Victoria's Pole Sport Diary

Not one to dwell too long on my disappointment (see my posts about IPSF and the decision to cancel/postpone the 2020 season), I felt the need to refocus my training efforts. I had already looked into the PSO (Pole Sports Organization) in the past, but hadn't wanted to add pressure to my IPSF preparation timeline with a second competition. The PSO exists mainly in the States and serves as a national competition, complete with a final. In Europe, it is also possible to take part in competitions, but each one is a stand-alone entity. Like the IPSF, there is an age category for me (over 40), which is an important consideration. There were a few competitions in Europe coming up: Lausanne in July, which I felt was a bit soon to be sure that it would be held. Then Lisbon in September and Manchester in October. I went for Manchester, as I know it is an easy journey from Brussels and I wanted to experience a competition in the UK. The next task in the application process is choosing a c...

Well, the inevitable happened and it's taken me 24 hours to come to terms with it enough to write down my thoughts here. IPSF season cancelled. Or postponed? Nobody is sure. I hope postponed, as having to adjust to a new code of points (and requalify for those) would be implied in the case of cancellation. This decision was devastating to those of us who had already been training and planning their year around these key dates. But, with the IPSF wishing to fall in line with the Olympic committee, not to mention the impossible prospect of rescheduling tens of qualifying competitions, it just wasn't possible to go ahead. Additionally, there was a sense of unfairness surrounding the inequality in athletes' preparation conditions. Some are isolated without a pole; some, like me, have been ill and are just getting their strength back, while others may have issues planning their travel. After some consideration, I thought about other competitions that may still be taking plac...

Presently, one third of the world's human population is in confinement - it's an incredible statistic, and a situation that many of us did not see coming until it was upon us. As I hesitate even to write this post, our lives already saturated enough with corona-related news, I feel that it would be omitting a key event not to accord some space here to the elephant in the room. So I decided to let myself vent a little and record some of the frustration I am feeling as well as the questions I am asking, as I am certain we can all currently relate! In Belgium, we are now on day 12 of lockdown. I have not been outside for any of that, as I fell ill with the virus on day 1 (obviously picked up at some point when we were all still going about our lives). This had a stressful impact on my life. For one, I had quit my safe, employed job to focus on developing my pole teaching, coaching and competition preparation. In a time where all pole classes are cancelled until further notice, t...

I've been testing out some first attempts at making home practice tutorials, with the aim of setting up an online service for distance learning. My aim will be to develop a catalogue of videos from absolute beginner level, with enough detail to learn safely at home, with correct technique. I also aim to offer follow up, advice, answer questions etc and will include videos for building strength and flexibility at each level, for a complete approach to building pole skills safely. My first attempts have not been without difficulty. I filmed a mini-workshop this morning that I will have to re-shoot, as the camera was not turned on! Here is a sample tutorial, aimed at a mid to upper intermediate level. The objective of this video is not to teach the individual moves, but to teach a combination of figures, with a few pointers on maintaining correct technique. Post your comments and questions below. This is a strength combo that will give your split grip a good workout! I hope ...

In early 2019, I discovered the IPSF. This was a huge event in my pole journey, and one that has helped me to focus and develop my own practice. The IPSF is a highly structured organisation (which suits me down to the ground :-)), that has already encouraged federations to be opened in 30-40 countries worldwide. Their aim is to bring Pole Sports to the Olympics, and it is not an empty goal; they are actively working towards this aim and taking the appropriate steps, one by one. Pole Sports within the International Pole Sports Federation, adheres to a 150-page code of points, for which I have already passed an exam to attest to my knowledge. Competition participants must demonstrate strength, flexibility and the ability to perform spins on both the static and spinning pole. The rules provide a structure to preparing for a competiton and an important point of reference; on the other hand the realisation of a competition routine can be tricky when trying to adhere to all the rules! This...

When I began teaching pole classes back in September 2019, I had a couple of teacher training sessions at one of the studios where I teach. This was valuable in giving me the confidence to plan my first sessions, but I decided that I also wanted to persue an official qualification to teach this sport (even though there is no obligation in Belgium). I turned to Spin City Pole Fitness, a company that I knew and trusted from their Pole Bible and online presence. I chose to begin with the Pole Fitness Beginner's Level course, which took me 6 months to complete in total, allowing for flexibility during busy times and more intense study during quieter moments. Completing this training provided me the validity I was looking for, but also sparked a whole lot more! The more I learnt about effective warming up, for example, the more I sought to discover. I discussed with students of my classes who work in the medical domain, including physiotherapy, who were able to answer my questions...

Belgium is on lockdown and in order to lighten the mood, I filmed a warm-up video with my daughter. Feel free to follow along to prepare for a home pole session, or just to get active indoors. Enjoy!