Hi, I am Mardi. A dispense technician by day, and a mum and domestic slave by
night. I am nearly 40 years old, and feeling the best about my body than I have
in years. I wish I could say that it was due to diet, determination and
willpower. But, to be honest it is due to something that I started in
curiosity, have fallen in love with, and now am determined to conquer.
Now would you believe me if I told you it was Pole Dancing?
Well it is. A young friend of mine asked me if I would be interested in doing it with her as she knew I loved dance music and was a little “out there”. At the time I really wanted to do it, but the cost, excuses for needing to be home with the kids and all the other put offs such as my body image, stopped me from doing it. Then I started to notice the changes in her shape and listening to her rave about it made me get off my backside and enroll in an 8 week beginners course at Pole Divas Mornington. Thankfully there was one starting within two weeks, so I booked and paid to avoid the chance of me pulling out. As luck would have it the first class was on my 39th Birthday!. I conned a young colleague from work to join me and she brought her 18 year old sister. So there I was, the eldest in my class surrounded by girls nearly half my age.
On entry into the studio I was in awe. The mirror walls, mood lighting and 2 storey high poles was very daunting. Thankfully for us the class before us had a few “normal” shaped women in it, and my nerves relaxed a little. Plus of course the low level lighting hides all sins. Our course was being held in the upstairs studio where the poles are only normal ceiling height (and for other sessions can be unlocked to spin).
After an intense warm up to loud dance music I was feeling the most out of shape person in the room. I was sweating profusely, having a mild asthma attack, and then there was the lack of pelvic floor muscles when attempting jogging on the spot or star jumps. Every jump had me in fear of embarrassing myself by a sudden leak!. My mind and body was wondering if this was still a good idea.
But then we donned our heels and were taught to walk like sirens, with our heads held high, and caressing our bodies as we went. Now as a sloucher from way back, I decided that this was going to be very good for my posture and maybe in the long run, my self-esteem. I mean how many of us can confidently walk around with heels, and now we were expected to dance and look sexy in them.
So far I was feeling every bit my age and looking like I needed to lose a good 10 kilos before I would resemble anything slightly sexy. But then we started the tricks. Our teacher was a young lady in her early 20’s with a body that even I was drooling over. The ease she displayed on the pole made it all look just so simple until we had to replicate her tricks. To my surprise, I could do it. Maybe my age and my determination to not look like the oldest fool in the studio was now working to my advantage. Plus the years of carrying around children and groceries was now paying off. My large thighs had now found their calling in life – to cling to a pole! And, when we thought we could take no more, it was time to cool down. Yes, the relaxing part. Who was I kidding? These women make Hitler look tame. Crunches are something I have never been good at and here we were being forced to crunch, hover and push those muscles just a little bit further. And, then it was over and we all felt a little exhilarated at our new found talents and left wondering how we would feel tomorrow.
Whilst the muscles took a good 24-48 hours to really feel the pain, the bruising running up and down my legs was evident before I got home. These bruises I would soon learn would take a good week to heal before the next lot appeared. Thankfully as the body got use to each new position the bruising reduced, that was until we tried something new.
Each session involves a warm up, revision of the tricks learnt in that level, new tricks, a short dance and cool down. Each lesson lasts one hour, the quickest hour of the week, but probably the most intense and rewarding. Week seven of the course involves a casual evaluation. The teacher establishes which students are wishing to go up to the next level and ensures that they are at a confident level to continue their journey. It is generally recommended that each level is attempted at least twice to ensure that you have the strength and confidence to move forward. Sometimes it is possible to slip through on one attempt but the challenge at the next level can definitely be felt.
I have now been pole dancing for 9 months and am amazed by what I have achieved. Looking back to my first night I would never have thought that I would be doing what I am doing now 9 months down the track. I am constantly being asked by customers and friends how I am losing weight. As far as the scales are concerned I have not lost a thing, but my body is very muscular and I guess I have dropped from a 12/14 down to a 10/12 depending on the cut.
