Lots of Exposure with Pole Fitness!

Well, my life has taken an unusual turn since we returned from Las Vegas and the Pole Expo 2015 at the Hard Rock Hotel:
X-Pole sent me my own personal pole which we have installed in the foyer which is under going renovations;

• I have enrolled in a 2 hour fitness class every Monday morning 9:15 -11:15 AM. ;
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   It is at the Pole Sisters Studio in Qualicum Beach which is a beautiful half hour drive from my house in Nanoose.
  
   
• I've been in a photo shoot for a Calendar covering all of the Pole Fitness Studios on Vancouver Island and the picture above will be included;   They are a lovely bunch of energetic strong women led by great instuctors.

(Fawnia and me with instuctors Sandra Pomponio and Daniella McGrath Beyer)

• My Niece Fawnia came to visit with her girlfriend/partner Kathy. Fawnia and I did a photo shoot at the Pole Sisters Studio .
• The local Paper, Parksville Qualicum News, sent a reporter to Pole Sisters Studio and filmed and did an interview which resulted in a huge spread on the front page with this Headline:

  The 'Gretzky' of pole dancing visits Qualicum

• CTV sent a film crew to interview on Monday and Wednesday Dec. 2nd I was featured as the MVP for Island athletes on both the 5 and 6 PM News.  You have to check out the link by clicking on the highlighted words (ie 5 and 6 PM News) above.  Boy they really did a nice job of that with background research.  I never mentioned the Basketball stuff.  

I'm happy with the strength, flexibility and new skills that I've been gaining.  I can feel I'm stronger when I play Volleyball on Thursdays.  I'm not really excited about the pole kisses (the endearing term for ugly bruising that occur when learning new skills) though the studio lets us compete for the worst one which will win chocolate.  So that's not all bad!

The people I've met are great- young, full of energy and humour; the music is motivating; and the drive through Qualicum Beach is so beautiful and relaxing. Last session I climbed to the top of the pole.  Each week I set a new goal.

I've received mostly positive responses from people.  My husband is so proud he has tears come to his eyes.  My neighbour wants to come and join me in the classes as soon as her schedule allows. One of my Nanaimo Volleyball teammates wants to start taking classes too.  But some people roll their eyes or think they've misheard when I tell them what I'm doing.  Not that it matters.

It's good for women who have reached level 70 to feel strong and sexy.  And that is why I have had Boudoir Photos taken for my husband's Christmas Present.  Here are a couple...there are more but not for everyone!

I'm still renovating...today I finished the Laundry room...dry-walling and painting.  My 6000 piece jigsaw is nearing completion.  I'll hang it in the Foyer in my new Pole Studio!

Busy and happy.  Life is Good.

Pole Fitness...Is it for Seniors too?

The reason I chose to write this blog was to share my experiences as a senior athlete...the joys, the challenges, the adventures.

I now go with my husband, Poul, to Las Vegas to Pole Expo 2015.  I intend to show that strong and sexy comes in all ages and sizes!

Tuesday Sept. 8th:  Today's party is out of this world.  Constant snacks and drinks from Nanaimo to Vancouver to San Francisco to Las Vegas, First Class all the way.  Even the delay which leaves us on the tarmac while there is a medical evacuation doesn't dampen our spirits.

Relaxing at Hard Rock Hotel

We were advised to take a taxi to the Hard Rock Hotel, but a two block line-up for cabs quickly diverts us to gate 4 where a shuttle has us at our destination in 10 minutes.
Winding through the inevitable one-armed bandits, we find an exclusive tower and the elevator to our Supreme King Suite, our home away from home for the next 5 days.  Too tired to find the gym, we soak in the huge tub and enjoy some music from the 60's

Nirvana Pool

Wednesday Sept. 9th: Breakfast at Lucky's...delicious; hanging out at the Nirvana pool...refreshing and entertaining.  The Hard Rock Hotel is completely sold out due to the Pole Expo which is owned and organized by my niece, Fawnia Mondey

Fawnia...CEO of PoleExpo

.  We meet my brother-in-law's nephew, Eric, his wife, Nikki, and with friends, help Fawnia unload a truck of Expo materials.  35 Steaks is our choice for dinner and the Steak & Lobster special is the best...and most pricy meal ever.


