August 2012: Salem

My name is Salem. I have been a member of B.I.M. for 6 months. I am a runner and have spent countless hours on the trail and in the gym lifting weights but prior to joining the B.I.M. family, I found that I had reached a plateau. I have tried many fitness classes but never dreamed that pole fitness would become part of my cross training and entered my first class thinking it would be nothing more than a good time that I would do once or twice, get a giggle out of it, and then walk away. However, I was wrong, I had never experienced such a full-body workout before and became immediately addicted. Pole fitness provides me the toning and core strengthening that I was not finding in any other fitness routine. Since starting pole fitness I have gain strength and toning beyond what I believe was possible. Additionally, I have lost inches and lost time off of my minutes per mile due to the core workout of pole. I describe pole fitness as the ultimate full-body workout because it incorporates the disciplines of gymnastics, Pilates, ballet, and yoga. Unlike the gym environment, B.I.M. does not have any “divas” and the members do not compete against each other. Everyone is very accepting and you have members of all fitness levels working side-by-side, helping each other, and genuinely excited with one another’s achievements. B.I.M. has shown me that size and age do not matter and B.I.M. has taught me to be comfortable in my own skin. I thank my instructors and class members for that gift. Additionally, I think it is important to mention that Shannon takes the time to know her members. The first time she addressed me by name I was so impressed. Few business owners make such an effort, but despite the number of people she may have coming through her door, we are all important and special enough to her that she takes the time to know each one. Thank you Shannon, my instructors, and class mates for this wonderful chapter in my life and I am so glad I found each of you.