My biggest achievement though is my stomach. I would be lying to say that the left over child “pouch” has gone. It is still there, stretch marks and all, but it is flatter and the muffin top nearly gone. And then there are my chicken wings, you know that flabby piece of skin under your arms – well that has gone. I will quite happily take on any of my children in arm wrestle. My general fitness has improved tenfold. I guess I am a little more conscious of what I am putting in to my mouth and I am trying to have at least two alcohol free nights a week. I have found my cravings for sweet foods have gone and I have more energy than I have had for years.
There is definitely a stigma involved with pole dancing that it is only for the young, slim or those looking to enter into the sex industry. However this is fast changing. More women my age should take the challenge and give it a go. Most studios run pole teasers which are 3 weeks in duration and show a variation of classes on offer. If you are just after general fitness and strength there are pole power classes which involve no tricks. There are also pole flex classes which assist in the muscle flexibility that is required. Then of course there are the static classes or for those that have completed a static class, the spin classes where the pole spins. Most studios also offer one day workshops to improve dancing such as pussycat funk or burlesque. Then of course you can always take one to learn the art of lap dancing if you are looking at a skill to put a smile on your partners face.
I promise you that pole dancing is something that you will enjoy. Sure it is not for everyone, but from a fitness perspective your core muscles will get a very thorough work out. Even those pelvic floor muscles are reaping the benefits. It is a very addictive sport and one which you will happily find time to practise. I have now purchased a pole for home in the hope that I can avoid repeating some levels of pole. For me it has paid for its self already with two levels only being attempted once – phew!!!!
My partner loves his mates knowing that I pole and my boys are constantly flying around it. Slowly some of the mums at school are taking up the challenge and looking to give it a go. Where else can you go and learn to body roll, grind, chest or booty pop without a male audience. On week eight of each course you have the opportunity to bring a female friend to watch, and they will be amazed by your achievements. There are often opportunities for family and partners at open pole nights to see what you are up to.
So go on and let your inner diva out. Do something for you. I promise you will notice changes in your body and even your sex drive as you will begin to feel more confident about your body and its ability to move!!
Now would you believe me if I told you it was Pole Dancing?
Well it is. A young friend of mine asked me if I would be interested in doing it with her as she knew I loved dance music and was a little “out there”. At the time I really wanted to do it, but the cost, excuses for needing to be home with the kids and all the other put offs such as my body image, stopped me from doing it. Then I started to notice the changes in her shape and listening to her rave about it made me get off my backside and enroll in an 8 week beginners course at Pole Divas Mornington. Thankfully there was one starting within two weeks, so I booked and paid to avoid the chance of me pulling out. As luck would have it the first class was on my 39th Birthday!. I conned a young colleague from work to join me and she brought her 18 year old sister. So there I was, the eldest in my class surrounded by girls nearly half my age.
On entry into the studio I was in awe. The mirror walls, mood lighting and 2 storey high poles was very daunting. Thankfully for us the class before us had a few “normal” shaped women in it, and my nerves relaxed a little. Plus of course the low level lighting hides all sins. Our course was being held in the upstairs studio where the poles are only normal ceiling height (and for other sessions can be unlocked to spin).
After an intense warm up to loud dance music I was feeling the most out of shape person in the room. I was sweating profusely, having a mild asthma attack, and then there was the lack of pelvic floor muscles when attempting jogging on the spot or star jumps. Every jump had me in fear of embarrassing myself by a sudden leak!. My mind and body was wondering if this was still a good idea.
But then we donned our heels and were taught to walk like sirens, with our heads held high, and caressing our bodies as we went. Now as a sloucher from way back, I decided that this was going to be very good for my posture and maybe in the long run, my self-esteem. I mean how many of us can confidently walk around with heels, and now we were expected to dance and look sexy in them.
