If you're looking for an affordable way to increase your athleticism, flexibility, and mobility in a small studio setting, the Pole Experience is a great place to join. I have been on a mission to increase my flexibility for years. I have explored yoga, calisthenics, and have even completed various stretching programs. I found it difficult at times to stay motivated and hold myself accountable in staying consistent with my flexibility goals. This is especially true when given the opportunity to do something more fun than strictly stretching.
My wife is into pole fitness and told me the Pole Experience was selling a 5-class bundle for only $49.99. Although we have a pole at home, I never really learned how to properly train with it. I was always interested in learning more about pole, but I had been mentally scarred about joining a group class. Typically, these classes get taken by women, and a girl once told me that I would make everybody feel uncomfortable if I ever joined in. It took a lot of convincing and encouragement from my female friends, who have trained with me in other settings, to get over this. I finally did, and I was able to explore the Pole Experience.
I first checked out "Flex 401" which is a 1-hour deep-stretch class with Hindolo Bongay. This guy is incredible. He's a jazz dancer, and his flexibility is on another level. His stretching routine will push you past your limits in a safe, effective manner so you could actually see and feel gains! My hamstrings and hips really loosened up. Hindolo also teaches "Barre 404" where you'll learn the fundamentals of ballet using a ballet barre (horizontal bar fastened to the wall). The class was fun, and although I felt like I didn't do much, my calves were sore for days! I would highly recommend checking him out for your flexibility and mobility needs.
For pole, I first tried the "Pole 100" class with Shemika Stanley. She is really funny, and I love her positivity. The studio is small with one main room with 5 (50 mm) static poles. Her class was full with about 10 students, so we all had to share poles. The Pole Experience caps each class at 12 students total so it doesn't get overly busy. I learned how to climb, with proper technique, and some basic spin moves. I was able to try "Pole 200" afterwards which is an intermediate to advanced level course. Shemika was able to gauge her students' athleticism and customize her teaching accordingly which I really liked. I learned new basic moves like Teddy Bear and Jasmine. Shemika is the manager at the Pole Experience and only teaches during the day. For nights and weekends, she advised me to check out the other instructors including Asia Quentin and Chudney Gaither.
I went to Asia Quentin's "Pole Goals 102" on a weeknight. Her class was no joke, and it started right away with fast-paced pole conditioning exercises to get us all prepared for the pole. It was a class of 4, so each student was able to get their own pole! I was a bit scared with my lack of pole experience, but Asia was very welcoming and set everybody up to do introductions since we were all new faces. Asia made her class really engaging and fun! She strategically wrote random pole moves on tiny pieces of paper in a cup, and she had everybody pick one out. She was able to teach every single move in detail, then had us put it all together in a way that flowed. I really enjoyed seeing this creative process because it showed me a big picture view of what pole could actually be. I had been very rigid and systematic with my methodology of learning pole moves, but Asia was able to relax my thinking and demonstrated that pole is actually dance, and you can move your body and structure the moves to musical rhythm. It was pretty eye opening for me. I'd highly recommend checking her out!
Overall, I loved my pole experience at the Pole Experience! I ended up getting a 3-month membership for $225 which gives students unlimited access. I'm excited to increase my flexibility with Hindolo and learn more about pole from the rest of the instructors. Thank you for teaching me! read more