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December 7, 2012 Vertical Fitness Dallas celebrated their Jingle Bell Bash/Charity Toy drive and I was thrilled to be in attendance shooting the event. The night featured a sassy jingle bell rock group routine, a sexy Curvalicious dance, a booty poppin’ routine, a level 2 pole group routine, a sexy flexy number by B and some solo pole routines. The event was so packed that there were people standing outside watching and cheering through the window of the studio! They don’t do events often but when they do they do them BIG!
Lately I’ve been focused on “dealing with work and life” and in turn allowed my own personal goals and feelings to be buried beneath it all. So one of my goals for 2013 is to take better care of myself and do more for me. I think that the only way to transform your outside is to first transform from within…otherwise the outside changes are just temporary. I’m even more determined than ever to finally finish this transformation that I started and to make it a total makeover of both my body and my mind. Recently I came into some “extra” hours in the day which I have declared “ME TIME”. By dedicating this time to myself (in the gym) I am hoping to get past my fitness plateu and refocus on my fitness goals so that I can finally drop these last 15-20lbs.
So with the help of my trainer, I’ve reignited my Finding Fitness Journey to getting fit, fab and fierce with a 45 day challenge. Getting back on track with my fitness started in the kitchen. I had to clean my diet up and eliminate some of those “feel good” foods that had crept their delicious way back into my diet; although I must admit that cleaning up my diet has been easier this time around and my body has happily welcomed back the green foods and endless bottles of water.
Getting my exercise back on track has been a little more challenging – mentally and physically. After we returned pole competition I ended up sick for a month and during that time picked up an extra 6 pounds and 4 inches around the waist. So I’m having to undo that damage just to get back to where I was, and then start back towards my initial fitness goals from there. To achieve this, I’ve been getting in 3 hours of cardio every day. Some days I split it up into two parts…resting and snacking (healthy of course) in between each session. Other days I just push past and hit all 3 hours at once. Some days I find that it’s definitely more of a mental challenge than a physical challenge. A combination of music, movies on Netflix, reading and positive reinforcement all play a part in me getting through my strenuous cardio sessions…but it gets a little easier with each workout.
When I started my Fit in 45 challenge I started out at 180 pounds, 23.2% body fat and 34.5 inches around the waist. Not bad considering I was 232 at my heaviest, but I know that I still have room for improvement. Standing at five foot nine I know this body of mine has a lot of potential!
I’m almost two weeks in and I think I can already see some improvements to my body…especially in my mid-section. My tummy is starting to look like it wants to flatten out, I feel less bloated and more shapely and I think I’m actually starting to finally see my once deeply-buried skinny bones (Yay!). For my next weigh-in I’m hoping to be down more than a handful of pounds and at least an inch or two in the waist.
I think what drives me most is that when I look in the mirror, more often I see the person that I want to be and I think that’s what helps my determination and dedication. I really see the potential of what my body can be and it makes me want to work harder. I’m also looking forward to being able to finally get that new, smaller wardrobe. Don’t get me wrong, I love to shop…but spending money on in-between clothes is really more of a waste. I’d honestly rather get down to the size that I want to be and then treat myself to some new gear.
For the last few days I’ve been watching all of the FSF videos I’ve done to date and I’ve noticed a few [bad] habits that seem to occur every time I dance. Habits that I’m hoping to unlearn in the new year. So that got me thinking and I decided that I wanted to share these with you and encourage you all to sit down and watch your past videos as well. Even if you’ve only done one or two just take a moment to watch them and really examine your movements. Then I want you to pick one or two things that you want to work on for your future freestyles. I think we’d all be surprise how the smallest little tweaks can impact your dance and how those small fixes may be able to lead into some bigger fixes. Here is what I’ve noticed in my dance that I want to work on…
1. When I attempt to do any type of arm/hand styling I tend to break my wrists and not fully extend which isn’t very pretty.
2. When I do pole splits and heel stretches my foot always seems to be twisted in a weird way…breaking my lines in a not-so-good way.
