If someone would have asked me a year ago to try a pole dancing class I would have been shocked at the notion and probably responded with "Why would I take a stripper class?" But then I found Art of the Catwalk and I have never been so dedicated and determined to stick with a fitness program as I am with pole fitness and that is exactly what it is, pole fitness, not a stripper class as I once thought. I remember taking the introduction class on St. Patrick's Day of this year and I have been hooked ever since. I was completely inspired by the instructor and all the skill and confidence that she had. I saw her doing the tricks and thought to myself I will never in a million years be able to do that! I challenged myself to stick with it and do whatever was necessary to help be stronger on the pole, for me this meant supplementing my pole classes with yoga, pilates and cardio, so all around the desire to master the pole has given me the push that I needed to improve myself physically and increase flexibility and strength, and those are just the physical benefits! I have also gained confidence and self-esteem that I have never had before. Instead of saying I can't do that, or I'll never be able to learn that trick, I have turned it around in a positive way and instead I say I will learn that and I will do that, it just takes a willingness and a commitment and overall, just believing in yourself. All of this has crossed over into my life as well and has all around made me a better person who is more optimistic about life's challenges whatever they may be. I have to give a lot of credit to the owner, Marion and the instructors because they make your experience so positive and never make you feel like you can't do something and that is what has truly helped me. Going to that class on St. Patrick's Day has been one of the best decisions of my life. I still have a lot to learn, but the best part about it is that I know I will learn the advanced tricks, it just takes time, effort and determination.
Photo: Aisha Huggins
Written by Charlotte Evans