Are you looking after yourself as a pole fitness instructor?

How to Keep Your Sanity as a Pole Fitness Instructor (And Have a Little Fun Along the Way!)

Hey there, fabulous pole fitness instructors! Whether you're twirling through your day or helping your students master that perfect invert, we know you're constantly on the move. But here’s the thing – you can’t pour from an empty cup. That's why we're here to remind you to take a step back, breathe, and add a little self-care sparkle to your routine. So, grab a cuppa and let's dive into some tips to help you keep your sanity (and your smile) intact!

1. Put Boundaries in Place: Protect Your Personal Time Like It’s Your Favourite Pole Move.

We all love our clients, but they don’t need access to you 24/7. Set specific hours for answering inquiries, and make sure your clients know when you’re available. By setting these boundaries, you’ll have the space to recharge, ensuring you’re at your best when you're in the studio. Think of it as an invisible force field protecting your precious personal time.

Pro Tip: Set up an automatic reply that informs clients of your working hours. They’ll appreciate knowing when to expect a response, and you’ll appreciate the peace of mind that comes with logging off!

2. Schedule ‘Me’ Time: Because You Deserve It!

You give so much of yourself to your students, but don’t forget – you deserve some ‘me’ time too! Whether it’s indulging in a bubble bath, binge-watching your favourite series, or trying out that new aerial silk class, make sure you carve out regular time just for you. Your body and mind will thank you for it, and you’ll be able to bring even more energy and enthusiasm to your classes.

Pro Tip: Block out ‘me’ time in your calendar like it’s a non-negotiable appointment. Trust us, your future self will be forever grateful!

3. Connect with Other Instructors: Build Your Own Super Squad

Teaching can sometimes feel a bit isolating, especially if you're running your own studio. But remember, you’re not alone! Make it a point to connect with fellow instructors, whether that’s through online communities, local meet-ups, or even grabbing a coffee (or something stronger) with a peer. Sharing tips, having a laugh, and simply knowing someone else gets it can make all the difference.

Pro Tip: WhatsApp groups or a regular Zoom chat with other fellow instructors from different studios are a great place to start. You’ll have a ready-made support network at your fingertips!

4. Plan Your Week Out: Get Your Ducks (Or Should We Say, Twirls) in a Row

Organisation is key to keeping stress at bay. Take some time each week to plan out your schedule – from meal prepping to admin tasks, to setting time aside for personal training. When you’ve got a clear plan, it’s easier to stay on top of things and not feel overwhelmed by the million and one tasks on your to-do list.

Pro Tip: Use a planner or an app to map out your week. Include everything – even the small stuff – so nothing falls through the cracks!

5. Engage in Continuing Education: Stay Sharp, Stay Inspired

The world of fitness is always evolving, and as a pole instructor, you’ve got to keep up with the latest trends and techniques. Not only does this keep your classes fresh and exciting, but it also reignites your passion and reminds you why you fell in love with pole fitness in the first place. So, go ahead and sign up for that workshop, take a new course, or even just watch some tutorials online. Your students will love the new moves you bring to the studio, and you’ll feel more confident in your teaching.

Pro Tip: Dedicate some time each month to learning something new. It could be a new pole trick, a different fitness discipline, or even a business skill to help you run your studio more effectively.

Final Twirl

Being a pole fitness instructor is an incredible journey, full of passion, creativity, and yes, a lot of hard work. But by putting these tips into practice, you can ensure you’re not just surviving, but thriving. Remember, the happier and more balanced you are, the more you’ll be able to share that positivity with your students.

So, keep twirling, stay fabulous, and don’t forget to take care of YOU!

Why is an effective warmup important before any pole fitness class ?

An effective warm-up before a pole fitness class that heavily involves the upper body is essential for several reasons:

 1. Injury Prevention: Warming up increases blood flow to muscles, making them more pliable and reducing the risk of strains and sprains. 

 2. Improved Performance: A proper warm-up can enhance muscle flexibility and joint mobility, which can lead to better performance during pole fitness exercises. 

 3. Enhanced Muscle Function: Warming up primes your muscles and nervous system, making them more responsive and efficient for the movements you perform. 

 4. Mental Preparation: A warm-up also helps mentally prepare you for the class, increasing focus and concentration. For a pole fitness warm-up targeting the upper body, consider including moves such as:

 1. Arm Circles: Forward and backward arm circles to increase shoulder joint mobility. 

 2. Shoulder Rolls: Gentle shoulder rolls to reduce tension in the upper back and shoulders. 

 3. Push-Ups: Modified or full push-ups using the pole to engage the chest and triceps. 

 4. Planks: Holding a plank position to engage core and upper body muscles. This can be done on the floor or diagonal planks using the pole. 

