10 years after

Today I celebrate 10 years of putting bodies on poles. I taught my first pole class at Xpose fitness in Owings MIlls, Maryland and my life hasn't been the same since. When I started teaching it was something to do 3 times a week; a way to bring together my education and life experiences in a safe setting. 

This was taken October 20th 2006 at the Grand opening party for Xpose Fitness in Owings Mills.

I use the word "safe" to mean non judgmental, welcoming, and open to any women wanting to learn about how to use a pole for fitness. On that day I had no idea what I would experience in the next 5 years but I knew I was happy to be a part of something so accepting of all. 

As I have watched this industry grow and change over the last ten years I am grateful for all the wonderful experiences and hopeful for what is to come in my pole journey. I would like to experience teaching pole classes on my terms. I would love to have the experience of teaching men as well as women. The only man I have taught is my husband. I would love the chance to learn from contortion experts and circus coaches. 

From my 40 years on earth celebration shoot on the beach in Tampa.

Though I say pole fitness is a fun workout and it actually is, the most challenging moves are just that--a huge challenge. As it is rooted in the strip clubs there are many moves that can be learned rather quickly and used throughout one's entire pole journey. The workout can be anything from a no rules dance session to pose drills until fatigue. Set your goals and work on them consistently, I recommend 3 times week. 

The industry of pole fitness has come a long way and I hope it continues to grow. Hopefully at some point every health club will have poles and offer pole classes just like they have bikes and offer spin classes. Pole has so much to offer every person whether it's the weekend warrior or the fitness veteran looking for inspiration you can get something out of any class. 

Teaching pole fitness has been one wild ride---from my first superman hold to seeing and finally owning the spatchcock---here's to the next 10 years.