3. Pausing. I noticed when I go to do any type of inverts typically cartwheel kick-ups but also inverting and shoulder mounting that I can’t seem to go right into it. I pause…like I have to get into position and talk myself into it. It makes my dance choppy and not fluid.
So these are my top things that I want to work on in the new year. I think these three adjustments can help make a big difference in my dance.
When you get a chance take a look at any of your past videos (and pole picks). Don’t pick on yourself or beat up on yourself, instead just really watch yourself (you may have to watch and re-watch a few times) and see what you pick up on. Then identify a few things (no more than 3) that you want to work on and improve and make these your goals and each time you go to dance think about these and make the necessary adjustments to improve them. It could be as simple as pointing your toes, making eye contact, relaxing the muscles in your face, holding your tricks longer…whatever you see in your dance and feel you want to improve on.
If you’re not comfortable sharing them here that’s quite alright. Just write them down in a journal or in your phone’s note app…anywhere that you can easily refer to. We’ll take these things into the new year with us and use them to better our freestyles 🙂
Okay, so I’m finally starting to recover from this cold that I picked up right after competition. It was like a day of fatigue and extreme tiredness…and then WHAM….I’m sick. But, now that I can sit up straight long enough to type, I thought it would be a great time to recap my time at SPC. So it started off with an awesome road trip – fast food and 4 hours of crunk music…I couldn’t ask for a better travel buddy! We made it to Houston safe and in good time, right before the evening traffic started to pile up.
Now, I was initially envisioning somewhat of a mini-vacation, however from the minute we arrived that proved to be so not true. The moment we arrived it was game on. After unpacking and grabbing a bite to eat, I got to unpack and explore the hotel a bit. After that I met up with some of my Dallas pole sisters, and together we got to take a peek at the competition area as they were setting it up. I captured the pic below using the new Panorama feature on my iPhone! I definitely appreciate all of the hard work that went on behind the scenes to make this even a success.
It was Friday night that I realized that I’d spent so much time worrying about my routine and receiving my costume that there were so many small details that I didn’t think about and/or let fall through the cracks. I’d completely forgot about makeup…Yikes! I spent a few hours crawling through Pintrest looking for creative ideas for costume makeup and then another hour sitting on the bathroom counter trying them out. Eventually coming across one idea that with the help of Shanna’s awesome makeup artist skills I’d be able to pull off. After that it was pretty much bed time as we had an early morning…and boy did 5:30 am come quick. As soon as the alarm went off I was up running! Wireless head phones wrapped around my neck; coffee and sliced in one hand; a yoga mat and my awesome bag of GRIPS in the other hand. We met up in the gym for an early morning warmup and stretch and then headed over to the competition area to get some practice in on the poles.
I went to practice, but what I walked into was a beautiful pole community Facebook reunion! Facebook is a great way for us to cyber-meet each other and keep in touch, but being able to actually meet you all in person, talk to you, hug you and pole with you was so great. It was wonderful to connect with so many of my fellow polers. After getting in some great practice and checking out some incredible warmup moves from my fellow competitors that left me absolutely speechless and inspired, it was off to take a nap. I got in a short nap and then awoke to find some breakfast and get in some more last minute practice! Luckily SPC had arranged for a small, but healthily buffet for us competitors. I had a yummy breakfast of fruit and yogurt then headed off to practice and stretch.
When I wasn’t practicing, I was watching my fellow poles in support (there were various categories competing throughout the day), going through the routine in my head, stretching and trying not to freak out. Eventually I knew it was time to start getting ready so I headed to my room to shower and pack up my pole bag, then headed back downstairs to check in and watch some more of the competition. In between competitors I started working on my makeup, continued my stretching…as my nerves started raging out of control. Somehow I managed to get ready and check in. Behind the stage as I waited for my time to go on I honestly just tried to zone out…even though the excitement in the room made it so hard.
Then…it was my turn. Now, I’m not sure how I made it to the stage…or off of the stage after my routine. Honestly it was one big blur. I was so nervous that I totally forgot my first sequence once my music picked up and I had to wing the first trick. Coming out of that first trick my mind came back to me and I was able to pick it back up and get on track. Although I think I may have rushed my routine a bit, because there were at least 2 tricks that I added in as I was going along because I realized there was “more song” before my next planned pole run.
