Mark Bush
October 19, 2017 10:31
Wow. This was a complete and absolute blast. I took an intro class with Cedric A. and he was so energetic and motivating. We did a warm up, followed by some stretches, and then we got comfortable with ourselves and our handy dandy pole. We did some choreographed stuff, starting simply, then adding to it, kinda like that game "Simon" where you have to remember the ever-growing sequence. I forgot at one point, but Cedric was right there with the class so it was easy to pick up and continue. Cedric made me feel completely comfortable and engaged during his instruction, and the way he explained everything was really easy for me to follow. I'm not the most coordinated person on earth, so seeing him perform what we're about to do, then breaking it down, and then repeating it step by step while explaining what to do and where to hold was as easy as 1-2-3! I thought I'd be a pro in no time flat... LOL WRONG NOPE NOT EVEN.
Apparently there's like four or five levels of this stuff at Prowess. Intro was hard... and I lift, bro... Daily. No, this is an entirely new concept of workout. Lots of static holds, which are great for strength training, but instead of remaining stationary, your body is twirling around with this elegant grace. It's really a lot of fun. I liked it so much, I took several more lessons from the studio owner, Lindsay. She is the sweetest instructor I've ever met. I've done martial arts for six years, soccer, basketball, swimming... Lindsay and her instructors are teaching something unlike anything most people have ever done, and they do it with such a simple, fun approach. You progress so fast with how they teach you to do things, and your muscles become conditioned for the movements and with enough practice, you go from this awkward lump to this graceful body artist (well, not me yet, I need more practice!)
I came in one day for open pole to practice what I had learned and there was a level 3 class going on. WOW. I'm a pretty strong dude, but there's no way I can do what those ladies were doing in there (yet). Upside down stuff. Holding themselves up with a leg stuff. I saw two people doing something on the same pole, like, together, like a formation, and my jaw just hit the floor. And that was just level 3! And they were all having a blast, laughing and stuff, seriously this place is like a second home to some of them, you can tell. It's just a crazy warm, loving vibe when you're around everyone, they're like family.
They teach other stuff, too. Lyra, Silks, Chains, Stretching (being 'bendy' is just as important as being strong and conditioned!) and Choreography... Speaking of choreography, the students of Prowess put on a crazy cool performance every two months called "Cirque Saturday". WOW. Even if you're not a student, fantastic to watch. I literally couldn't even with the amazingness. I've gone to like four or five already, I'm seriously hooked! Some of the upper-level students even remember who I am now (Hi Kelsey! Hi Emily!).
If you've been looking for something new and exciting, challenging and fun, and don't want to drag yourself to a gym to deal with "Bros" and "personal trainers" that don't know anything at all, not enough spots to get your workout done in a timely manner, etc... then go to Prowess! If you're serious about training, take the classes and you'll be hooked, breaking a sweat, smiling and laughing and going home sore AF. Totally worth every second! Thank you Prowess Pole Fitness, Cedric, and Lindsay!!!!