What it’s Like
by Annette Largo
People always ask, “What is it like?” “It’s like dancing in the dark where you are overcome by passion, strength, empowerment, sweat, courage, devotion, and most of all self acceptance.” Together they create a perfect recipe for what I like to call a dancer’s high and only until you have danced to the beat of your own drum, can you explain the feeling.My journey began almost a 1 ½ ago when I decided to take a class. Coming to this decision was easy since I grew up with a passion for music and dance but to be honest, it took me 8 months to print out my free intro coupon before I actually walked in the door. It was about finding the right time emotionally and physically to begin something I knew would have an effect on my life. I just didn’t realize how much of an effect Unveiled Fitness would have, thus I began my journey with Kelly Wensley on a warm fall night in September.
For years I suffered from depression and although I did try medications none of them really helped, they just made me feel crazy more than anything. That very fateful night opened my eyes to the perfect outlet for my manic mind and yet I never knew my solution was only a couple miles away.
From the first night I knew I was hooked, between the 45 minute ball busting workout (and here I thought I was in shape) and pole work I knew my body was going to be sore the next day, little did I know I was sore for a whole week! As the weeks, months, and year went on it became apparent that Unveiled Fitness wasn’t just a place to get in shape but a place of safety, empowerment, and passion for the everyday woman to find refuge and flourish.
Over the course of 3 months I began to see changes within my body that I never knew were possible, running became easier and I was developing muscles in places I never knew existed. Not to mention my ever so broad/bulky shoulders getting a sexy makeover! All the teachers have such a personal place in my heart and I consider all of the girls at the studio my family. One thing I can say is I have never been to a dance studio so warm and welcoming. Still to this day, when someone walks in you are always greeted by the beautiful smiles of the girls in the hallway.
There really are not enough words in the dictionary to describe how the teachers and students have helped me come into my own. Something I felt like I was searching for but never could find. I have finally found balance with my depression and no longer have to think about taking any medication, just my regular dose of pole therapy.
I honestly believe that pole fitness has taught me to be patient, kind and accepting of the things I cannot change. While things that I can change take time and require the same amount of hard work and diligence pole fitness does. Every time I prepare to get on the pole, I hear the Kristin Mason Frederick’s voice saying “respect the pole” and I am reminded that no matter how many times you have done the same trick, something can always go wrong, I have since translated this saying into my everyday life to remind me how to deal with issues.
Although it feels like an eternity has gone by at the studio I still find myself getting butterflies of excitement in my stomach when I enter class knowing all the fun and challenging things ahead of me. I want to thank every single teacher and classmate for all the joy, laughter and love you have brought me, and never in a million years did I think I could be as strong and comfortable with myself as I am today. Knowing I have a safe haven to call home is worth more than I can say and I am excited for our journey to continue.
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Diane Carrillo
Woman in the Mirror
Flipping Empowerment, strength, determination, confidence, challenges, and sensuality is what I strive for everyday in my life. Without these abilities I feel off balanced and Unveiled Fitness was the final link I needed for my physical and emotional fitness.
I didn’t always feel like this, there was a time in my life that I reached a deep low and didn’t know how I got there and had no idea how to get out. Here I was in my early 30’s and I was competing in horse shows, and instructed horseback lessons to kids. Hated to take pictures, and felt so sad that my horse looked so collected and elegant and I looked so heavy and unhealthy. With poor eating habits and lack of exercise my metabolism was non-existent and at 5’0” weighing at 220 (click here to view before picture), I was in a downward spiral. I was feeling the pressure on my knees from all the weight I was carrying, it was a warning sign that I need a big change in my life otherwise health issues were on their way. READ MORE
People always ask, “What is it like?” “It’s like dancing in the dark where you are overcome by passion, strength, empowerment, sweat, courage, devotion, and most of all self acceptance.” Together they create a perfect recipe for what I like to call a dancer’s high and only until you have danced to the beat of your own drum, can you explain the feeling.My journey began almost a 1 ½ ago when I decided to take a class. Coming to this decision was easy since I grew up with a passion for music and dance but to be honest, it took me 8 months to print out my free intro coupon before I actually walked in the door. It was about finding the right time emotionally and physically to begin something I knew would have an effect on my life. I just didn’t realize how much of an effect Unveiled Fitness would have, thus I began my journey with Kelly Wensley on a warm fall night in September.
For years I suffered from depression and although I did try medications none of them really helped, they just made me feel crazy more than anything. That very fateful night opened my eyes to the perfect outlet for my manic mind and yet I never knew my solution was only a couple miles away.