Not all tricks were made for everyBODY and you know what, that’s okay!
One of the things I teach in my everyBODY training is that tricks discriminate. The truth is that every trick we are inspired to try, that we double tap <3, that we save to our wishlist and that we ask our instructors to teach us was made by a specific person for their specific body and ability.
Tricks are specific to their creator and their movement ability and body at the time of creation. Their strength, mobility, flexibility, stability, balance, coordination, confidence and creativity at the time of creation/discovery of a trick is the foundation of that trick. It’s like forcing yourself to wear shoes that are too big or too small – don’t do that!
So yes, feel free to try things on and make alterations that work for your bodily variables, but stop trying to force your body to do things the way that others do them. Instead, try to discover: 1. the types of tricks and movements that feel good and align with your body preferences 2. make safe movement alterations that allow you to mold the trick to your movement and body
I said all of that to say: sometimes it’s not your ability, how long you’ve been training or working on a trick, your technique, a hack you haven’t discovered, or the quality of instruction. Sometimes it’s just the trick.
Getting out of a non-compete agreement can be challenging, but there are several approaches you might consider:
Review the Agreement Thoroughly: Check for any clauses or conditions that might render the agreement unenforceable. For example, if the agreement is too broad or restrictive in terms of geography or duration, it might be contested.
Consult an Attorney: An attorney specializing in employment law can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation. They can help interpret the agreement and advise on the best course of action.
Negotiate with Your Employer: Sometimes, a direct negotiation with your employer can lead to a resolution. They might be willing to release you from the agreement or renegotiate its terms.
Check State Laws: Non-compete enforceability varies by state. Some states have stricter rules or limitations on non-compete agreements. Understanding the local laws can help you determine if the agreement might be challenged.
Document Your Case: If you believe the agreement is unfair or not being upheld correctly, document any evidence that supports your position. This might include how the agreement impacts your ability to work or the specifics of how it was enforced.
Wait for Expiration: If the non-compete agreement is for a set term, sometimes waiting until it expires might be the simplest solution.
Prove Breach of Contract: If your employer has not honored their part of the agreement (such as failing to provide agreed-upon compensation), this might be a way to argue that the contract is void.
It’s important to handle this situation carefully to avoid potential legal repercussions. Consulting with a legal professional will provide you with the best advice for your particular circumstances.
*Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. You should not rely on it as such. Every situation is unique, and laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult with a qualified attorney for advice regarding your specific legal situation.
Welcome to this long overdue TedPoleTalk. This is just a quickie to introduce the main course which will be dropping later today. For those that don’t know, non-competes have long been a thorn to many in our industry and have led to some really unfortunate things including: – messy separations – loss of amazing instructors – interruption of careers – disappointed students – heated drama between studios – Lots of hurt feelings – loss of income – and more The use and impact of non-competes affects students, instructors, staff and studios. It’s great to see an end to non-competes in sight, but that end is just a beginning because there’s definitely going to be some growing pains for everyone. On the other side of if, is a more balanced relationship between studios and instructors, more valued instructors, more diverse studios, happier more fulfilled students and more.
Non-competes have long been a thorn to many in our industry. This discussion brings much needed attention to the impact of non-competes and is based off of years of conversations with students, instructors and studios. It’s watching first hand the damage and destruction that some have been forced to endure because of this predatory practice.
Yes teaching pole and aerial can be fun, but it is still WORK. I cannot tell you how many amazing instructors and students I’ve seen lost to this industry because they started teaching too soon, cut their journeys short, got burnt out, had a preventable injury, got taken advantage of or treated bad by students and studio owners, and just lost their passion. So let’s learn from those unfortunate experiences and situations.
I’m sharing 8 strategies to help avoid BURNOUT as a pole & aerial instructor.
1. Take Time Off: It’s important that you have mental and physical rest days so that you can tend to your needs and reset. Remember, if you’re not at your best for YOU, then you won’t be able to be your best for your students.
2. Maintain Your Personal Practice: Don’t cut your journey short, and never stop being a student. Schedule time for you to take classes, jam with other instructors and practice your craft. Your ability to keep growing will have a trickle down effect and make a positive impact on your teaching.
3. Set Boundaries: Put boundaries in place to protect your time and energy when it comes to your students and studio. (Yes, its’s 100% OKAY) And be sure to stick to and enforce those boundaries. If you don’t respect them, no one else will.
