Recently I came across a post written on a cam model resource forum, by a model that goes by the handle Danigirl. The post contained some pretty good tips on how to keep up your health while being a chat host. As we all know it’s not the luxurious job that some people may think it is. After spending shift after shift on cam for a few yours, your body really can take a beating if you don’t take care of yourself. Here is the post she wrote take a moment to read through it.

Hello, all
I haven’t been on the forum in a while–been launching some web projects lately–and I see that there are many newbies. I posted this info in another thread, but it was kind of buried under a completely different topic, so I decided to make it easier to find in the hopes that it will benefit at least a few models. I think it would be great if other hosts would respond to this thread including tips on the topic of health and maybe even about staying motivated/keeping positive attitudes.

Brazilianskills, of http://www.bella-home.com/ made such a good point for all girls who work on cam or are thinking about it to consider. She mentioned how she became sick a few months after starting. This job can be extremely hard on the body. When i first started i also got physically ill. The ergonomics involved with typing while posing, arching and bending is terrible for the alignment of the spine and many different problems can develop easily (carpal tunnel, plugged ears, frozen shoulder, pain, etc.) It’s also easy to over stretch areas of the body (not to mention making your genitals sore if using toys for hours on end!)

My tips for anyone new to this or anyone finding it strenuous over time:

1: When not in a show (i.e. chatting in free room or just text or waiting for customers to enter, whatever) try to remain in sitting upright or standing positions as much as possible. When in free chat, if they want to see legs, butt, whatever, I may usually show them, but then go right back to my ergonomically correct positioning after.

2: Use audio! Give your body a break from typing all day. Of course, not all guys will have speakers to hear you, but most will. Customers will be generally happier and your spine/wrists will thank you.

3: Do not use the floor. A chair, a bed, even a thin mattress is better than using sheets on a floor. I was silly enough to start out using a comforter on a floor to do shows and the results after a couple of weeks were very painful. (Bad for knees and elbows.)

4: Alternate, alternate, alternate. For me, this is one of the most important things to remember. During a show some customers want you to do one activity for a long while. I make it a point to alternate which arm/hand I use every minute or so. This applies to toy use as well as keyboard usage. You don’t want to overstretch one side of your body; this throws off your alignment over time. I have a wireless keyboard and mouse and every two days I change the side of my bed I sit it on. This one simple technique stopped my ears from plugging up all the time. (This is actually a good tip for all computer users, on cam or not.)

5: Take stretching/walking breaks. I do quick stretching and self massage right after each show. I also stop to walk for 5 minutes or so around my home after every couple hours. If you don’t work from home, just walk in place.

6: Toy users: this may sound odd, but relax your vaginal muscles. I had the bad habit of squeezing my walls tightly on my toys like i was really having sex, LOL. I started getting so sore that I’d have to take days off because I was swollen too tight to insert a toy. If you tighten your muscles during sex, it’s hard to get used to not doing it in shows, but just try to remember to control it and relax; after all, the customer won’t know the difference, LOL (Applies to anal too, of course.)

7: Don’t be afraid to charge more. You may wonder what this has to do with health. Well, I just feel like if you’re gonna work your body, you should be getting the most buck for your bang, so to speak. If you’re any good at what you do and are available regularly, you’ll acquire repeat customers. It’s better to get regulars who pay well, than to get cheap ones. I charge 2.80-3.80 and give no discounts on a site where most girls charge 1.98 plus discounts, and I almost always have back to back traffic. The faster you reach your earnings goal, the less you’ll have to be online, the less the strain on your body.
Plus, I find that guys who are able to spend that kind of money stay in your room longer. They are also not as affected by economical ups and downs because they are usually professionals with high paying careers. The money is there, but if you don’t ask for it (setting your price higher) you won’t get it.

Other things to note: of course, have plenty of lube ready and don’t be afraid to use it. A yogurt a day is great to keep yeast infections away. Drink lots of water. Warm up before a long day. I sometimes put in 10hr shifts, and like any physically demanding activity, it’s good to get your blood going first so you don’t damage your muscles. It’s as simple as walking in place and breaking a light sweat.

Well, this is how I’m able to work on cam without making my TMJ symptoms flare up. I just wanted to put some advice out there for anyone who might be able to use it.
It’s good to work hard, but it’s much better to work smart and prevention is the best medicine. Whether you’re independent, working on a site, studio, whatever, stack that cash the best way that works for you; just remember to be good to your body as well as your wallet

Please reply with any tips of your own…

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