So far I was feeling every bit my age and looking like I needed to lose a good 10 kilos before I would resemble anything slightly sexy. But then we started the tricks. Our teacher was a young lady in her early 20’s with a body that even I was drooling over. The ease she displayed on the pole made it all look just so simple until we had to replicate her tricks. To my surprise, I could do it. Maybe my age and my determination to not look like the oldest fool in the studio was now working to my advantage. Plus the years of carrying around children and groceries was now paying off. My large thighs had now found their calling in life – to cling to a pole! And, when we thought we could take no more, it was time to cool down. Yes, the relaxing part. Who was I kidding? These women make Hitler look tame. Crunches are something I have never been good at and here we were being forced to crunch, hover and push those muscles just a little bit further. And, then it was over and we all felt a little exhilarated at our new found talents and left wondering how we would feel tomorrow.
Whilst the muscles took a good 24-48 hours to really feel the pain, the bruising running up and down my legs was evident before I got home. These bruises I would soon learn would take a good week to heal before the next lot appeared. Thankfully as the body got use to each new position the bruising reduced, that was until we tried something new.
Each session involves a warm up, revision of the tricks learnt in that level, new tricks, a short dance and cool down. Each lesson lasts one hour, the quickest hour of the week, but probably the most intense and rewarding. Week seven of the course involves a casual evaluation. The teacher establishes which students are wishing to go up to the next level and ensures that they are at a confident level to continue their journey. It is generally recommended that each level is attempted at least twice to ensure that you have the strength and confidence to move forward. Sometimes it is possible to slip through on one attempt but the challenge at the next level can definitely be felt.
I have now been pole dancing for 9 months and am amazed by what I have achieved. Looking back to my first night I would never have thought that I would be doing what I am doing now 9 months down the track. I am constantly being asked by customers and friends how I am losing weight. As far as the scales are concerned I have not lost a thing, but my body is very muscular and I guess I have dropped from a 12/14 down to a 10/12 depending on the cut.
My biggest achievement though is my stomach. I would be lying to say that the left over child “pouch” has gone. It is still there, stretch marks and all, but it is flatter and the muffin top nearly gone. And then there are my chicken wings, you know that flabby piece of skin under your arms – well that has gone. I will quite happily take on any of my children in arm wrestle. My general fitness has improved tenfold. I guess I am a little more conscious of what I am putting in to my mouth and I am trying to have at least two alcohol free nights a week. I have found my cravings for sweet foods have gone and I have more energy than I have had for years.
There is definitely a stigma involved with pole dancing that it is only for the young, slim or those looking to enter into the sex industry. However this is fast changing. More women my age should take the challenge and give it a go. Most studios run pole teasers which are 3 weeks in duration and show a variation of classes on offer. If you are just after general fitness and strength there are pole power classes which involve no tricks. There are also pole flex classes which assist in the muscle flexibility that is required. Then of course there are the static classes or for those that have completed a static class, the spin classes where the pole spins. Most studios also offer one day workshops to improve dancing such as pussycat funk or burlesque. Then of course you can always take one to learn the art of lap dancing if you are looking at a skill to put a smile on your partners face.
I promise you that pole dancing is something that you will enjoy. Sure it is not for everyone, but from a fitness perspective your core muscles will get a very thorough work out. Even those pelvic floor muscles are reaping the benefits. It is a very addictive sport and one which you will happily find time to practise. I have now purchased a pole for home in the hope that I can avoid repeating some levels of pole. For me it has paid for its self already with two levels only being attempted once – phew!!!!
My partner loves his mates knowing that I pole and my boys are constantly flying around it. Slowly some of the mums at school are taking up the challenge and looking to give it a go. Where else can you go and learn to body roll, grind, chest or booty pop without a male audience. On week eight of each course you have the opportunity to bring a female friend to watch, and they will be amazed by your achievements. There are often opportunities for family and partners at open pole nights to see what you are up to.
So go on and let your inner diva out. Do something for you. I promise you will notice changes in your body and even your sex drive as you will begin to feel more confident about your body and its ability to move!!
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