During my second or third week of intermediate class, I climbed all the way to the top of the pole! I may have cheated a smidge, and used more of my thighs at times rather than my knees, and used my feet to help, but I was quick to correct myself. The instructor told me if I could climb all the way up the pole, she would clean it for me at the end of class. I was so damn proud of my progress, what I accomplished that night, and the instructor cleaned my pole for me. #winning
I finally don’t feel awkward doing the strut, and the routine I learned in beginner pole, but intermediate is a whole new ball game. I have been negative towards myself lately, saying that I CAN’T DO IT. It is said if you say you can’t do it, you start to believe you can’t. I know that I CAN DO It, but sometimes I do not want to put in the work. I was in a rut one day, and kept saying I can’t do it, and the instructors won’t push you if you’re not going to try, but they will encourage you. When I complain and give up on my bad days, the instructors are amazing (they always are), and I love that they do not give up on you. Sometimes you just need a kick in the butt to wake up! Thinking back to myself climbing to the top, that is what gives me hope. I tell myself “Hey, you can do this! Chin up!”
There is so much you learn about yourself when you push the limits. I have worked muscles I never knew I had. I love that all the conditioning gets us ready for more tricks, climbs, poses, etc. It is definitely a full body work out. I should keep up with strength exercises at home, because just from the classes I have a little bit of muscle in my arms. I want to be strong enough to do the inverts, more climbs, and work on what each class offers me, and continues to offer.
Sure, sometimes you have tough days. Last week I was frustrated because I was not able to climb, or even do some of the positions, turns, or poses. Sometimes you have slippery days. That is okay too, it allows you to work on other moves. Fireman is always something I can do and/or work on even on my slippery days. It is also easier at times to practice near the bottom of the pole, on those days. Patience is a virtue, and that is something I have been learning. Good things take time, don’t give up!
Curious about starting your own pole journey?
Check out Intro to Pole or sign up for an upcoming Beginner Pole class!