4. Don’t Work For Free: It’s okay to lend a helping hand and be a team player, but if you’re taking on what would be a paid roll (social media, administrative, studio/equipment maintenance, photography, etc.) then make sure you’re being compensated for your time, energy expertise and efforts.
5. Revisit Curriculum: Don’t try to reinvent the wheel every week. Revisit choreography, combos and tricks. Find new and creative ways to present the material and challenge your students to keep it fresh.
6. Teach What You Know: Avoid teaching things that you haven’t mastered or worked on. Make sure that you are comfortable with all aspects of explaining, breaking down, teaching, spotting, progressing and regressing a move before you introduce it to your class.
7. Get Support: Everyone needs a coach, even coaches. Find a mentor that can help you troubleshoot teaching, command a classroom, and enhance your instruction. Talk to your studio owner(s) and fellow instructors for support, encouragement and solutions.
8. Know When To Leave: Not every teaching position is a good fit and sometimes you may even outgrow a teaching position. It’s 100% OKAY to advocate for yourself and remove yourself from toxic situations. Know when a studio, environment, culture or people no longer align with you.
If you’re not doing these things or if you’re dealing with uncomfortable, unfair, unethical situations then maybe it’s time to reevaluate your teaching environment.
Found these helpful? Share with someone who needs to hear these. Got a story to share? DM me at and I’ll be happy to address it constructively for you! Need a teaching mentor? Book a coaching for coaches sesh with me.
Instructors: you are a brand. Even if you work at a studio, YOU ARE A BRAND. And in reality, you are working for the students, yourself and the studio.
Regardless of what they say and require you pay for in money/time, studios don’t own: – your mind – your time – your talent – your image – your likeness – your experience – or your brand…which is YOU
Before I go on, I do want to take a moment to say don’t go diva mode when you play this back. There still needs to be mutual respect, understanding and integrity between studios and instructors. BUT know your worth and your brand.
A student’s connection to a studio is typically by way of instructors because you are the front line. Your Style, creativity, personality, relatability, choreography these are all the reasons why students make a connection to you and with you. And a big part of why they keep coming back.
I’ll let the video share the rest, but we’ll definitely continue this conversation because its one of many that needs to be had.
1. Hardware Focused. Unfortunately, not everyone can win. It’s important that athletes (and coaches) have goals and milestones outside of medals, trophies and podiums. Those things are nice, but they do not determine your success, effort or value.
2. Rules are not understood. Athletes (and coaches) do not read and/or fully understand the rules. Unnecessary points are lost because athletes are breaking rules, not following rules and not meeting category/division criteria.
3. Scoresheets are not understood. Athletes (and coaches) don’t review the scoresheets to better understand what the judges are looking for, what each element on that scoresheet means and how those things are weighted.
I am beyond thrilled to announce that I’m back teaching and have a great summer lineup in the works. I’m kicking off my return with a few trainings I’d love to see you at:
After some time away to focus on my recovery and healing, I feel recharged and excited to embark on this incredible journey with you all! Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to dive back into the world of FlexyFit.
When I started the idea and teaching principles behind everyBODY it was because I had experienced and adapted to pole/aerial from the physical sense of so many different body types. It was my own struggles with learning and relearning movement at each shape and size that brought into focus just how important and necessary this was.
It was being made felt by one group that I was too big while being told by another group that I was too small and not big enough.
It was “auditory” inclusivity being made for plus-size bodies without science-based training that actually helped those bodies exceed on their apparatus.
It was students coming to me saying: “I’ve been doing this drill or these sets of drills as directed by my other instructor(s) but I’m seeing no results .
It’s about hearing stories of lack of support, lack of work arounds, lack of progressions and regressions.
It was hearing others be told that their questions about exercise, weight or heal weren’t welcomed and that those were bad words.
It was being told: “you’re strong for a big girl” and “I never would have thought YOU could be able to do that.”
My goal was an is to even the playing field. To maintain safe, welcoming spaces where every body does feel welcomed, supported and successful. To help bodies find a way to achieve movement in the way that feels and works best for them. To really be inclusive of all bodies, shapes, sizes, ages, abilities, etc., and to embrace the growth and changes that bodies go through with their movement.
I am excited to announce the launch of my first all access video library: FlexyFit Online. I wanted to create something that was accessible to everyBODY and inclusive of all shapes, sizes, abilities and level. Click that play button to learn more about FlexyFit Online and how to get the best results from this online movement library made for everyBODY!!