 5. Shoulder Stretches: Stretching the shoulders and chest to improve flexibility. 

 6. Wrist and Hand Stretches: Stretching the wrists and hands to prepare for gripping the pole. 

 7. Light Pole Spins: Performing slow and controlled spins on the pole to get used to the grip and motion.

 Your warmups can include the pole too. Always start with gentle movements and gradually increase intensity to avoid overexertion. Tailor your warm-up to the fitness level of the group and the specific activities you'll be doing in your pole fitness class. Make sure you have used all the muscles you intend to use in your class, which is pretty much all of the muscles of the body :)) 

 For more information about Pole fitness, events, pole camps, and competitions, visit

  www.polepassion.fitness  Leaders and innovators in Pole fitness since 2001

Professional Pole Cleaning for competition poles

 

At Pole Passion we take pole cleaning during our events and competitions very seriously.

Health and safety is paramount
Here is a short clip on how we recommend the floor to rigging pole is cleaned

Note - 2 cloths, avoid touching the cleaned section of the pole, make sure the whole section of the pole is cleaned

Many thanks to Amy White - Pole Passion Bognor for this demo

For more info about our events and competitions visit 

www.polepassion.fitness   and  www.misspoledance-uk.com

How to win a pole dance competition

To win a pole dance competition, it's important to put in consistent and dedicated practice.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for a Miss Pole Dance UK competition at any level:

1. Technique: Focus on mastering the fundamentals of pole dance, including proper grip, body alignment, and transitions between moves. Take classes from experienced instructors who can provide guidance and feedback.

2. Choreography: Creativity is key in pole dance competitions. Develop a unique and engaging routine that showcases your strengths and highlights your individual style. Choose music that complements your choreography and brings out your personality.

3. Strength and Flexibility: Pole dance requires strength, flexibility, and body control. Incorporate regular strength training exercises and stretching routines into your practice regimen to improve your overall athleticism and execution of moves.

4. Performance Skills: Work on your stage presence and performance skills. Focus on facial expressions, body language, and connecting with the audience. Practice performing your routine multiple times to build confidence and polish your presentation. May be at this stage get someone to be honest with you about your routine, with a view to constant improvement.

5. Mental Preparation: Stay focused, positive, and confident throughout your training and competition journey. Visualise yourself performing your routine flawlessly, and use positive affirmations to boost your self-belief. Manage any pre-competition nerves by practicing deep breathing exercises or meditation techniques, as they really do help.

Remember, winning isn't everything.

Enjoy the process,

Embrace the challenges, and 

Celebrate your progress along the way. 

Wishing you all Good luck!

Kay Penney

founder Miss Pole Dance UK

www.misspoledance-uk.com

How to write a competition bio Miss Pole Dance UK / Mr Pole Fitness UK

 How to write a Miss Pole Dance UK / Mr Pole fitness UK pole dance competition bio

One of the first questions many people ask is - Should a bio be written in ​​the first person (referring to yourself as  I) or third person (using your name)?

At Miss Pole Dance UK - we like it written in third person, but it’s not incorrect if you use first person

Keep it short and make your biography interesting (there are many read out on the day of the competition) so make it punchy and informative! Feel free to add in the odd funny comment to keep your audience interested 

How long should my bio be?

Anything between 40-100 words is good

Introduce yourself

• Your name, this may be different from your real name, so make sure you have informed the organisers of this name change

• Your location 

• Which pole school will you be representing

Be genuine and truthful and mention your other experience if you have some and don't be afraid to say it's your first competition too!

Add in your current goals, where do you see yourself in the future

Mention your profession, and how long you have been poling for and if you have any other interesting hobbies

Add in your personality or character you will be using on stage - your bio is an extension of your performance

What is your favourite trick or move or what is your nemesis move (if you have one)

A shout out to those who have helped you create your performance, who and or what inspired your routine and how did you chose your music

Least of all send in your website and social media links - they may not always be read out on the day of the competition but they will be added online for future promotion

Good luck -    Kay Penney

Founder Miss Pole Dance UK 2004 - The UK’s most established national pole dance competition

www.misspoledance-uk.com

Mimi Pole, Kay Penney and Miss Pole Dance UK

 

https://www.mimipolegirl.co.uk/blog/

Email: theteam@passion-fitness.com

Dry Hands on sale at Pole Passion, ideal for golf, pole, aerial hoops, trapeze,

While stocks last, dry hands pole and aerial grip is available - It's great for your golf swing too !!

https://www.polepassion.fitness/product-page/dry-hands-grip

Covid-19 Pole Passion pole and aerial policy 2020

Covid -19 Policy has been updated and is detailed below. Pole Passion

COVID-19 Policy

Updated on 25th Jun, 20th Jul, 4th Nov, 26th Nov 2020

 

The safety of our students and instructors is our priority.  

