In this episode of Science of Slink, Dr. Rosy Boa shares vital lessons she wishes she had learned earlier in her 14-year pole dancing journey. Covering exercise science fundamentals, recognizing when a space isn’t right for you, and the perils of diet culture and disordered eating, Dr. Boa offers practical advice and reflections aimed at helping fellow pole dancers avoid common pitfalls. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of a healthy relationship with food and the benefits of understanding exercise science principles. Dr. Boa encourages listeners to contribute their own lessons and insights while promoting her online pole studio for further learning and community support.

Are you a pole nerd interested in trying out online pole classes with Slink Through Strength? We’d love to have you! Use the code “podcast” for 10% off the Intro Pack and try out all of our unique online pole classes: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/catalog/25a67bd1/?productId=1828315&clearCart=true

Citation for perfectionism & orthorexia: Oberle CD, Samaghabadi RO, Hughes EM. Orthorexia nervosa: Assessment and correlates with gender, BMI, and personality. Appetite. 2017 Jan 1;108:303-310. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.10.021. Epub 2016 Oct 15. PMID: 27756637.

Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Science of Slink

00:57 My Pole Dancing Journey Begins

02:06 Discovering Exercise Science

05:29 Finding the Right Space for You

08:57 Understanding Diet Culture and Disordered Eating

13:31 Final Thoughts and Advice

5-Day Evidence-Based Pole Reset starts January 12th! Ready to fall back in love with pole dance? Join us for five days to relight your pole spark (with science! 👩‍🔬): https://slinkers-circle.mn.co/plans/1935979?bundle_token=34f7e8f7c209c0d5c1a1667812b4c96a

In this episode of Science of Slink, host Dr. Rosy Boa addresses home pole dancers who wish their home pole time felt better. She provides evidence-based tips and tricks to enhance enjoyment and reduce friction for pole practice. Dr. Boa emphasizes the importance of removing physical and psychological barriers, embracing imperfection, injecting more pleasure into pole sessions, and being realistic about personal capacity and values. She also discusses the upcoming 5-day evidence-based pole reset program beginning January 12, 2026, designed to help pole dancers reflect and improve their practice. The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of balancing pole dance with other life priorities.

Chatpers:

00:00 Welcome to the Science of Slink Podcast

00:49 Introduction to the Five-Day Pole Reset

02:00 Tips to Enhance Your Home Pole Experience

02:13 Removing Friction: Making Pole Time Easier

07:44 Embrace Imperfection: Do It Badly

11:32 Incorporate Pleasure into Your Practice

18:29 Understanding Your Capacity and Priorities

23:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Citations/Further reading:

Beshears J, Kosowsky H. Nudging: Progress to date and future directions. Organ Behav Hum Decis Process. 2020 Nov;161(Suppl):3-19. doi: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2020.09.001. Epub 2020 Dec 10. PMID: 33716395; PMCID: PMC7946162.

Lurquin, J. H., & Miyake, A. (2017). Challenges to ego-depletion research go beyond the replication crisis: A need for tackling the conceptual crisis. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, Article 568. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00568

Crocker J, Olivier MA, Nuer N. Self-Image Goals and Compassionate Goals: Costs and Benefits. Self Identity. 2009 Apr 16;8(2-3):251-269. doi: 10.1080/15298860802505160. PMID: 21218194; PMCID: PMC3017354.

Irwin, B.C., Scorniaenchi, J., Kerr, N.L. et al. Aerobic Exercise Is Promoted when Individual Performance Affects the Group: A Test of the Kohler Motivation Gain Effect. ann. behav. med. 44, 151–159 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-012-9367-4

Decker, E. S., & Ekkekakis, P. (2017). More efficient, perhaps, but at what price? Pleasure and enjoyment responses to high-intensity interval exercise in low-active women with obesity. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 28, 1-10.

Ekkekakis, P. (2003). Pleasure and displeasure from the body: Perspectives from exercise. Cognition and emotion, 17(2), 213-239.

Hill, A. P., Mallinson-Howard, S. H., & Jowett, G. E. (2018). Multidimensional perfectionism in sport: A meta-analytical review. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 7(3), 235.

In this episode of 'Science of Slink,' host Dr. Rosy Boa speaks with Sarah, known as Madame Daddy, about her journey into freestyle pole dancing. Starting with extensive dance experience in partner dancing such as Swing and Lindy Hop, Sarah found her passion in pole dancing in 2019. The conversation explores the transition from focusing on tricks to finding freedom in movement through freestyle. Topics include the importance of self-expression, autonomy in dance, and the unique, supportive nature of the pole dancing community. Sarah shares her experiences, advice for newcomers, and the significance of feedback and community support. Both Sarah and Dr. Rosy emphasize the value of experimentation, rest, and self-care in a dance practice, offering insights and inspiration for both new and experienced dancers.

Are you a pole nerd interested in trying out online pole classes with Slink Through Strength? We’d love to have you! Use the code “podcast” for 10% off the Intro Pack and try out all of our unique online pole classes: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/catalog/25a67bd1/?productId=1828315&clearCart=true

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:44 Meet Sarah AKA Madame Daddy

01:16 Sarah's Freestyle Journey

03:39 The Art of Freestyling

11:20 Advice for New Freestylers

19:38 The Importance of Community and Feedback

22:56 Rest and Recovery in Pole Dancing

24:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts