Pole-iversary!

Happy Pole-iversary to me! 

Two years ago, I found a Groupon to Bella Forza Fitness and took my first Pole Foundations class. From the moment I took my first spin, I was completely hooked! Since then I've been taking 2 to 3 classes a week, and also started taking as many fitness classes I could fit into my schedule. At first I started pole to get stronger, now I'm focused on getting stronger so I can do more pole! Never have I ever had this much strength, and I can't even explain how great of a feeling it is. Pole has completely changed my life :) 

Here are a couple videos from my Beginner Pole classes: 

These just make ma giggle now, I love how excited I was to spin by pushing myself off of the floor while doing a Table. 

Once I was moved up into Intermediate I was taught how to invert. Here is a picture of one of my first Butterfly tricks. 

Not long after I was moved to Intermediate, we had our annual BFF showcase. I thought "What the heck!" and signed up. Here is the video of my routine to Sweet Transvestite from the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Now I laugh at how shaky the inverts are, but this was an absolute rush to perform in front of people. Videos like this really help me see how much progress I've made. If you ever start a new hobby, document everything. There is nothing like seeing your talents improve that gives you the confidence to keep doing what you love! 

After around a year in Intermediate, I was finally moved up to Advanced! 

One of my absolute favorite tricks I have learned in Advanced is an Aysha. Below is a video of when I finally nailed a Handspring into a Split-Grip Aysha. 

We've had another showcase at Bella Forza Fitness, and of course I said "Sign me up!". This showcase I did an advanced routine with two other of my peers. We had a medley of Disney songs we meshed together to create and adorable performance. :) 

My latest trick I've really been working on is called an Iron-X. It is literally holding your body away from the pole so you are in the shape of an "X". It requires control, strength, and takes a lot of practice. 

Here is one of my first attempts I recorded a couple weeks ago:

And here is another video taken last weekend at the Arnold Sports Festival: 

Held it a few seconds longer and I am pumped! 

This last one is a Cartwheel into a Split-Grip Aysha that I just nailed yesterday! Need to keep that one leg straight, but I'm still very happy with it! 

Bella Forza has also let me meet two absolutely insane pole athletes, Estee Zakar and Natasha Wang! Click their names to see videos of their incredible skill! 

Bottom line, Pole Fitness has become a MAJOR part of my life. I can't begin to explain how thankful I am to have found this form of exercise, or how important is has become to me. The support and love that flows through the ladies in my classes is indescribable. Everyone is rooting for you, and they are just as happy when you succeed as you are about yourself! 

If you've ever thought about giving pole dancing a spin, GO AND TRY IT! 

You'll never know what you're missing until you give it a shot!