beloved 80's songs, they are the kind of music that you can just sit and daydream to and keep hitting replay. Good thing, too, because I hardly ever know the lyrics!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Available on iTunes:</span><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/careless-whisper/id500213709?i=500213829&uo=4&at=1l3v4of" target="itunes_store">Careless Whisper</a><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/smooth-operator-single-version/id157526112?i=157526133&uo=4&at=1l3v4of" target="itunes_store">Smooth Operator</a><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/straight-to...number-one-dreamcatchers/id255284415?i=255286350&uo=4&at=1l3v4of" target="itunes_store">Straight To...Number One (Dreamcatcher's Mix)</a><br />
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So what music whispers in your ear?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" /></a></div>
<br />Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-44908873340067207672014-02-14T20:24:00.001-06:002014-02-14T20:24:21.688-06:00Weekend Crush: Sasha Cohen, Queen of SpiralsToday I need this pick-me-up: heavenly flexibility and the best example of emoting. Sasha Cohen is my inspiration by serendipity. I was checking off IB requirements--the hated CAS (Creativity Action Service) hours--around the time my mother's work gave her tickets to see the Campbell's International. Art and nerdiness were my game, not this. Not the <b>physical expression of intellect and emotion</b>. You can say whatever you like about her Olympic falls but <i>no one</i> has her amazing expressiveness or spirals that can make you cry. Can make me cry. This olympic season was bittersweet--yes, there was some technically remarkable performances and Julia Lipnitskaia was a flexible dream to watch but no one had that magic. And I doubt anyone will.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WuvS9vzcuuU" width="560"></iframe><br />
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This Valentine's Day my throat hurts and my head is pounding; on top of that, my Valentine is out-of-state at his mother's wedding. <i>And</i> I crumpled my wrist typing and then sleeping on it. If you watch Grey's Anatomy,<b> I am having the dark and twisties</b>. When my days go wrong I catch myself going into my bad memories. If I can be honest about what I love, I can be honest about what hurts and I have quite the selection of torments to visit. Around the time I was checking off CAS hours and reflecting on Sasha's allure I knew in my heart my mother was covering up Brian molesting our youngest sister.<br />
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I also was sure I would never become anyone worthwhile; I believed so blindly in everything my mother said. I was a monster. I was like her ex. I was wasting time thinking about college. When Sasha Cohen skated in Turino she was my idol. She was power, grace, and beauty. <b>She was tragic</b>; brilliant but, as Scott Hamilton commented, "a perennial runner up." So much like a high school student that would get A's and suddenly all F's. The oldest sibling that failed her baby sister.<br />
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<b>Those spirals are not impossibilities--they are dreams</b><br />
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I found love. I realized how intelligent I am and I stopped apologizing for being proud. And when I discovered the amazing sport of pole dance, I decided to become my own version of Sasha Cohen. My blog is about splits and back bends but also about <b>finding inner power, grace, and beauty</b>. Maybe I will never be among the ranks of competitive pole dancers but I will be a first generation college graduate and break the cycle of domestic violence in my family through motherhood. I will also figure out where my splits went and learn to dance expressively. Oh! Extended Allegra and that dance pose--needle--scale will also be mine. Somehow. Someday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" /></a></div>
<br />Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-2769936770701947062014-02-12T19:46:00.000-06:002014-02-12T20:35:54.287-06:00Stretch Anywhere: The Toe Pointing Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6wEJr3OCf5i3tLHviYgW1h03lBnhYvJAgmsbc4fRoJogkrZGlTi4TKMD-sls4QdRP1rtcK9cXHS0IBfrD0oL4iv69bd3bMNhjpQcjnn8bywRRD6DJn3QT3WCVgLLNABb6JlpNhKMhjsS/s1600/Stretch+Anywhere+Toe+Pointing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stretch Anywhere: The Toe Pointing Edition" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6wEJr3OCf5i3tLHviYgW1h03lBnhYvJAgmsbc4fRoJogkrZGlTi4TKMD-sls4QdRP1rtcK9cXHS0IBfrD0oL4iv69bd3bMNhjpQcjnn8bywRRD6DJn3QT3WCVgLLNABb6JlpNhKMhjsS/s1600/Stretch+Anywhere+Toe+Pointing.JPG" title="" /></a></div>
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Since I have <a href="http://www.flexines.net/2013/08/heel-use-and-pointing-toes.html" target="_blank">those toe pointing issues</a> I definitely had to include toe stretches to do anywhere (and everywhere!). Lately I have been doing these stretches every time I have a spare moment, taking rest days of course. I have gone from having foot cramps every time to only getting foot cramps every so often. As always, make sure to warm up a little.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where to do these:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><b>At the office or during lecture</b>, with some discretion</li>
<li><b>Waiting</b> in line, virtually any waiting room</li>
<li><b>The toilet:</b> (don't ask, if you take care of children you spend a lot of time waiting in the bathroom)</li>
<li><b>Watching TV:</b> For the horrible moments you are watching live TV on commercials (I know I know, what an awful thought ;)</li>
