My Unforeseen Path to Recovery & Self-Discovery

You may not know this about me, but the barbell used to be my best friend, the weights my constant companions. Crossfit was my world, a crucible where I pushed myself to the limit, reveled in the burn, and celebrated the ever-growing strength I forged. Then, like a rogue box jump gone wrong, life threw me a curveball – two, in fact. Back surgery, followed by neck surgery, sidelined me, leaving me staring at the ceiling, the familiar ache of muscles unused settling in.

Six months of recovery felt like an eternity. Frustration gnawed at me, the lack of movement a foreign feeling. As the scars healed, so did my determination. My surgeon, physical therapist and husband cringed at the idea of me going back to my Crossfit box. I craved a new challenge, a different kind of sweat, a journey that pushed me beyond the weight room. That's how I found myself standing outside the brand new Vertical Pole Studio in Fort Walton Beach, heart pounding a different rhythm than the one set by CrossFit WODs.

As the owner of Red Umbrella Boudoir Studio, I'm all about empowering women to embrace their sensuality and inner goddess. But my expertise are excited affirmations and soft lighting, my comfort zone barbels, box jumps and push-ups not gravity-defying inversions and pole climbs.

Stepping into that studio was like entering a new dimension. Sensual music filled the air, bodies moved with an elegance. The friendly staff and beautiful space quickly melted my intimidation away. In its place was a spark of excitement. I realized this wasn't about replicating someone else's moves; it was about discovering my own.

The first class I signed up for was a flexibility class. I expected a yoga class with a mat and a block. Instead I was met with a mat and a new entity dangled from the ceiling – a swathe of vibrant fabric called a sling. I was definitely intrigued! The challenge of the unknown humming like a tuning fork.

My first tentative touch met with gentle resistance, the fabric soft but firm. My initial awkwardness melted away as Alaina, one of the owners at Vertical Pole Studio guided us through the sling's flexibility secrets. It became a partner, guiding us into poses we wouldn't have dreamed of achieving on the ground. My body, used to the solid floor, grappled with the aerial world, muscles engaging in new ways to find balance and strength.

I immediately set up a photoshoot at the studio, because I am also a passionate photographer who strive to capture bauty and strenght! Over the next couple of weeks I’ll share not only my journey with you, but also some of the photos from our magical shoot.

I am, only a few days into this new journey, trading barbells for glitter, calluses for confidence. Let me tell you, this CrossFitter-turned-dancer is loving every minute of it. It's a different kind of sweat, a different kind of burn, but the feeling of accomplishment remains the same. Who knows, maybe someday, I'll find a way to combine the two, creating a fitness fusion that's as unique as my newfound passion for sensual movement.