Galentines Spotlight: Carmen & Leanne
Welcome to our ‘Gym Besties’ series where we’re shining a spotlight on the amazing friendships we’ve seen blooming among our members in celebration of Galentine’s Day
How did you become friends?
We met in high school and have been friends for 14 years. We started ALT together exactly two years ago when we decided during our annual “new year, new us” discussion that it was time to find ourselves a new hobby. After a disastrous attempt at roller skating, thankfully Carmen found ALT’s beginner hoop course online and 2 years later we’re still loving it here!
What ways has training at ALT has improved your friendship?
Our time at ALT has really brought us even closer together as friends. We attend classes multiple times a week so it has become a big part of our lives and being able to share the experience with each other is really special. We know each others strengths, weaknesses, favourite and least favourite moves. We discuss our goals and are always supporting each other. We celebrate each others achievements as much as our own, and that has been a really wonderful bonding experience.
What benefits have you seen from training at ALT?
Since joining ALT, our bodies feel stronger but more importantly, it’s boosted our confidence. We’ve started to believe in ourselves more - we might not succeed at a new hoop or pole move the first time but we trust that through practice, we’ll manage it one day! We also feel the benefits in other activities outside of ALT. We used to go to a conventional gym together but never in those years did we have the guts to step into the free weights section. We’ve loved going to Bootcamp and Strong AF classes the past year and we’re now more comfortable using the different weights and equipment - no feeling intimidated, just a safe place to train in.
What's your favourite thing about ALT?
The gym is always full of positive energy - everyone is super friendly and we all encourage and cheer for one another. We love being part of this little community. And of course, Caitlin and Monica have been such a big part of our aerial journey and are probably the reason why we enjoy it so much - we are truly thankful for them!
What would you say to someone thinking about trying Aerial/ Pole/ ALT?
Carmen says: As someone who never associated themselves with being “strong” or “flexible” in any shape or form, I was so surprised at what my body could achieve through practice, and so proud of how far we’ve come. I still remember on our first day, the struggle (and pain!) of pulling myself up to sit on the hoop, little did I know we’d be able to straddle in a few weeks time. You’d be amazed at how quickly your body can learn and adapt, and I can’t imagine a better place to have started this journey in.
Leanne says: Pick one of the many classes that ALT offers and just go for it! You will start building up strength and confidence and soon you’ll be desperate to try all the other wonderful classes! When we first started hoop, we never imagined ourselves doing pole one day and 2 years later we’ve just completed the 4 week beginners course! Between all of the classes, workshops and ALT adventure days offered, there’s always going to be new challenges available and it’s such a rewarding journey to be on.
Anything else you want to add? Favourite thing to do together, etc.
Carmen says: Our favourite ALT memory has to be our private lesson with Monica last November. Monica was extremely thoughtful and had put together a new sequence for us, incorporating moves we like and even learnt a new move to teach us. At the end, we managed to get a video with the both of us surpringly in sync - it was such a lovely, wholesome day.
Leeanne says: Another highlight has to be the doubles hoop class we did during workshop week last year. It was particularly funny when Carmen decided to use my leg as a means to push herself up and the instructor Kerri shouting “stop, you’ll break her leg”. I walked away with no broken limbs and it was a really fun experience.