Celebrating Mums At Altitude - Part 3

Welcome to part three of our 3-part series celebrating some of the amazing Mums at our studios by sharing their amazing & inspirational journeys with you ♥

Today, we've spoken with Sarah, Brittany Rose and Aimee about their journeys as Mums at Altitude..

Sarah initially started pole dancing while looking for a new, exciting hobby. She enjoys the challenge and the chance to meet new people, and even though some of the moves are tough, she is determined to nail them eventually!

So Sarah, were there any hesitations or doubts holding you back initially, especially with having family commitments, and what helped you push past any barriers to give it a go?

I was initially worried about whether I would have time, but I decided to commit and make time it work. I was excited stepping into the studio for the first time! Everyone was friendly, and I absolutely loved the first class. I was already looking forward to the next ♥

Balancing motherhood with your own hobbies can be a challenge. How do you manage to fit in your pole or aerial sessions amidst all the chaos?

Making the 2 classes per week a priority. It's only 2 hours out of a whole week...

Do you have any advice you would give to other Mums starting out at Altitude?

Enjoy the process and prioritize this time, as any type of self care/ fitness is "you" time. Get it!

Brittany Rose's inspirational story started as a new Mum, looking for a way to connect with her body again. Since starting, she made the incredibly brave move to perform a poem and pole routine in her very first showcase. She enjoys being part of a community of nonjudgemental, inclusive and supportive badasses!

So Brittany Rose, what inspired you to try pole dancing or aerial fitness?

A desire to have my body be my own. I started two months post partum, despite pretty traumatic injuries, and really found myself at home in my skin slinking around on the floor. Leaving baby at home was so hard, but while I was on maternity leave I attended day time classes and brought the infant to classes with me to babble on a yoga mat while I learned to flow.

And what kind of challenges have you faced?

Managing flashbacks to birth trauma in classes. The pain from a birthing injury triggered memories of the medical emergency. I had an instructor who understood this context and never made a big deal about me having a panic attack in the corner. I felt safe at Altitude, and this helped me to process the trauma and find my own sense of safety in my skin.

Balancing motherhood with your own hobbies can be a challenge. How do you manage to fit in your pole or aerial sessions amidst all the chaos?

I remind myself that I am worth having my own hobbies! Pole is central to my self-care, it's social connection and creative expression ♥

Aimee started aerial fitness as a in 2020. She overcame her shy nature by joining with a friend, and during her journey her confidence has grown so much that as of 2023 she is now one of our amazing instructors!

So Aimee, what was it like stepping into the studio for the first time, and what made you want to keep coming back for more?

I always wanted to do silks so when a friend suggested we try Altitude together I jumped at the opportunity! I was too shy to go alone. I felt very self conscious, shy, meeting new people was very scary for me!!! I found the studio very welcoming, and having a friend attend the first few classes with me really helped ♥ 

My father sadly passed away a month after I joined so I threw myself into training that year, the hour I spent in a class was an hour away from the grief. That first 18 months of classes saved me and my sanity.

Balancing motherhood with your own hobbies can be a challenge. How do you manage to fit in your pole or aerial sessions amidst all the chaos?

I think it’s important as a busy mum to make sure I set aside time for myself and that time for myself is aerial training. It’s become routine now so my kids have adapted and know what to expect - “Mum is at a hoop class tonight” 

Do you have any advice you would give to other Mums starting out at Altitude?

You absolutely deserve those few hours a week to yourself doing something that is good for you not just physically but mentally as well!! Start with two classes a week and commit to showing up every time!