Student Spotlight, June 2017

Introducing our awesome student Robin!!!

Every month we feature an Aradia Fitness Calgary student who we feel embodies our community of positive, supportive, powerful and fabulous women! For the month of June we are featuring Robin!  She is so inspiring in class, works super hard and we all love her strength and energy!  She loves rock climbing and so of course climbing or inverting a pole is no problem for this amazing woman!  She is at the studio 3 to 4 times per week and we can barely keep up with her!  In fact, she sometimes finishes class and goes hiking after!   A truly inspiring person and we just love love love that she is part of our pole community!

student spotlight, Aradia Fitness Calgary, pole dance classes, pole fitness
Our student spotlight for June, 2017, Robin in an inverted crucifix. Great work, Robin!

Hometown:

Guelph, Ontario.  Moved to Calgary in 2001.

Favourite Pastime (outside of pole):

My weekends are devoted to the mountains – either scrambling, hiking, skiing, rock or ice climbing.  Walking my dogs along the river in the afternoon is one of my all time favourite quiet moments during the week.

What do you love most about pole?

I love a few things.  I love being challenged both mentally and physically – which is every class!  The group I get to spend time with are beyond amazing in their talent and encouragement.  I love how each of the instructors are unique in their approach and teaching style and great at pushing me outside of my comfort zone.  Also, I love how pole has opened a feminine side to my tomboy nature that is both wonderful and terrifying.  Terrifying in the sense I had no idea it existed, but also amazed at how much I am enjoying feeling and embracing it.

What keeps you motivated to come to classes consistently?

I have set goals my whole life both in my career and personal life. Last fall, I met one of Aradia’s co-owners/instructors and I was amazed at her physical strength. I was short a fitness goal for 2017, so decided I would try my hardest to see how far I could go in one year and perform an amateur choreographed performance by the end of 2017. I am determined to give it my best shot, so very motivated to be at the studio as much as I can. But I don’t just go because of the goal now, I keep going to class more for the physical and mental challenges, and great personal interactions in supportive environment.

What surprised you about pole dance and fitness?

It’s bloody hard!! The physical demand was no surprise, but the extent of how the moves demanded mental coordination, physical strength and endurance was a surprise for sure, especially as I may be a little older than the average student. I have never been more bruised, or proud of having so many bruises; my badges of honour for hard work. I was also surprised at how much fun I would actually have. It can’t be stressed enough, each class is a giggle fest or full of high fives.

What should someone join Aradia Fitness Calgary and start pole today?

I think people should try pole if they are looking for a different physical activity versus just going to ‘the gym for a workout’. This program and these classes will kick your ass and get you in shape in a way you never could have imagined. It is hard work and deserves some serious respect. But it is more than just physical – it is a mind and body experience that I believe everyone should at least try.  People should choose Aradia because it is honestly the most welcoming place I have experienced. From the group of people you’re on this journey with to the instructors who are guiding you on it. Each class is different, fun and challenging. I usually leave a sweaty mess with a huge smile on my face, and I could not be happier for this experience.