Fitness Friday | Pole Pressure

Our weekly Fitness Friday has been going strong for a while now - and we're happy to say we can't get enough of the amazing studios and instructors we get a chance to talk to! Today, we're with Schannon Hester, from Pole Pressure! Pole Pressure is a one-of-a-kind workout that focuses on aerial fitness with fun and energetic movements! Ooh la la! Because who wouldn't want to take a little spin on the pole to work those muscles?! To learn more about Pole Pressure visit www.polepressure.com.

1: Tell us a little about yourself!

I'm Schannon Hester, and I've lived in Richmond for six years. After growing up in Kentucky, I moved around a bit and have lived in Chicago, IL; Cambridge, MA; and Ann Arbor, MI. I have an 11 year old son who is just as into fitness as I am! I've been doing pole for about eight years now, and I compete at the international level. I'll be competing in Pole Art Greece in Athens in October.

2: Tell us a little bit about your studio.

Pole Pressure in Richmond is different things to different people. For some people, it's a place to work out and become stronger and more fit. For others, it's a safe space to explore dance movement and build confidence. We support everyone's goals!

3: What inspired your journey/ career in fitness?

I get really bored with traditional gym workouts, and I was looking for *something* that I could do to get in shape when my son was a toddler. I decided to try pole, and I loved the variety that I found in the types of moves and styles, as well as the support of the other students.

4: Name something about your business that most people don’t know.

We have a fairly large and successful competition team. Most people don't know there are pole competitions, but the sport has experienced such a growth in popularity that more and more competitions are springing up.

5: What does the customer get when using your services?

They get dance movement and a workout, as well as opportunities to wear super-high heels if they want, flip upside-down, and learn to lift their own body weight. Best of all they get a built-in support group!

6: Describe a typical day working at your studio. What's the vibe?

It kind of depends on the day and class. Saturdays start off mellow; we tend to roll around on the floor a lot. It's usually a very relaxed vibe. As the day progresses, the intensity level picks up a LOT. The tricks get crazy, and the classes are very athletic. We even have a snack time, since some students are there from 10:30am-2:30pm. Sundays are also very relaxed with a lot of students just stretching as they chat. The weekday classes tend to be energetic since people are coming in after work, and they are looking to unwind from the day.

7: The workout has just finished, where do most of your clients head?

A lot of students head to Brewer's Cafe down the block. We also love Alero Mexican Restaurant since one of our instructors is a co-owner.

8:What is the quote that best describes your studio?

We do all the things.

9: What is the best word that describes your team?

TEAM

10: If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy your space/ team/ members?

I would buy even more poles and mats and then pay for competition fees, costumes, and travel expenses for my team. :)