Instructor Feature - Angela

We hope you’ve been enjoying our instructor features and getting to know a bit more about the team that is taking you through your pole and aerial journeys. Our next instructor being showcased is one of our lovely pole instructors.

Angela Valiant joined our team in December of 2018. She started her pole journey at Aradia Fitness Calgary about five years ago, and when we were looking to expand our team, we knew we had to have her. Angela is fantastic with her students, always has a smile, and is especially good at making new students feel welcome. You don’t have to worry about small talk while you’re concentrating on this brand new activity you are trying for the first time, Angela is bound to keep you entertained. 

Angela also works as a radio host on x92.9 (tune into her show 10 am-2 pm) and an Arena Host with the Calgary Flames. One of her favourite actives (outside of the studio) is snowboarding. Follow her on Instagram to see all her adventures, and her adorable pup, Nymeria.

What surprised you the most about pole fitness?

The community! I always knew the challenges pole would have as a fitness and dance pursuit but I had no idea the friends I would make along the way, no idea how inviting and kind the people would be.

What is your current favourite pole/aerial move?

I have always liked laybacks – they are scary but it feels cool to do! As a tall, lanky individual I also LOVE plank.

Do you have a favourite off the pole conditioning exercise?

Elbow stands. I enjoy being inverted, because it’s tough but satisfying to accomplish! My elbow stands are far from perfect, but I like that I can practice them at home and the benefit of practicing balance, compression, and hip flexor strength has been really great for my body! 

What are your current pole and aerial goals for yourself and for your students?

My pole goals are to begin practicing more consistently. My aerial goals for myself are to learn more drops, and for my students to be able to put together combo’s by themselves in new ways! 

How would you describe your teaching style?

I would say it’s quite laid back – I like to open the door for students to work as hard as they can, but they have to choose it for themselves and some days are harder to give it the 110% you want. I like my classes to be challenged, but equally important, I want the class to have been a positive experience so that the next class is even easier to work at. 

What do you think students gain from being members at Aradia?

Aradia has SO much to offer in terms of not just pole and aerial classes, but the attention and care given to provide workshops like helping with inversions, climbing, flexibility and strength are SO helpful for any student on their fitness journey. Not to mention some pretty amazing guest workshops from celebrated professionals to really increase the learning opportunities. 

Can you provide one piece of advice for students working through their pole journey?

At some point – things will plateau. It’s frustrating and you’ll want to quit. But keep at it, maybe go back to training moves you love and just work to make them stronger and periodically revisit that ones that you can’t seem to wrap your head around; try other instructors’ classes who may have a slightly different idea to help you. But most importantly, don’t give up. Every journey is different but every journey is improved by training over time!