Thursday Sept. 10th: Things are crazy at set-up.  People are already showing up to register...two hours early...wanting to miss the rush as 2000 participants will be arriving.  In the Muse Hall a crew is setting up all the booths and large cranes set up a stage with several poles.  In the Artist's Hall and in all the class work areas Pole Crews are assembling 12 poles in each area.  There are 70 volunteers helping Fawnia at various tasks.

Areti Papadopoulou

There are 50 Vendor tables.  Areti Papadopoulou, designer and founder of Paradise Chick sportswear came from Greece








where, "every town has pole fitness classes".  Tired of regular classes, the middle-aged women are adding this exciting new work-out which has sensual benefits in their marriages", she shares.
So, as these Cougars become Sexy Seniors, will pole workouts be the healthy option at the Rec Center for the golden aged?
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Andrea Harper

Next I spot Andrea Harper who shares my vertical proclivity.  Granted she is only 30 but claims that being a big-framed woman gives more muscle potential.  She teaches Pole Fitness classes at her Ottawa studio, Cherry Blossom.  Though the average participant appears to be a 32 year old 5'5" woman, there are some pushing 65, some are men, and some are strutting over 200  lbs. with confidence and grace.  Pole Fitness appears to be for everybody...tall, short, gay straight,male female, young and not so young!!!

Judges for Pole Expo 2015

At the Pole Expo Competition we shove through a boisterous energetic crowd to front and center..the first two rows are reserved for Media.  We sit beside Robert Yun of F.I.L.E.S News

Fawnia running Pole Expo 2015

from Vancouver who is writing about lifestyles of the Pole Fitness athletes.

I interview competition judge and masters champion, Greta Pontarelli who took up Pole as she was turning 60.

 Now at almost 65 she travels the world competing.

The performances of athletes from all continents are so impressive.  The gymnastic ability of floor routine, the strength of iron men/women, the drama of actors, the grace of jazz dancers with costumes made specifically for this sport.  For competition results check their website:  www.poleexpo.com

Friday Sept. 11th.Shelly-Ann, originally from Jamaica,, teaches at Boston Pole Fitness and says her flexibility, poise and confidence transfers to her everyday life...she's a school counselor with a Masters in Psychology." In Europe AquaPole is becoming popular with seniors", says Shelly

Shelly-Ann from Boston Pole Fitness

Jimmy Blue

Jimmy Blue, Pole Expo former over-all winner, highly recommends Pole for senior fitness because it reaches areas not addressed by common gym workouts: core strength while focusing on flexibility and grace.


From Kristie at Yogabela, I buy a rockin' outfit and check at registration for a beginner workshop.  Since all classes are filled up for the whole expo, I head to my room to listen to my audiobook.

Poul meanwhile arranges a private class for me with Greta Pontarelli. He's such a sweetie!

Fawnia filmed a few seconds of me on the pole which you can find at this link: (She put it on instagram and Facebook...wish I didn't look so .....70ish!)

http://www.poleexpo.com/#index-2  

Pole Fitness is HARD!  I consider myself to have good upper body strength, but after an hour of hanging on for dear life and dragging up 185 lbs. while my bruised feet struggle to point toes, I know I will be sore tomorrow.  Greta graciously says I learn quickly and moves from one stunt to the next.  She show me stretches which will soon allow me to do the splits and handsprings.  She wants me to combine stretches with graceful arm gestures to create a dance routine...like I know how to move my arms gracefully!?!  An hour is a long time unless it's a fun game and my muscles tend to cramp if over exerted when they haven't been used recently.  The hot bath later is amazing...probably should have been icing.

Poul is talking about installing a pole from X-POLE in our house...foyer or living room?  hmmm

A friend, Shannon Mayer,an urban fantasy author with a string of best selling novels, has invited me to her Pole Fitness classes in nearby Qualicum Beach at Pole Sisters Studio where her instructor and the studio owner is Sandra Pomponio.  Who knew there were Pole Fitness classes here in Oceanside?  Pole Fitness must be everywhere.