All I remember were bright lights and lots of screaming in the audience. Somewhere I made it through my routine and once I got back behind the stage I just had to layout in the floor lol. Looking back I wish that I could have been more relaxed and less nervous…I mean I have better FreeStyle Fridays!
Even though I was very disappointed in my performance, being at this competition was an unforgettable experience and it has given me even more drive to step up my pole game. I am so grateful that I was even able to share the stage with so many talented people…people that I look up to. There was so much love and support being shared – behind the stage and from the amazing audience. Before and after I came off the stage there was a stream of comforting hugs and supportive, encouraging words. I mean sooooo many people: my trainer, my <3, Shanna, Jennifer, Luki, Shay, Stacy, Rashida…and so many others!
So once I let my nerves settle, I was able to watch the last few performances. And I think I found my new pole idol in Rhiannan Nichole…the videos I’d seen online didn’t do her justice. What an incredibly talented dancer she is. I saw so much of what I want to be in her. After all of the performances were over, I got to watch three amazing ladies: Crystal B. Brynn R., and Luki M. be deservingly crowned for their beautiful routines. And of course after that it was time to eat and sleep. We feasted on Taco Bell (terrible I know…I’m paying for it now but I promise to hit the gym extra hard as soon as I’m over this cold).
All was said and done, I came home with more drive and determination, even more inspiration, some awesome swag, a little more experience under my belt and some priceless memories. What a fun, intense, stressful but super fulfilling weekend!
Sooo…while this was far from my best performance, it was a great experience and a good way for my to show off my growth and progress since my MTPS competition last year. My technique was bad, some of my moves seemed rushed and I forgot some of my choreography but I gave it my all. My goal going in was just to be remembered…hopefully I accomplished that. Once I am able to get back to the studio I know that there is lots of work to do, but I am looking forward to it…and to my next competition. So, without further ado my performance at SPC:
OK, so I just got word that the Choreography House will also be hosting a LAS VEGAS RETREAT at the end of this year! If you’re not familiar with The Choreography House, it is ran by Kelly Yvonne – who is probably one of the most talented and dedicated choreographers that we have in the pole community. (And someone that I would love to train with one day) She is also the creator of Girl Next Door.
The retreat will be held in Vegas Saturday, December 15th – Sunday, December 16th (11 am to 6 pm) and will feature a handful of phenomenal guest instructors including: Natasha Wang, Jesselee Santos, Mai Sato and Oleg Podobin. It’s a two-Day Dance and Training Intensive, including pole, stretch/flexibility, floor work, creative transitions, choreography, conditioning, commercial dance and much more!
The retreat sounds super promising. With new competitions, showcases, workshops and more popping up all over this specialized training is just what I need. It’s incredible to see how much and how quickly our pole community continues to grow. Click the here for more details.
Last week I was given the opportunity to perform with a handful of the students and instructors at Zensual’s Pole-A-Ween bash. This event was small, intimate and so much fun. In addition to all of the wonderful performances, there was also fun decorations, cute costumes and lots of love in the room. Great times were had by all! I want to say thank you to Clarissa and the Zensual team for inviting me in and embracing me. I really appreciated the opportunity to perform, grow and get to know you all even better.
Because I was preparing for my competition piece at the Southern Pole Championships (details on my time at that event coming soon!), I didn’t have as much time as I wanted to work on a fully choreographed routine for my Halloween performance, so it ended up being a Halloween FreeStyle. Check out my Wicked FreeStyle performance. Viva La Freestyle!
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pftYlnJKVYo
YouTube is being stubborn and has blocked mobile viewing. So, if you’re on a mobile device you can access it here on Vimeo:
[ylwm_vimeo]52695595[/ylwm_vimeo]
At the end of the Zensual Poleaween bash the students and staff got together to record a group freestyle to this week’s FreeStyle Friday song. Their start on the wall and branching off one-by-one was made a great start to their freestyle. Check it out!
