One weekend afternoon, I met Salis Charming at the Benefit counter at Ulta while she was doing my then-teen daughter's brows. I had previously heard about Pole fitness from a professional dancer friend, so when Salis told me she was teaching and opening a studio, I was super excited! So serendipitous, too, I had to go for it. Although excited to start my pole journey, I was apprehensive due to the amount of exposed skin the sport requires and the sheer (I perceived) danger of the crazy acrobatic moves. Also, I was never very good at dance, gymnastics, or sports, so I had many reservations. I mean, as a child, I was afraid to jump off the small diving board at the Venetian Pool in Miami, and never learned a cartwheel. So, starting pole was definitely a boundary-pushing experience for me! But it's said growth happens in this space, and wow, it's true.
I started pole fitness in my 40s about eight years ago, and I’ve never looked back. It’s become my happy place, one of the few things that brings me real joy. And bonus, I’m in great shape thanks to it. Also, side note- I’ve always worked out at a gym, walked, and ridden my bike, but never as consistently as I’ve done pole fitness. Beyond the health benefits, I can't believe I’ve come so far in my pole journey! I’m doing things I’ve never imagined I could do, literally defying gravity! I feel I’m a slow learner due to my fear of getting hurt and boundaries put on me by my body. However, I’ve pushed those boundaries way beyond what I thought possible. Consequently, it took me a couple of years to be able to invert. However, now I’m hitting more advanced moves, everything from butterfly to superman, and recently I feel way more confident in inverted positions (a huge stretch for me).
The growth of my mindset and the challenge of my physical limitations have gone beyond what I could’ve imagined before starting this sport. And yes, I consider it a sport! In turn, I’m compelled to pole weekly, much more than any other workout I’ve ever tried. The way to keep doing anything tedious, like exercising, is to find exercise you enjoy. With pole fitness, you don't even realize you are participating in an intense workout because of the exhilaration in trying to hit a move. If you’re just starting out, my tip is to be patient with yourself and celebrate every small win—whether that’s just showing up, conquering a new spin, or daring to wear shorts for the first time in class. Try to focus on enjoying the process, not just the results, and don't compare your journey to anyone else’s. Pole is indeed my happy place where passion and obsession collide, but in a positive way. And I’m so there for that!
Charo O’Neil is a writer- blogger. You can read more about what she’s into on her blog www.gaticasroad.com
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