​

Below are the steps we are taking to keep you and/or your child safe when training with us:

 

• Monitoring and following guidance from Government, regulators and industry bodies.

• Maintaining an ongoing Risk Assessment.

• Increasing cleaning of training spaces and equipment. All equipment will be cleaned and sanitised in accordance with industry guidelines before and after every class.

• Changing our timetable to allow bigger gaps between classes.

• Training our instructors and apprentices and providing them with cleaning products when required

• Minimising spotting wherever possible. This means that we will adapt teaching content to minimise spotting, will seek explicit consent each time before spotting, and will give extra verbal and visual tuition to assist self-spotting.

• Sanitising our hands between any necessary physical contact with students.

• Teaching on separate equipment from all students and ensuring only one person uses each piece of equipment.

​

 

We ask that you take the following steps, during your pole and aerial classes which are consistent with government advice:

​

• Please adhere to all Government guidance regarding social distancing, travel and isolation.

• Please do not come to class if you are unwell.

• You must notify Pole Passion immediately if:

 

       -    you test positive for COVID-19 or develop symptoms, or

       -    you have had contact with someone who has tested positive or developed symptoms, and

       -    you have attended a class in the last 14 days

 

• Keep your hands clean. Wash regularly and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. We request that you wash them immediately before taking part in a class and advise that you wash them after as well. 

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch all coughs and sneezes and then bin the tissue - then wash your hands with soap and water, or use a sanitiser. Avoid touching your face with your hands.

• Minimise the personal belongings you bring to class as much as possible. Keep them 2m away from other participants belongings.

• Stay on your allocated equipment and do not use other equipment without explicit permission from the instructor.

• Maintain a minimum distance of 2mtrs from other participants in the class.

• Do not pass objects to other students such as phones, drinks, bottles of grip or cloths.

• Comply with any requirements specified by the venues we operate in.

• In line with government guidance, we request that you do not wear a mask or face covering in class, unless specifically instructed by a medical professional. This is because face coverings have been shown to not be safe during exercise. You may wear one on your way into and out of the venue if you wish, in which case we advise that you adhere to the government guidelines around using masks, for example by making sure you wash your hands before touching it.

  
  

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Pole Passion presents Children's pole promo video featuring Kay Penney and Mimi James

Should children be pole dancing for fun and fitness??

We support children on and around a vertical bar in Pole Passion Bognor & Pole Passion Shoreham

visit the website to learn more 

www.polepassion.com

email us for more information - theteam@passion-fitness.com

Portable free standing poles for rental

At Rpole we hire dance and fitness free standing poles !
Contact us with your details
Name
Location
Pole fitness / dancer experience

And drop us a line - theteam@passion-fitness.com

Mental Health - A support network is here for you

In light of a beautiful soul recently been taken away from our pole community and hearing the tragic news of Jess Leanne Norris' passing please find below a series of links where someone is there to support you should you need it

Rest in peace Jess... you were an inspiration. You started pole at 15, self taught, and went on to win at Miss Pole Dance UK championship professional category at the young age of 18 in 2011 And then went on to win  again 4 years later in 2015

Mental health services in the UK are very much still OPEN and are URGING people to use them now more than ever. Even if you don't have a mental illness, there's no grievance too small - please, please do not suffer in silence. If you're struggling and suspect it's part of a wider problem, it's INTEGRAL that you -

Go to your GP first and say you want to get in touch with a mental health team - this is the quickest way to get support

Please speak out to someone you trust or at least look for support online. There are plenty of resources:

Samaritans (call especially in crisis): https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/

Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/

YoungMinds (for younger kids and teens): https://youngminds.org.uk/

MindOut (for LGBTQ+ support): https://www.mindout.org.uk/

Bitesize mental health support: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/tags/z7qg6v4/mental-health/1

How to have a conversation with your kids as a parent (questions to ask in lockdown): https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zjc2tbk

Betterhelp (tailored counseling service if you can afford some quick support. Do not go to if you're in crisis.): https://www.betterhelp.com/

REACH OUT

photo credit - Geoff Pegler

Jess Leanne Norris - Miss Pole Dance UK Ambassador 2020

Jess Leanne Norris - June 2020 Miss Pole Dance UK Ambassador 💜 RIP 💜

A National UK Pole Treasure, Passionate, Dedicated, Determined. An Exceptional Young And Talented Lady

A Smiley Soul Who Was Committed To Pole From The Early Age Of 14

An Entrepreneur, A Friend To So Many. 

