Pole Fitness Offers a Unique Way to Build Core Muscles April 14, 2023 at Studio Invert in St. George, Utah | Photo by Becky Stein, St. George News
st. George — Five years ago, 22-year-old Kiesha Paulus was looking for a fitness program that would get her attention and keep her going.
“I was barely 110 pounds soaking wet,” Paulus said.
After his CrossFit endeavor was short-lived and he quickly got tired of the gym, Paulus took gift lessons at the Southern Utah Pole Dance.
“The pole (fitness) was the only one that caught my attention,” she said. “It’s always changing. When you think you’ve mastered something, there are too many variations to keep you from getting bored.”
Paulus trained and quickly became good friends with instructors and students.
“I had so much fun in my first class that I kept coming back and never stopping,” said Paulus.
Southern Utah Pole Dancing didn’t survive the COVID-19 pandemic, but it didn’t stop instructors and enthusiasts from pursuing their passions. Instructor Michelle Goodrich set up a studio in his garage and continued to hold classes.
The makeshift studio was not conducive to St. George’s scorching summer weather, and an increase in clients required an expansion. In April 2022, Goodrich opened with her sister Alyssa Goodrich and Paulus. studio invert.
The studio now operates as a team of six, including Annie Berry, former owner and instructor of Southern Utah Pole Dance. Together, they tracked down a dingy office space and turned it into their own hands into a bright, inviting and professional Paul His Fitness Studio.
“It’s a dream come true for all of us because we never thought we would be teachers,” said Paulus.
no longer for mischief
Before pole dancing took the strip club industry by storm, pole dancing was a form of dance and entertainment around the world for centuries. Over the past few decades, pole workouts have evolved from an adult entertainment scene slowly detaching from the connotations of naked clothing.
Today, it is sought after for many reasons, including adding sensuality to life, enhancing mental focus, adding relaxation, and complementing additional exercise training while embracing art and beauty. It has become an alternative fitness outlet. Pole fitness involves learning how to perform controlled climbs, inversions, holds, and spins performed on floor-to-ceiling bars. All of this requires patience and tremendous strength building.
If you want to enjoy pole fitness casually, you can start from the beginner class. Beginner pole classes focus on upper body strength and core, learning basic spins and holds, and preparing the skin for the poles, which tend to be sensitive at first.
Fitness enthusiasts don’t need to head to the gym for leg presses because Studio Invert offers strength and stretching options. To do.
All demographics are represented including men who want to work on their core strength and master some pole tricks. In pole fitness you build this strength slowly to maintain your weight at different angles.
next challenge
Now a 27-year-old student-turned-instructor, Paulus has an extra 20 pounds of muscle and is incredibly fit. She was never an athlete and admits to having some awkward days.
“Now I feel strong and powerful,” she said.
Paulus is persistent and not lazy. Her boyfriend Tim Leavitt shares the same drive and resilience. , now an accomplished triathlete. Wanting to spend more time together, Keisha decided to train late last year and join on May 6th. Ironman 70.3 ChampionshipIn St. George.
The Ironman Bike Course is 56 miles long. Her quick Ironman training over the past four months has included hours on a stationary bike rather than outdoor riding due to bad weather and unpredictable drivers on the road.
The swim distance for a triathlon is 1.2 miles and about 40 laps in a standard pool.
“I didn’t know how to swim competitively,” said Paulus. “A month ago I couldn’t swim the full distance.”
She asks fellow swimmers for advice in the pool and completes swimming training every week.
“I fell in love with training,” said Paulus.
When asked how pole fitness gave her an edge during a short Ironman workout, she said:
“I was already in the best shape of my life. Pole fitness can be painful, discouraging and uncomfortable at times. You have to get over your discomfort, you have to push yourself all the time and respect your body at the same time.”
1st anniversary
Paulus’ training culminated on May 6 and she will continue on the triathlon circuit. Meanwhile, Studio Invert will be celebrating her one year anniversary on Saturday, April 29th from 4pm to her 6pm.
Their growing popularity extends beyond studio equipment and space, and they plan to expand by the end of the year. Their intention is to diversify their offerings to include hoops, silks, and bungees. Located at 221 W. 200 S. Suite C, St. George.you can follow them Facebook and Instagram.
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