<li><b>Sunbathing</b>--bonus: already warm feet</li>
<li><b>At the red light:</b> as a passenger or if you're waiting to cross the street</li>
<li><b>On a window:</b> I don't have much of a toe point and wanted a nice shot for the <a href="http://www.pdbloggers.com/2014/01/february-2014-pole-photo-challenge/" target="_blank">February #PDBloggers Photo-A-Week Challenge</a>. As usual, I didn't get to it until the sun was setting so I had to sit right at the window to catch some natural light. I cheated and pushed into the window for a faux foot point, haha!</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stretching your feet anywhere:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFET5rWjxt0oY4_qgOAw5jCPMX5sxjopoIHY0qDj0N3hQ6ZLmxo3RY-F0Pr5PEUK38KdM5j-hJYAwp1OKBTD9-3VWGlvrgp-C9L4b9zJRXehmyVzuUJqT033zgUg8ra5D53NJC94NA4kzT/s1600/Seated+Foot+Stretches+FLEXINES.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFET5rWjxt0oY4_qgOAw5jCPMX5sxjopoIHY0qDj0N3hQ6ZLmxo3RY-F0Pr5PEUK38KdM5j-hJYAwp1OKBTD9-3VWGlvrgp-C9L4b9zJRXehmyVzuUJqT033zgUg8ra5D53NJC94NA4kzT/s1600/Seated+Foot+Stretches+FLEXINES.JPG" height="640" width="282" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">Push your arch down</b><b>: </b>This one is best done on a chair, unless you have a strong core and good balance. Place the heel of your hand midway between your ankle and toes; push into your arch.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Grab your arch:</b> You can alternatively grab your whole foot and shove it down. This works best for me. Either of these can be done with some stealth under a desk and do not attract much gawking in waiting rooms, compared to <a href="http://www.flexines.net/2014/02/shoulder-flexibility-stretches-for.html" target="_blank">the shoulder stretches</a>. (If you've got a willing participate handy you can also have them stretch your foot. You may want to save this for home.)</li>
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<ul>
<li><b>Push into the floor (windows work, too).</b> Sit or stand with one leg bent slightly at the knee (think ballerina-ish). The first time you try this you might catch yourself crunching your toes. Avoid that! With a few tries you will get the hang of curving your arch with less pressure on your toes. If you have heels/shoes that slip on and off you can do this outside by putting your toes in the middle of your shoe and pushing your arch down in it. Ta-da! Now you can really do this anywhere!</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where will you start stretching your feet now?</span><br />
Don't forget to check back on Wednesdays for more <a href="http://www.flexines.net/search/label/Stretch%20Anywhere" target="_blank">Stretch Anywhere posts</a> during #FlexyFebruary!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" /></a></div>
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Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370312777371126954.post-21420959198964865902014-02-10T21:51:00.000-06:002014-02-10T21:51:25.616-06:00Mood Music: Olympic Figure Skating Inspired<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5Or5CjYM3L9K7fmQDYcK-_mVyZ4Hoq0eSXvZ_8kDIj3i8azdIq9JO-qj7sFoNhF7CkSlCyThiEjN2QO76yBTWqdGS0PKq55YnP8CHJGekXmv9T3GicyamAqmK2aa10LCvUGqnYaPqqZQ/s1600/Mood+Music+Olympic+Inspired.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5Or5CjYM3L9K7fmQDYcK-_mVyZ4Hoq0eSXvZ_8kDIj3i8azdIq9JO-qj7sFoNhF7CkSlCyThiEjN2QO76yBTWqdGS0PKq55YnP8CHJGekXmv9T3GicyamAqmK2aa10LCvUGqnYaPqqZQ/s1600/Mood+Music+Olympic+Inspired.jpg" /></a></div>
<row><cell>Figure skating is my major pole dance inspiration so in honor of the Sochi Olympics I'm passing on my favorites from the men's short programs. It so happened those had my favorite pieces, and while the performances are not out on YouTube [yet] here are the songs: </cell></row><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Wx3ZTAQ6boo" width="315"></iframe>
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<row><cell><b>Elegie in E Flat Minor Rachmaninov</b></cell></row><br />
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<row><cell>I adore the pants off Rachmaninov. (That sounds dirty--oh well, let it stand.) </cell></row><br />
Add Canada and the wonderfully strong Patrick Chan and you get perfection minus one fall. (The guys were killing me with the falls, c'mon Canada and USA!) I hardly care because when it comes to musicality Chan was lovely and it makes me want to use this song all the time. I can stretch to it, pole to it, and on the right kind of day I might even run to it. You know, the running-and-pretending-to-be-a-ballerina days. Don't tell me it's that just me that has those?<br />
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<row><cell><b>Tango De Roxanne, Edvin Marton</b></cell></row><br />
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<row><cell>As much as it hurt to watch Yevgeny Plushenko skate, so haughtily--and worse, <i>flawlessly</i>--while my favorite, Evan Lysacek, only spectated... I still found inspiration. Evan, heal up! Especially since, in a nutshell: Jeremy Abbott. I loved the arrogance; there is a lot to say for that level of pride. And Tango de Roxanne was a brilliant piece for it. Put on your dancer pride and <i>strut</i>. Put on your wax-and-feather wings and <i>fly</i>.</cell></row><row><cell><br /></cell></row>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyRPducbfszpWt1xRCjR2-Y3iVLcZliX6crjT3xmFE2jNlrGTzOMYN1A7BhbkZGKX9Y149XVCW_7TnvzjRbN_CVd7sFtF6I3S_l_J1jYDhGdXFb9EwX7gHs282G6BaDT3wNW2EhsfCTC2/s1600/zzzdownload.png" /></a></div>
<row><cell><br /></cell></row>Ximenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05372434984323448809noreply@blogger.com0