A Double Miss Pole Dance UK Female Champion Who Made No Secret About How This Championship Helped Her To Keep Focused

Today & Onwards I Want  The Pole Dance Community Across The World To Remember Her as She Would Have Wished 

A Strong, Dedicated, Committed & Powerful Lady Who Flew Without Wings,

Who Spun With Courage,

Who Climbed With Dedication,

Who Empowered Others Without Question 

🇬🇧 MPDUK 🇬🇧 Champion 

For many of us we have used pole to help us escape our troubles within a community of friendly and supportive individuals, making collectively a community like no other. 

💜 Jess Leanne Norris 💜 Thank you for your contribution and as a true ambassador for the aerial arts, touching so many lives, hearts and souls, lifting many of us with your entertaining, unforgettable and mesmerising routines.

Thank you for your unquestionable dedication and sharing your talent through many classes, masterclasses, camps, events & competitions 

You shone like a beacon of hope on so many stages and your legacy will live on forever in the History of pole 

and personally as my pole daughter, who constantly showed your gratitude over the years and during your reign as 

MPDUK Double Females single Champion 

2011 & 2015 

We Love You Jess & our hearts and thoughts go out to your family and friends during this extremely difficult & sad time  

💕 Never Forgotten 💕

Kay Penney 

Miss Pole Dance UK 🇬🇧 Founder  

www.misspoledance-uk.com

Infection Risk Management for Pole & Aerial Instructors during Covid-19

Pole Passion established in 2003, the leading trainer provider for the aerial arts, pole & hoop, is proud to create the most comprehensive online risk management and safety course advice on the market, providing information on how to stay safe, keep your students safe, set up your classes safely once we are ready to do so which includes templates for your adaptation and use.

This must have course, is now available online, culminating in a 10 short question test, with a downloadable certificate for your insurance credibility

https://polepassion.learnupon.com/store

Who is this course for ?

Three steps to pole fitness instructor training success with industry experts

Have you ever dreamed of being an expert pole fitness instructor but don't know where to start?

Email us at: theteam@passion-fitness.com where our team of experts can guide you through the 3 easy steps to success

Step 1. Sign up to the online, REP's accredited course and work at your own pace with 24hour online support from one of our assessors and experts

Step 2. Read the theory information and then complete the easy to follow online 20 minute theory test

Step 3. Send in your mock 25 minute lesson via video from the 5 moves contained in the course chosen at random by the computer

CELEBRATE AND SET UP YOUR STUDIO

EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED IN THE COURSE From

RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS INCLUDING STUDENT RECRUITMENT, 

UP TO DATE INDUSTRY GUIDANCE, HEALTH AND SAFETY 

AND REQUIRED LEGISLATION 

and over 100 moves, tricks, transitions and pole poses

with step by step videos to follow

Continual Professional Development Aerial Hoops and Pole Fitness 2020, CPD

Pole Passion Ltd, training provider established since 2001

Aerial Hoops and Pole Fitness classes available

On line, face to face and in person teacher training courses New for 2020

www.polepassion.com

email us to register:   theteam@passion-fitness.com

MISS POLE DANCE UK children's pole dance competition

No experience necessary

Beginners welcome

A category for all

Join in the fun at Miss Pole Dance UK from age 8 upwards

enquire via email:   events@passion-fitness.com

website:  www.misspoledance-uk.com

Safe Guarding and Code of Practice 2020

Competition owned and operated by Pole Passion Ltd since 2005

Rep's Accredited Pole fitness Instructor training low cost certifications

The Pole Passion Pole Instructor training; Beginner and Advanced teacher training courses in pole fitness are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a confident and advanced level instructor, leaning at your own pace and to run your own business to fit in with your lifestyle. As well as the theory skills to teach the moves on and around the pole these courses also cover extensive business knowledge and skills such as 

• Advertising skills in recruiting your students and apprentices
• Risk assessments and important legislation documentation
• Health and Safety of you, the instructor, your students and equipment
• Support in setting up your venue/s

For further details please email us at theteam@passion-fitness.com and visit the website for more details

https://www.polepassion.fitness/foundation-pole-fitness

Greta Pontarelli Age 69, from USA, comes to Belfast UK for World Pole Championships

Greta Pontarelli, Aged 69 next month, from USA, american pole dancer comes to Belfast, Ireland on October 26th and 27th to compete, judge and host master classes.