Just sharing some fun memories from a BADAZZ weekend spent with my pole brother and friend Josiah BadAzz. He made a visit to Dallas back in April (on my birthday weekend) and we had a blast hanging out and visiting the studios out here.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcr631BZe6U
BadAzz doing a fun freestyle at Vertical Fitness Dallas
Over the past few years (through a breakup, multiple foot breaks, foot surgery, work stress, school, family and just life in general) I lost myself. I forgot who I was, why I existed and what I was [supposed to be] working towards in life. Who new that the start of a fitness program and a healthy life style would have the impact that its had. Not just in finding my old self…but in finding an even better me that I never knew existed.
So for almost a year now I’ve been on an incredible fitness journey. This experience has been so uplifting and life-changing. I’m honestly scared to even think about where I’d be now if I hadn’t made a change…and believe me, there’s NO turning back! I’m pushing through towards a better, healthier ME.
What I’ve lost in weight (almost 60 pounds…I was 232 at my heaviest weight) doesn’t even start to compare to what I’ve gained from this experience. My confidence and self-worth have improved, I feel empowered and more in control of my life and I have a better understanding of how to take care of my body and mental health. I’ve also discovered a more diverse selection of foods that I now like to eat, gained appreciation for natural taste and now find myself opting to skip many added seasonings/salts, sauces, and condiments that I used to eat with every meal.
In addition to a proper diet, hard work, sacrifice and getting educated on health and fitness, I attribute much of my success to the guidance, expertise and support of my trainer – Terry of TP Fitness. Having a support system that took the time to make sure I had a comprehensive understanding of not just what I was doing (in regards to my adopted diet and workouts) but why I was doing it made all the difference. Without proper understanding of how to do things and why things should be a certain way makes it easy for us to do just keep doing the wrong things.
What does it take to achieve change and dedication to your change? DESIRE. Ability, money, time…these things mean nothing if they are not backed by DESIRE. Without desire you lack:
motivation and the ability to be motivated
willpower
drive
determination
focus
That underlying desire gives you the ability to push past the current challenges and look forward to what is waiting for you in the future. Tell yourself: My goal is at the finish line. With each workout, each healthy meal consumed, each unhealthy meal/snack skipped, each pound lost, each inch lost, etc…you are taking another step towards reaching your personal finish line. To be continued…
Over this past weekend I had the opportunity to participate in the Xpert Pole Fitness training program, held at the Miss Texas Pole Star convention here in Dallas. This experience was so fulfilling and foundational to my growth and development as a pole fitness athlete. It is definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made for my pole fitness and my overall fitness journey.
I first heard about the Xpert training program from my friend and fellow pole sister – Karen. Hearing about the training and her experience made me want to do the program as well. When I made the decision to invest in the Xpert training, it wasn’t with the intention to become an instructor…rather, my hope was to strengthen my own foundation so that I would have the tools necessary to refine and advance my skills. What I got was that and so much more! The two-day experience was more than just training, it was hands-on interaction. Day one was all about the basics: safety, pole types, grip types, stretching/warm ups and the mechanics of proper spotting for basic pole moves. On day two we focused on intermediate skills and also participated in a hand-on exam and a written exam. The amount of practice you get during the training really helps to reinforce the information we were taking in. In addition to learning from Marlo Fisken (who is amazing) I was also able to observe the teaching techniques and styles of the other participants. More than how to do things, we learned how and why they should be done a certain way. We explored anatomy and the mechanics of how our work when executing pole moves and stretches.
While I don’t have any immediate plans to become an instructor (I am enjoying being a student and just working on my own growth) I do feel like I now have the key tools to help me one day become a great instructor. Just today I was able to visually deconstruct a trick and then figure out several ways to get into the trick…not something that would have come so easy if I hadn’t done Xpert.
The Xpert training program is accredited by AFAA and ACE and endorsed by the PFA.
At the end of the Zensual Poleaween bash the students and staff got together to record a group freestyle to this week’s FreeStyle Friday song. Their start on the wall and branching off one-by-one was made a great start to their freestyle. Check it out!
