Welcome back to another episode of Science of Slink!

This week Dr. Rosy Boa sits down with Dr. Marcia Dernie and talks about all things movement, play, and pole. Dr. Marcia is a DPT, yoga teacher, powerlifter, and strongwoman. Marcia and Rosy discuss how embracing play fosters emotional regulation, social connection, and self-expression. They highlight the importance of community in movement practices, including how working out with others can enhance consistency and motivation. Marcia shares practical tips for strengthening your vestibular system through balance exercises, eye gaze training, and spinning practice. Plus, they discuss how vestibular health can vary based on life stages, like menopause or postpartum recovery.

Take care of your vestibular system! Incorporate balance exercises, try eye-gaze training, and don’t shy away from spinning practice. And rediscover the joy of play, connect with a supportive community, and embrace movement as a path to wellness. Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who inspires your movement journey!

Connect with Dr. Marcia:

• https://www.doctormarcia.com/

• https://www.youtube.com/c/movewithmarcia

• https://www.instagram.com/movewithmarcia

• https://www.tiktok.com/@movewithmarcia

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. Marcia Dernie’s book:

“Movement for Every Body”

Use code “BODY” for 35% off and free shipping (ends 12/31)

https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/movement-for-every-body/

Flying through pregnancy: https://www.spincityinstructortraining.com/product/flying-pregnancy-paperback/

Yoga for Pelvic Floor and Postpartum Health

https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/yoga-for-pelvic-floor-and-postpartum-health/amp/

Vestibular Eye Gaze Exercises

https://ahc.aurorahealthcare.org/fywb/x20521.pdf

Welcome back to another episode of Science of Slink!

This week Dr. Rosy Boa explores the science and social aspects of pole dancing, focusing on how the practice can be inclusive for all body types. She discusses why it’s essential to find supportive instructors and environments that uplift, not shame, and acknowledge that experiences may differ for polers in larger bodies. She looks at the different physical challenges a plus size poler may face and gives her personal recommendations on poles and pole wear. From increased stickiness and skin sensitivity to heat management and grip aids, she shares practical tips to enhance pole practice for plus size polers. Safety is key, so she highlights research on heat-related risks and injury prevention, especially for those adapting to new physical loads. This episode breaks down the myths and challenges while celebrating pole dancing as an empowering practice for all.
Learn more and take class with Rosy online at https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/

Citations:

• Howe, A. S., & Boden, B. P. (2007). Heat-related illness in athletes. The American journal of sports medicine, 35(8), 1384-1395.

• Wyndham CH. Heat stroke and hyperthermia in marathon runners.

  Ann NY Acad Sci. 1977;301:128-138.

• Kaplan, T. A., Digel, S. L., Scavo, V. A., & Arellana, S. B. (1995). Effect of obesity on injury risk in high school football players. Clinical journal of sport medicine, 5(1), 43-47.

• Wilder, R. P., & Cicchetti, M. (2009). Common injuries in athletes with obesity and diabetes. Clinics in sports medicine, 28(3), 441-453.

Dr. Rosy Boa dives into the science behind pole dancing, discussing the physical adaptations required for the sport. She clarifies the specific strength requirements for pole dancers, emphasizing the importance of specialized training over general fitness. Through examining recent studies, she highlights how pole dancing improves core, upper body strength, and grip strength, while identifying the need for anti-rotational strength, unilateral strength, and proper shoulder flexion. The podcast also offers insights into the unique physical and psychological benefits that come with pole dancing experience.

Learn more and take class with Rosy online at https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Clarification

00:21 Common Misconceptions About Pole Dancing

00:41 Specific Physical Adaptations in Pole Dancers

02:33 Research on Pole Dancing Strength

03:39 Methods of Measuring Pole Strength

05:26 Studies on Pole Dance Training Effects

10:14 Psychological and Physiological Outcomes

12:58 Recommended Strength Training for Pole Dancers

18:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Citations

• Hawley, J. A. (2002). Adaptations of skeletal muscle to prolonged, intense endurance training. Clinical and experimental pharmacology and physiology, 29(3), 218-222.

• Gustavo F. Pedrosa, Fernando V. Lima, Brad J. Schoenfeld, Lucas T. Lacerda, Marina G. Simões, Mariano R. Pereira, Rodrigo C.R. Diniz & Mauro H. Chagas. (2022) Partial range of motion training elicits favorable improvements in muscular adaptations when carried out at long muscle lengths. European Journal of Sport Science 22:8, pages 1250-1260.

• Ignatoglou, D., Paliouras, A., Paraskevopoulos, E., Strimpakos, N., Bilika, P., Papandreou, M., & Kapreli, E. (2024). Pole Dancing-Specific Muscle Strength: Development and Reliability of a Novel Assessment Protocol. Methods and Protocols, 7(3), 44.

• Nawrocka, A., Pawelak, Z., & Mynarski, A. (2024). Longitudinal Effects of Pole Dance Training on Body Composition and Muscular Strength in Women.

• Greenspan, S. J., & Stuckey, M. I. (2024). Preparation For Flight: The Physical Profile of Pre-Professional and Professional Circus Artists in the United States. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 19(5), 591.

• Dias, A. R. L., De Melo, B. L., Dos Santos, A. A., Silva, J. M. A., Leite, G., Bocalini, D. S., ... & Serra, A. J. (2022). Women pole dance athletes present morphofunctional left ventricular adaptations and greater physical fitness. Science & Sports, 37(7), 595-602.

Nicholas, J., Dimmock, J. A., Alderson, J. A., Donnelly, C. J., Jackson, B., Dimmock, J. A., ... & Donnelly, C. J. (2024). Exploring the psychological and physiological outcomes of recreational pole dancing: a feasibility study. Circus: Arts, Life, and Sciences, 2(2).