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It all started when my best friend said “Hey, let’s take a pole class!”. Honestly, I was completely unsure of this idea, but I had been searching for something new and fun to do for a long time so I said “Yeah lets do it!”. So I signed up, and waited patiently for her to sign up as well. Unfortunately, by the time she got her butt in gear to sign up, the class was full!

Now, back then I just had my son (second child), my best friend was the only person I talked to, and I was definitely not a do-something-on-my-own type person. But something in me said, just do it. So I showed up on my first day, nervous as hell, but oddly excited. My instructors were the dynamic duo T&T (for anyone who has been to Aradia before knows exactly who I am talking about).

My first class was probably a sweet disaster. We started with an unusual warm up. We did all these weird movements (which unless your’re already a dancer, you have no clue what is going on) like hip circles, and pelvic tilts, and booty shakes. I felt ridiculous and I’m pretty sure I looked ridiculous too. But nonetheless, my instructors made me laugh and reassured the whole class that this is normal, this is what it feels like! After our warm up we hit the poles! I was a little terrified. Pole, at that time in my mind, was only associated with strippers and sexy dancing. I felt like I would never compare to that. However, I would come to find, that the more we started working on the pole, the more I realized, this was not the case!

Sexy didn’t even need to be associated with pole! And that’s when I realized “hey, I like this!” After my first class I felt a little silly, but I wanted to come back right away. I was hooked instantly!

Each week I went back I learned more, I laughed more, and I had so much fun! Needless to say before I even finished level 1 (now known as pole 101) I was signed up for level 2 (now known as beginner polecanvas 16). I kept going back to classes and moving up the levels. I was lucky enough to have the same instructor from level 2 all the way to level 9. Each week I learned something new. Most of the time it was awesome, but sometimes it was so frustrating that I didn’t know what I was doing there. The more classes I took the more I realized that Pole made me feel better about myself. I felt strong and confident! I was not an active person (still not really haha), but pole was my fitness! The only thing I needed.

I believe working out should make you feel good. Pole made me feel GREAT. I learned how strong I was and how I could hold my weight upside down! Eventually taking limbs off the pole too! It’s amazing how empowered I felt. Once I was completely addicted, I decided that I wanted to do more than just take pole classes. I wanted to teach it. As luck would have it Aradia decided to have instructor tryouts! You bet your butt I was going to that! I actually tried out twice to be an instructor, the first time I did not get the job. That was completely understandable, as I was NOT ready and needed to learn SO much more. So therefore, I trained harder and by the time tryouts came around again, I was ready! This time I got offered a job as an Aradia Instructor! I literally screamed when I read the email! And the rest is history.

Pole has literally taken over my life, in a great way! After I became an instructor, I also became the admin assistant for the company! So when I say pole is my life, I am not kidding. I love my job more than anything!

I would recommend anyone who is unsure of pole to try an intro to pole class. Even if you don’t want to commit to a full 6 weeks, then hey – at least you tried. Pole is so empowering and fun! It’s a challenge but an awesome experience as well. You could be surprised at how much you enjoy it. As for me, I’m sure I’ll still be a poler by the time I’m 90. My cane will be my pole!

Enjoy your journey!

-Ashley Moorji