You'll never find another like Me!
I hated my body and my mind for 34 years. I self-harmed, had depression, anxiety, an eating disorder that put me in hospital for nearly a year and struggled to survive in a world that just felt... mean.
Then I found Pole.
All the emotions I’d ever silenced seemed to pour out of my body like glitter. And it didn’t matter if they were happy or sad, it mattered that for the very first time I could put my whole soul into something. And then show that to the world. I could love and lose and cry and shriek with joy by embracing my feelings and letting my heart loose.
At 41 I finally received a diagnosis of Autism, and my world finally made sense. I'm proud to be a neurodiverse instructor who's 'special interest' just happens to be Pole Fitness.
My experience
As a child I trained in gymnastics and sports acrobatics, competing at national level several times. I spent a year at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in my early 20s and joined the cheerleading squad at university. I dallied a little on and off with traditional gyms after that but could never stick at it and didn't enjoy the atmosphere.
The Greatest Showman inspired me to find a local aerial hoop class in Jan 2018 and I instantly fell in love with aerial arts. Making some awesome friends, they convinced me to start Pole in April 2018. It was a whole new world finding that fitness can be fun.
In the July I learned my husband had cheated throughout our marriage. And in December I was diagnosed with breast cancer. So when I say pole saved me from my darkest places, I really mean it.​
I trained as an XPERT instructor just before the COVID lockdown in March 2020, and started teaching in July when some restrictions were lifted. Since then I’ve worked for 2 different studios and a university pole society and each class has taught me so much about how to be a better instructor. Having a place of my own means I can really celebrate the mental health side of fitness.
I've performed in 5 showcases and in the street at Pride. Though I've grown to love dancing in front of an audience, I don't compete, because to me, pole isn't a competition it's a passion. I don't need to win a medal to know my heart is happy dancing.
I still take classes for myself every week and attend workshops and private lessons to broaden my skill set because I’m still a work in progress.
More than this, I've had a HEAP of therapy and studied psychology to gain a deep knowledge of mental health issues. I'm a Mental Health First Aider, and have helped people suffering panic attacks and shutdowns, needing a hug, and laid on the floor just breathing with members.
If you've not already guessed I'm an over-thinker, over-sharer and an emotional, empathetic teacher. I believe my vulnerability is a strength and that if I can show up broken and messy, so can you.
Introducing Ruffs
Ruffs is our resident therapy and emotional support sausage. He's a 10 year old miniature dachshund and my little sidekick.
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I rely on him to calm my anxiety and provide stability and grounding when I'm having a moment or meltdown.
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He'll often seek out others who are nervous, for cuddles, kisses and all the fuss.
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I wouldn't be without his love so I hope you can welcome him too!
