The episode explains how pole dancers can get stronger using progressive overload, defined as gradually increasing training stress so the body adapts during rest and the same demands become easier over time. It outlines adaptation timelines: neurological and cardiovascular changes can occur quickly (sometimes within a session for neuro drills), noticeable strength gains typically appear after about 3–6 weeks, connective tissue (tendons/ligaments) adapts around the 3-month mark, and bone density changes occur closer to 6 months. Rosy emphasizes easing back into training—especially after a break or postpartum—avoiding self-punishment, and prioritizing rest because adaptation happens during recovery. It describes ways to increase load for pole and bodyweight training: increase training frequency while keeping at least 1–2 rest days per week, increase repetitions, use time-based conditioning like a “pole treadmill” (repeated climbs/descents for time), increase resistance via weights/bands or by selecting harder bodyweight progressions, and use isometrics by holding longer or increasing tension. It notes that muscle damage is not necessarily required for positive adaptation and references Felipe Damas’ work (primarily in hypertrophy research), while clarifying the focus is strength training rather than bodybuilding. The episode also explains that the body responds to chronic life stress similarly to training stress, which can hinder strength gains, and encourages stress reduction and enjoyable movement.

Citations:

• SELYE H. (1950). Stress and the general adaptation syndrome. British medical journal, 1(4667), 1383–1392. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.4667.1383

• Monti, E., Franchi, M. V., Badiali, F., Quinlan, J. I., Longo, S., & Narici, M. V. (2020). The Time-Course of Changes in Muscle Mass, Architecture and Power During 6 Weeks of Plyometric Training. Frontiers in physiology, 11, 946. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2020.00946

• Damas, F., Phillips, S. M., Vechin, F. C., & Ugrinowitsch, C. (2015). A review of resistance training-induced changes in skeletal muscle protein synthesis and their contribution to hypertrophy. Sports Medicine, 45(6), 801–807.

• Damas F, Phillips SM, Libardi CA, Vechin FC, Lixandrão ME, Jannig PR, et al. (September 2016). "Resistance training-induced changes in integrated myofibrillar protein synthesis are related to hypertrophy only after attenuation of muscle damage". The Journal of Physiology. 594 (18): 5209–22. doi:10.1113/JP272472. PMC 5023708. PMID 27219125

• Ahola, R., Korpelainen, R., Vainionpää, A., Leppäluoto, J., & Jämsä, T. (2009). Time-course of exercise and its association with 12-month bone changes. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 10, 138. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-10-138

• Plotkin, D., Coleman, M., Van Every, D., Maldonado, J., Oberlin, D., Israetel, M., Feather, J., Alto, A., Vigotsky, A. D., & Schoenfeld, B. J. (2022). Progressive overload without progressing load? The effects of load or repetition progression on muscular adaptations. PeerJ, 10, e14142. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14142

  
  

Chapters:

00:00 Get Stronger for Pole: What We’re Covering Today

00:55 Membership Shout-Out + How My Training Programs Work

02:24 Progressive Overload 101 (Stress → Rest → Adapt)

03:50 Adaptation Timelines: Nervous System, Cardio, Strength

05:53 Long-Game Gains: Tendons, Ligaments & Bone Density

06:59 Coming Back to Pole: Patience, Rest, and Consistency

08:01 How to Add Load in Pole Training (Frequency, Reps, Resistance)

11:12 Isometrics & Bodyweight Progressions (Making Moves Harder)

14:48 Wrap-Up: Stress Management, Keep Showing Up

In this episode of 'Science of Slink,' Dr. Rosy Boa explains how often and how intensely recreational adult pole dancers should practice based on findings from exercise science. Dr. Boa shares the American College of Sports Medicine's guidelines for aerobic physical activity, which recommend either 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise spread over five days or 60 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise across three days weekly. She discusses the importance of balancing exercise with proper rest and recovery and emphasizes that even short, less than 10-minute sessions can provide significant health benefits. Lastly, Dr. Boa introduces her Science of Slink membership options for those interested in structured, evidence-based pole dance training.

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 to Exercise Science for Pole Dancers

01:00 Membership Options and Podcast Shoutout

01:35 Caveats and Target Audience

02:41 Top Line Recommendations for Pole Dance Frequency

03:49 Understanding Exercise Intensity

04:53 Practical Tips for Monitoring Intensity

07:52 Importance of Rest and Recovery

09:20 Cognitive Benefits of Physical Activity

10:38 Consistency and Habit Formation

12:37 Final Recommendations and Conclusion

Citations:

Erickson, K. I., Hillman, C., Stillman, C. M., Ballard, R. M., Bloodgood, B., Conroy, D. E., ... & Powell, K. E. (2019). Physical activity, cognition, and brain outcomes: a review of the 2018 physical activity guidelines. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 51(6), 1242.