We are excited to be introducing legendary pole dancer Greta Pontarelli to World Pole Dance for the first time competing under the World Pole Federation 

With 8 world titles under her belt she is set to follow in the footsteps of pole stars and legends of world pole dance such as the amazing champions & her idols Felix Cane and Jenyne Butterfly 

Fear of osteoporosis got Greta Pontarelli up from her desk and onto a pole, but it was pure grit and daily affirmations that, just three years later when she was 62, won her first place in the 2013 Pole Sports World Championship. Since then her elegant, gravity-defying routines have made her an internationally recognised pole legend, so you can imagine our excitement when she agreed to travel to Ireland to compete and judge at world class level for the World Pole Federation.

Pole sport is a relatively new sport only being recognised in 2009 in the beginning by the World Pole Federation, creating a safe and non judgmental artistic platform for individuals to perform for the public for the very first time in Jamaica 

We asked Greta some questions prior to her attending the Championships in Belfast, Ireland, on Saturday October 26th 

Please connect with me on social media.

http://www.facebook.com/gretapontarelli

http://www.instagram.com/aerialzen

http://www.youtube.com/gretapontarelli

 How did you get started in pole ? 

When I was told I had the beginning of Osteoporosis I knew I had to take action because my mother had it severely.  I did some research and learned I needed to do more weight bearing exercise to keep it at bay. I either had to lift weights or lift my body and pole fitness was recommended. I soon took a class and was immediately hooked by the beautiful artistry and how quickly one gets into shape. 

I never expected to compete. However, when I was on American Ninja Warrior and heard the announcer say I was the oldest person to ever attempt the course, I was shocked. It set in motion an epiphany to use the stage as a platform to inspire others to not let age or limitation keep them from passionately going after their dreams.

At what age did you start pole? 

I started pole the beginning of 2010 when I was 59.

Do you have a dance or fitness back ground?

I competed in gymnastics in high school and college and had a number of years of dance and martial arts. However, most of my training occurred between 40 and 50 years ago, so it seems like another lifetime at this point.

What other careers have you had before pole ?

I was a psych major in college. I have had extensive training in the healing arts, physical therapy as well as executive coaching. 

What do your children say about you doing pole on an international level?

My family has been extremely supportive and have empowered me to go after my dreams.

How does your diet and lifestyle change when you are training for a pole competition?

Eating a healthy diet has always been important to me. So nothing changes when I am training more intensely for a performance. My diet is essentially Paleo. I eat organic food, freshly caught fish and free range chicken. I love cheese, so I sometimes include it in my diet as well as a glass of red wine occasionally. I eat very little gluten which keeps my inflammation low and hydrate with plenty of water.

Who do you learn from and where do you get your inspiration from for your performances?

I train at home in my Home Pole Studio. I teach Skype lessons to students there and occasionally connect with artists all over the world. I am empowered by so many people. Numerous philosophers, visionaries and artists have become important catalysts for me. It is by reaching deep within and connecting with inspiring muses that the magic unfolds, bringing not only a piece, but our entire lives to life.

Who and how do you chose your music for your performances?

I come from a musical family so finding the right music to frame a piece is paramount to me. I tend to be moved by music that is or could be a soundtract for a movie. A performance is really a 4-5 minute screenplay. It needs to have contrast, crescendos, moments that frame challenges as well as a victorious climactic ending that is uplifting and moves the audience.

Have you ever danced in exotic dance heels?

I tend to be more acrobatic so heels don't work too well for me. However, I am amazed by what those who do Russian Exotic can do in them.

What do your friends, the same age, think about your hobby and profession?

My friends as so supportive. They think I am a bit of an anomaly to do what I do at my age, but I don't. When you passionately pursue what makes your heart soar you actually feel ageless.

If you could chose one thing to change about your body what would it be ?

I would love to have perfect hips and the fast twitch muscle I had when I was young, so I could tumble and sprint again. After two hip replacements I have gotten stronger on the pole, but without cartilage in my hips I don't have the explosive power needed to tumble.

What one thing would you say to ladies who’ve never tried pole and are nervous to do so ?  

Many people tell me that I have obliterated their excuses for not going after their dreams and it has changed their lives. That touches me immensely because my mission is to hopefully in some small way inspire the life of others.When you find real purpose in your life motivation is no longer an issue. It becomes a powerful alarm clock. We can always find an excuse and fear is a common one. However, I have learned that when we push through our excuses  and crush our fears we find brilliant success.  

Judge and World Class Pole Competitor