THANK YOU FAWNIA FOR MAKING THIS OPPORTUNITY POSSIBLE!
Fawnia, my sister's daughter, is the first Pole Fitness teacher and is the Pioneer  responsible for this fitness movement. She also owns  PoleFitnessStudio.com which certifies Instructors . She has hosted the annual Pole Expo in Las Vegas since it's creation in 2011.

70 is the new 50

Poul knew that I wanted to throw a big 70th birthday party to

celebrate the completion of our Renovation..now fondly know as the Reconstruction.,  But the walls are still out, the kitchen is missing and we are basically living in the cottage behind our house, only returning to work in my office or sleep.  There is a 6000 piece jigsaw racing the reno for completion.

But rather than nag to keep the projects on schedule, and make us both miserable, I have changed my attitude and will live like this as long as it takes.  As long as it is moving forward, the pace is irrelevant and I am confident that I will be happy with the house when we are done.  Next blog I will write about the many skills I've learned as a result of doing it ourselves.  But now I want to tell you about my 70th Birthday Party.  But first...

 

Stacy and Justin

 The Christmas trip to Victoria followed closely on the heels of our  Florida/Western Caribbean trip ( arranged to coincide with a Basketball Tournament in Ft. Myer where we won Gold in the 55+ division);
a trip to Vancouver to spend Christmas Eve with Stacy's family (Poul's daughter);

Syren, Cori, Talis, Me and Des

Mark, Me, Sandi and Ethan

Christmas Day with my daughter Cori and her kids, Syren (13) and Talis (12);

and on Boxing Day, my other daughter, Sandi, held an Open House in Victoria with Mark and son, Ethan (4).

Poul said we should take it easy, get a hotel suite, stay in Victoria st Helms Inn so I could visit my sister, Barbara and we could go out to dinner with our good friends, George and Cheryl.
 Whatever!  By this time I was pretty spaced out, responding to Cheryl's email that "we could get all dressed up for dinner at my
favorite restaurant on the water" by dropping in at the Bay where I had my pick of nice dresses...Boxing Week Sales!

SURPRISE!

The Glo Restaurant was indeed beautiful and festive with live music playing and Christmas lights galore.  I saw a big table with everyone busy with their backs to us and then they all turned and yelled Surprise.  Here are pictures from the evening.

If you were there, thanks for the cards, the gifts and making the journey to create such a special evening.  I love each of you for different reasons.

Stew, Gloria, Hugh, Me, Beth Sherry and Dianne

Usually people don't get to see 50 friends from their past gathered like that until they pass away...and then what do they see????   It will always be one of my favorite memories...and how you could have all kept the secret!  Even 4 year old Ethan who said "I wasn't supposed to tell."

Special thanks to Poul for organizing, the conspiracy facebook crew for spreading the word and to  Sandi who provided the cake.

Arlene, Caroline, Me, Janine
Loraine,Karen & Jack (coach)

There were teacher collegues, former basketball teammates, students, family and neighbours.

Brother Len , Sue, Me, nephew David, Mike and sister Barbara
with my best friend Arlene.

Some friends I hadn't seen for many years while others I see often.




The food consisted of gourmet appetizers and we ate

Neighbours Joe & Mary, Me,
Merv & Bev,Mark's parents

500 of them!

Hans, Me and Marcella (Teachers)

There was lots to drink and a delicious cake... though leaning over the cake I got icing all over my boobs trying to blow out the last pesky candle.

blowing out the candles

If there are more pictures which I should include, please send them to me.  Fine Memories.

Christie, Me, my kids Bill & Sandi and Rachel
Christie and Rachel I coached in high school.

Monica, Me, Justin & Stacy

CAN I HAVE THIS DANCE
FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE?

Me with George and Cheryl...innocent dinner at Cheryl's favorite place
upper right Megan (Cheryl & George's daughter)
lower left Stewart & Dianne