Becky's Journey - Stepping outside her comfort zone, empowerment & a new found passion!

My name is Becky, and I started my pole journey in February 2020. I actually had no idea that there was going to be a new Altitude studio opening close to me, and it was a friend of mine who asked me if I would be interested in joining with her. I had heard of Altitude before and initially I said no, as I was very self-conscious about my weight and how my body looked and I literally thought "the last thing people want to see is my fat ass on a pole!" But the more I thought about it, the more I thought, actually, yes I would give it a try.

So, we went in and met up with Michelle and she instantly made me feel welcome. She showed us around the nearly completed studio and talked about what the rooms would be used for and what her visions were for the studio, and it was exciting! I talked about my insecurities and what I was feeling and Michelle made me feel so at ease, so I signed up and left feeling so good I wanted to start right away.

My first class was so much fun. I was a little self-conscious of myself and felt like I looked silly doing my attempt of the routine but I laughed the whole way through. Since that first class I have been hooked. I love coming back every week and noticing my own progress, even from the week before, and seeing myself getting stronger and more confident. Lockdown was a real challenge for me as I had only just started to get the hang of some skills then we had to stop for 5 or so weeks.

The thing I love most about Altitude is the feeling of being free. And the community is just beyond words! You can be yourself and no one judges you. Everyone celebrates your success and cheers you on when you need it. The instructors are an amazing bunch of people and they are the ones who are right behind you and get the most excited when you finally nail that move you've been working on. I've never found a group of people who are more supportive and I have never felt more empowered as a woman.

The most challenging thing I have found with pole is that it's okay to have days where you just don't get it, and to go at your own pace. There is always next time! And practice makes progress. Don’t compare your progress to someone else's and listen to your body!!

Since joining Altitude I have definitely grown as a person. I'm more accepting of myself and I am constantly surprising myself with what my body can do. I am more confident, I can be sexy if I want to be and I can be strong. I also need to remember whilst booty shorts are acceptable in the studio, the public may not appreciate it and I must wear pants when going to or from class!

I am very thankful my friend asked me to sign up with her, I feel like this place has changed my life and there's no place I'd rather be.

Thanks Altitude x