There I was, my 50-year-old
self, with two 20-something gals, in a cosy studio, curtains drawn to the
outside world, some great music playing, a wall of mirrors and about half a
dozen shiny vertical metal poles.
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This is harder than it looks (squeeeeeze those thighs!) but oh so much fun! |
It was my first pole fitness
class. I was pumped! OK and a little nervous.
Lori Graystone is the
owner/operator of Rock N Pole, located in Barrie, Ontario. Although I had heard about
Lori’s business in the past, only recently had I summoned up my courage to give it a
try, after attending the studio’s five-year anniversary open house celebration/fund raising
event for National Down Syndrome Day.
Lori was kind and patient as
she led us through some basic moves in the “Pole Intro” class. First, we held
the pole with one hand and simply did a “sexy walk” around it, on our tiptoes. I
felt a little “out of my sexy element” at first, especially in front of a huge
mirror, but it didn’t take long before I felt comfortable. There is no judgement
at this studio. Everyone is there to learn a new skill and let’s face it,
embrace our inner Venus a little bit at the same time. (Get a good workout and feel sexy about doing it – why not?)
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"Fireman's Spin" at Rock N Pole studio |
What I liked about this Pole
Intro class was the pace. It was easy to manage and Lori took the time to
ensure we understood every move. (I am not the greatest at mimicking any kind
of move that requires flow. It takes me a few tries before I don’t look like a confused
robot.) In the hour-long class, we used the pole for climbing, gripping,
balancing, stretching and even massaging our shoulders and back muscles.
Who knew pole fitness could
be a viable cross training option for a runner? My typically stiff hip flexors
loved the sexy hip rotations that were part of the workout. My inner thighs
benefited from the basic “spin,” done by gripping the pole with the crook of
your bent knee as well as your inner thigh. The “Fireman’s Spin” required me to
“let loose,” something I really need to work on in general. My cautious nature
often causes me to “put the brakes on” in all kinds of athletic situations
where falling could be the outcome. But as Lori gently reminded us, “You’re not
going to fall unless you let go of the pole, and if you do, you’re only one
foot off the ground.” (Well, beginners are one foot off the ground. The pros
are way, way up there near the ceiling, upside down, doing the splits, with
confidence. I witnessed their feats at the open house fundraiser. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.)
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"Amping Up" with weights |
Rock N Pole’s clientele has
been growing steadily over the years as more women come to realize both its
physical and esteem-boosting benefits.
“It’s addicting,” says
Rachelle, a regular student who credits the pole classes and the friendly
atmosphere of the studio for helping her break free of her extreme shyness and social anxiety. “It
not only gives me knowledge, skill and strength, but the confidence in myself
that I never really had,” she says.
Another student, Lori,
admits she hadn’t done much by way of structured exercise except for the
typical “mom” workout of taking care of her children. “Just one class made me
feel sexy and confident,” she says. Lori made it her goal to reach the top of
the pole. Seven classes later, she did it, became stronger and more flexible
along the way, and has set new goals.
“I haven’t been poling for
very long,” says Mandy, “but I am definitely feeling an improvement in my
energy level and confidence. No matter what your fitness level, pole is a great
way to get in shape, and the best part is that it allows you to get in touch
with your sexy side.”
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Lori in full-sexy mode. Shop shoes and stockings at rocknpole.ca! (As in, Happy Father's Day…Birthday etc. Just a thought if you're stuck for a gift…) |
I have since attended one of
Rock N Pole’s “Loosen Up” classes, which entails a full hour of heavenly
stretching, to softer music and with a slightly warmer room temperature. For my
own upper back and shoulder issues, a self-massaging technique, developed by Lori using the pole, works wonders
at loosening up my knotted muscles.
I hope to add pole fitness
to my weekly workout routine. I’d also like to try to convince my husband we
need a pole at home. Perhaps if I purchase a pair of sexy stilettos to go with
it, he might approve… (Workout gear and sexy shoes also available for sale
through Rock N Pole. Again, why not? You only live sexy once.)
