In this episode of 'Science of Slink,' Dr. Rosy Boa revisits a previously aired discussion focused on the negative impacts of perfectionism, particularly in dance and movement. Dr. Boa highlights her personal journey of recognizing exhaustion and avoiding burnout, using it as a teaching moment for her audience. The episode delves into the definition and harmful effects of perfectionism, drawing from psychological research and personal anecdotes. Listeners are encouraged to be aware of perfectionistic tendencies and seek professional help if necessary. Tips for finding enjoyment in movement and restructuring goals to foster a healthier mindset are also provided. The episode stresses the importance of mental health and self-compassion in achieving sustainable, lifelong movement.

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 Episode Context

01:27 Thanking the Members

02:13 Perfectionism: An Overview

03:30 The Psychological Impact of Perfectionism

05:28 Perfectionism in Dance and Movement

18:22 Strategies to Combat Perfectionism

27:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sources:

-Frost, R. O., Marten, P., Lahart, C., & Rosenblate, R. (1990). The dimensions of perfectionism. Cognitive therapy and research, 14, 449-468.

-Further reading: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/ba...

-"Canadian prima ballerina Karen Kain acknowledged that perfectionism meant that she enjoyed a very small percentage of her more than 10,000 professional performances" Flett et al 2014

-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.

-Hall, H. K., & Hill, A. P. (2012). Perfectionism, dysfunctional achievement striving and burnout in aspiring athletes: The motivational implications for performing artists. Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, 3(2), 216-228.

-Flett, G. L., & Hewitt, P. L. (2014). The perils of perfectionism in sports” revisited: Toward a broader understanding of the pressure to be perfect and its impact on athletes and dancers. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 45(4), 395-407.

Learn more about my memberships!

• Essentials of Slink: https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/essentials-of-slink-home-pole-membership

• Science of Slink: https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/science-of-slink-home-pole-membership

• Not sure if you’d be a good fit? Take this quiz! https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/online-pole-membership

In this episode of the Science of Slink podcast, Rosy is joined by Dr. Drew Best (@shreddy_professor), an assistant professor of biology at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Dr. Best specializes in the study of human sweating. Together, they explore the evolutionary history, biological mechanisms, and practical aspects of sweating, especially in relation to physical activities like pole dancing. They discuss the differences between eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, how humans have adapted to high heat environments, and the genetic and acclimatization factors that influence sweating. Dr. Best offers practical tips for managing excessive sweating, including pre-cooling methods and the use of antiperspirants. The episode underscores the importance of movement in human evolution and biology, making it a must-listen for both fitness enthusiasts and anyone interested in the science behind sweating.

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 Episode Overview

00:25 Exciting Announcement: Essentials of Slink Membership

01:38 Meet Dr. Drew Best: The Science of Sweating

03:14 The Evolution and Function of Sweat Glands

11:30 Human Adaptations to Heat and Sweating

17:23 Practical Tips for Training in the Heat

18:22 Optimizing Recovery in Hot Environments

18:51 The Role of Electrolytes and Sports Beverages

20:08 Understanding Sweat Loss and Sodium Replacement

22:57 Dietary Influences on Sweating

26:11 Individual Variation in Sweating

28:19 Managing Excessive Sweating

33:45 The Uniqueness of Human Sweating

35:19 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Links:

• Join Essentials of Slink now! Use code “ESSENTIALFOUNDER” for a $5 off discount for the life of your membership (expires Sept 1 2025) https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/essentials-of-slink-home-pole-membership

• 
  Dr. Best’s Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=ViuK774AAAAJ

Join the Essentials of Slink waitlist: https://mailchi.mp/slinkthroughstrength.com/essentials-of-slink

In this episode of the Science of Slink podcast, host Dr. Rosy Boa engages in an enlightening conversation with researcher and pole dancer Nadia Ahadi (@psychpoleogy on IG) from the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne. They delve into Nadia's recent qualitative study on body image among competitive women pole dancers, discussing key findings such as the emphasis on body functionality over appearance, the sense of community within the competitive pole space, and the role of autonomy and self-expression in empowerment. The episode also touches on the challenges of standardizing skill levels in pole dance, the complexities of body comparisons, and the impact of competition environments on body image. Nadia's insights draw from her own experiences as a pole dancer and her academic work at the University of Melbourne.

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 Episode Overview

00:23 New Membership Announcement: Essentials of Slink

02:11 Introducing Nadia Ahadi and Her Research

02:42 Nadia's Background in Pole Dancing and Research

05:12 Exploring the Competitive Pole Dance Scene in Australia

10:23 Research Methodologies and Theoretical Frameworks

22:13 Key Findings: Body Functionality and Community Support

37:46 Empowerment Through Autonomy and Personal Agency

44:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts