I Understand
I understand…
Being the biggest girl in pole class
Being the heaviest competitor on stage
Being told that I’m “good for a big girl”
Worrying whether or not the pole instructor will be able to spot me
Wondering if classmates are looking at and judging my gut hanging over my shorts
Having more concern about being too heavy to spot, rather than being able to focus on executing the move
Advancing slower than my classmates because climbing and inverting perplex my body
How it feels to hear that I “probably can’t do something because of my size”
My pole and fitness journey started in 2009, at the age of 24 and at one of the heaviest points in my life…literally and figuratively. Growing up I was active and fit, and gave little thought to my weight. Gymnast, soccer player, varsity cheerleader, pageant girl, I did it all and could never have predicted the twist and turns that the future would bring. As I ventured into adulthood, my body seemed to turn on me. Between four broken feet, surgery, an extremely stressful corporate job, school, family drama, relationship drama, etc… (yeah the normal wear-and-tear of life) my mental and physical health began to spiral out of control. It’s taken years for me to undo the damage that was done and reclaim myself and my life. However, it is all of these experiences that have led me to where I am now and, more importantly, who I am now. This Priceless Transformation I’ve experienced has humbled me and taught me so much. These experiences guide me through my work in the studio as I interact with so many amazing women who are trying to reclaim or establish a healthier lifestyle. And its because I’ve been there myself, that I understand the desire to be in a class and have someone and that not only looks more like me, but to also feel like “she understands me and my struggles”. I know that it’s also reassuring to work with a coach that has the strength to physically spot me. I use my experiences and struggles to create and operate a judgment-free zone, where every BODY feels comfortable. Where you feel like there might not be a way to do x,y,z, together we will find a way or create a way!