Interview with Lori
Graystone of Rock N Pole
What made you decide to give
pole fitness a try?
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Lori Graystone |
Lori: I used to [exotic]
dance over 10 years ago, when circumstances left me on my own with three small
kids. I barely did anything on the pole, as there wasn’t a place or time to
actually practise. So once I saw it was available for fitness, I had to try it, and became obsessed with
it.
When/where did you take your
very first pole fitness class?
Lori: It was at a studio an
acquaintance of mine owned called Brass Vixens, on Queen Street in Toronto (formerly
called Aradia), in 2008.
When did you open your own
business and where?
Lori: I started my business
in February 2009. It was a small in-home studio, in which I did one-on-one
training, and I also did home parties for bachelorettes, birthdays etcetera. I
have created the Rock N Pole brand from scratch, and although there are certain
generic pole moves, I have also used creativity when designing my classes and
content.
When did you move to your
current location?
Lori: My official grand
opening for my new location, 149 Welham Road, Barrie, was Nov 30, 2013. I now
have seven, 16-ft poles and run a variety of classes Monday through Thursday.
How many instructors are
there and what are their qualifications?
Lori: There are three
instructors at Rock N Pole. The "dream team" includes Myself, Tiffany
(Tiffinator) and Libby (Libifire). There are always specialty workshops that we
participate in on an ongoing basis and also a program of certification provided
by the CPFA - Canadian Pole Fitness Association. It is great as we all
specialize and have our own way of teaching. You can get a great pole career
underway taking classes with all three of us.
Who takes classes at your
studio?
Lori: The age group runs
from 15 to 60 and includes all walks of life, women who just want to challenge
themselves, try something new and of course, have fun.
What can someone expect from
her first class?
Lori: You will have a lot of
fun, laugh a bit, work hard and learn some basic pole moves, in which you will
probably be utilizing muscles that you have never worked before. Building upper
body strength seems to be a number-one request of our clients, and we
definitely fulfil.
What organizations are you
affiliated with and what does it mean to be affiliated with them?
Lori: My studio is part of
the CPFA, which stands for the Canadian Pole Fitness Association, and we do
meet certain criteria to maintain our status, for example, a low teacher-to-student
ratio.
You mentioned that you are also
a judge for competitions. How many levels of competition are there?
Lori: The competitions are
taken very seriously and judged in three categories per performance: Artistry,
Technique, and Presentation.There are different divisions that competitors fall
into, Amateur, Doubles, Semi Pro, Pro, and Masters. There are also several
"Pole Showcases" each year which allow for more artistic and free
style poling.
Has it been challenging trying
to explain to people that pole fitness does not mean stripping?
Lori: Yes, it has been very
difficult to separate the "stripper" stigma with the benefits of pole
fitness. I always tell people, “It is fitness with a touch of sexy and fun.” It
does empower women in a way that no treadmill can ever do.
If you had to emphasize one
thing to readers about pole fitness, what would it be?
Lori: To step outside the
box. Try something new and to realize what an amazing workout it is, not just
for muscles but for the inner sexy soul as well. "Rock N Pole: empowering
women one spin at a time"
Rock N Pole is located at 149 Welham Road in Barrie, Ontario. They offer four different levels of classes
and students work at their own pace: Pole Intro (basic); Hello Pole
(basic/intermediate); Zepplin (intermediate) and AC/DC (advanced), as well as
eight different specialty classes for all levels, aimed at improving specific
aspects of pole fitness like strength (“Amp Up”), flexibility (“Sitz &
Splitz”) and spins (“Spun Out”). Students can purchase punch cards (the more sessions
purchased, the less cost per class) or a monthly membership. Workshops,
including belly dancing, working with pole stars and yoga partners, are also offered
once per month. Home pole parties (girls' night in, anyone?) for any occasion are another featured service. For more
information or to book classes visit www.rocknpole.ca