Haskell, W. L., Lee, I. M., Pate, R. R., Powell, K. E., Blair, S. N., Franklin, B. A., ... & Bauman, A. (2007). Physical activity and public health: updated recommendation for adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Circulation, 116(9), 1081.

Jakicic, J. M., Kraus, W. E., Powell, K. E., Campbell, W. W., Janz, K. F., Troiano, R. P., ... & 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee. (2019). Association between bout duration of physical activity and health: systematic review. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 51(6), 1213.

Kaushal, N., & Rhodes, R. E. (2015). Exercise habit formation in new gym members: a longitudinal study. Journal of behavioral medicine, 38(4), 652-663.

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

In this episode of 'Science of Slink, the Evidence-based pole podcast,' the host welcomes Falcon, a seasoned dancer and fellow studio member, to discuss their experiences and insights into freestyle pole dancing. Falcon shares challenges faced transitioning from structured choreography to the fluidity of freestyle, emphasizing the importance of letting go of perfectionism and the rigidity of pre-determined movements. The conversation also highlights how dancing to unfamiliar music can ease the pressure of hitting precise beats and offer freedom in movement. Falcon’s journey illustrates the value of experimentation, playful movements, and embracing the unexpected in dance.

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 to the Podcast

01:00 Meet Falcon: A Journey into Freestyle

01:57 Challenges and Struggles in Freestyle

04:52 Overcoming Perfectionism

06:57 The Joy of Freestyle

13:15 Advice for Freestyle Beginners

15:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of 'Science of Slink: The Evidence-Based Pole Podcast,' host Dr. Rosy Boa interviews Roz 'The Diva' Mays about her extensive journey in the pole fitness community. Roz shares her personal experiences of starting pole dancing 18 years ago, her evolution into teaching, and her dedication to promoting body positivity and inclusivity in fitness. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of teaching plus-size students, navigating goal-setting without focusing on weight loss, and the importance of finding joy in physical activities. Roz also offers insights into mastering the basic invert move in pole dancing and invites listeners to connect with her online for further guidance and inspiration.

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

Where to find Roz:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rozthediva/

• Website (& newsletter signup): https://www.rozthediva.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:36 Roz the Diva's Pole Journey

02:16 Challenges and Triumphs in Fitness

04:08 Creating Inclusive Fitness Spaces

06:01 Teaching and Impacting Lives

21:23 Mental Health and Pole Dancing

26:37 Setting Goals Beyond Weight Loss

31:51 Tips for Inverting in Pole

34:31 Conclusion and Where to Find Roz

In this episode, we tackle five prevalent myths in the pole dancing community that can hinder your progress and increase the risk of injury. We delve into the misconception of 'pole every day,' the inefficacy of repetitive trick attempts without variation, the myth of injury-free techniques, and the complexities of flexibility training. Additionally, we address the unrealistic expectation of linear progress in pole dancing. By incorporating scientific research and practical training strategies, we aim to help you train smarter and achieve your pole dancing goals more effectively.

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 to Pole Dance Myths

01:16 Myth 1: More Pole Equals Better Performance

05:49 Myth 2: Repetition is the Best Way to Learn

09:34 Myth 3: Injury Prevention Through Perfect Technique

13:13 Myth 4: Flexibility Training Misconceptions

17:54 Myth 5: The Illusion of Linear Progress

25:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Citations

• Episode with Dr. Rob Grey on motor learning research: https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/science-of-slink-podcast/the-science-of-learning-to-move

• (Load & injuries) Greenspan S, Stuckey MI. Untangling risk factors including discipline-specific exposure for injuries in preprofessional and professional circus artists in the USA. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2023;9:e001551. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001551

• (PNF is better) Minshull, C., Eston, R., Bailey, A., Rees, D., & Gleeson, N. (2014). The differential effects of PNF versus passive stretch conditioning on neuromuscular performance. European journal of sport science, 14(3), 233-241.

• • (PNF is not better for all groups) Feland, J. B., Myrer, J. W., & Merrill, R. M. (2001). Acute changes in hamstring flexibility: PNF versus static stretch in senior athletes. Physical Therapy in sport, 2(4), 186-193.
    (PNF makes no difference) Arazi, H., Nia, F., Hakimi, M., & Mohamadi, M. (2012). The effect of PNF stretching combined with a resistance training on strength, muscle volume and flexibility in non-athlete male students. Sport Science, 5(1), 85-90.