Pole Fitness

A few years ago my daughter who lives in Japan raved about a new fitness regime she was doing - Pole Fitness. It sounded like fun so being a believer of "age is no a barrier" and "nothing ventured, nothing gained"

I "googled" Pole Fitness and found Pole Fitness New Zealand run by Casey Green. When I told my husband that I had booked into a Pole Fitness class he was a little perturbed and insisted on dropping me off at the venue to evaluate its respectability. I did try to point out that I was quite capable of judging for myself and that more importantly the rules were that no men allowed and he was, after all, a man!! Luckily we were early and I was the first person to arrive. He introduced himself to Casey and was so impressed with her professionalism and presentation that all his preconceptions of Pole Fitness vanished. He said his goodbyes and left without too much prompting - much to my relief!

I remember my first class. The simple pole jump - Casey lithely launched herself up the pole and then slid down gracefully. All I seemed to do was jump up and knocking my knees in the process, cling desperately to the pole and slide down with no finesse or grace - think Bridget Jones! This was followed by the Firemen's swing, a goddess swing and few other moves. I had never worked up so much sweat seemingly doing so little.

I finished the class on a high, all energised and enthused - until I wokeup the next morning and could not lift my arms!! And we won't mention the bruised knees - thank God for opaque pantyhose! But it was a lot of fun and I was hooked.I also remember my first head stand and upside down move - it was convinced I'd never be able to manage it. But with Casey's encouragement I soon nailed it. What a feeling of accomplishment! Although finesse and grace were still absent!

Like most forms of exercise as your fitness levels improve the muscles adapt - in fact I remember one day lifting my arms and thinking "oh my forearm looks funny, there is a bump" followed by shock and amusement as I realised that "OMG I've got muscles on my forearms!!"

My stomach muscles and leg muscles have also toned up and strengthened. Pole Fitness has also helped me with my dancing - I started learning Le Bop Modern Jive late in life. As my body has toned up so has my form and style while I dance. I try to go to a Pole class every weekend - and would go more often if I could fit it in. - Jane

"I have been coming to pole fitness classes for a year and love it! The classes are relaxed and fun to do, whilst also giving you a great workout. Casey is friendly and makes you feel comfortable straight away. She also modifies moves based on your ability so that you are able to work to your own level rather than feeling left behind, which can happen in other exercise classes. The difference pole fitness has made to my body and overall strength is amazing." – Katherine

"I was hooked after one class. It's great exercise and Casey is a fantastic teacher. Pole Fitness is the highlight of my week. I've never had more fun working out!" – Stephanie

"It only takes one class to become an addict. The most fun I've ever had doing exercise. Never before at the end of any work out have I thought wow I wish I could do this all day. Casey is fantastic at providing a comfortable environment and instructions so that even the most coordination challenged (myself) can follow. A fun class that you can stick too with fantastic results" - Janelle

Body Beautiful

As a dancer of Le Bop Modern Jive, and as I was already doing Casey's Pole Fitness class, the Body Beautiful class appealed to me immensely. I was already looking at ways to increase my flexibility, balance and to tone up more. Body Beautiful incorporates all of that. During class you determine how far and hard you want to push yourself - listening to your body.

At times the muscles protest as you go through the different exercises - then comes the gentle stretch-out - ahhh! Relief is glorious. Did I mention that my aim is to be able to do the splits before the end of this year? I have never in my entire life been able to do the splits so it is an ambitious goal to say the least - especially once you are over 50yrs!! But if you don't give things a try you'll never know how far you can go! - Jane

"I have been attending Casey's Body Beautiful classes from the beginning and it's fair to say I'm addicted. Within a few weeks of starting them I noticed the change in my muscle tone and flexibility. As a training Osteopath it is important I maintain and improve my muscle strength to make my work easier on myself and more effective for the patient.

I look forward to the classes each week. Casey adapts the classes to suit our individual abilities and circumstances. The classes are heaps of fun and effective. I would recommend the classes to anyone, it is a fun class to incorporate into any level of fitness" – Sarah

"I was a ballerina when I was younger. I danced for 15 years. It was my thing. But I said goodbye to it when other things like boyfriends, university studies and overseas travel came along. Then it was marriage and babies and now, would you believe I have a teenager.

I have always kept fit and have done every kind of exercise ever invented from jazzercise in the 80's, Thai Bo, Bikram yoga to boot camp most recently. But when I tried Casey Green's Body Beautiful class a month or so ago I was hooked. I realise how much I had missed my ballet – and how good it was to be back at the barre! The grand battements and demi plies don't look quite as good as they did as a teenager but it is so much fun – and so good for me" – Belinda