My Return Back to Pole & Aerial After Surgery
As the owner of Rising Goddess Fitness, I’ve had the privilege of guiding many of you through your own journeys of strength and self-discovery. This past April, I began a journey of my own. After undergoing a total hysterectomy, I was eager to return to the activities I love, but recovery took longer than anticipated. Six months later, I was finally cleared to get back to pole and aerial—a moment that reignited my passion and reminded me of the beauty, and the challenge, of restarting.
Although I’ve been practicing pole and aerial for 17 years, at 45, I find myself continually rediscovering what it means to start over. This practice, which has been such a constant in my life, has shown me that we’re all beginners in some way, no matter how many years we’ve been at it.
Returning to movement hasn’t just been a physical journey; it’s been a mental and emotional one too. And I know that some of you—those who might have been away from our studio for a while—may feel the same apprehension and vulnerability about coming back.
But if this experience has taught me anything, it’s that restarting, though it may feel like the hardest step, is also one of the most transformative.
The Power of Rediscovery
When you’ve been away from something you love—whether due to life changes, health, or other reasons—returning can feel daunting. I remember being in the studio many times during my recovery, but the first time I was actually cleared to move was different. That day, I walked in feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. It felt like coming home, but with new eyes, and in many ways, a new body. I wasn’t sure what to expect—how much strength I’d have, what moves I’d still be able to do, or if I’d feel like a beginner all over again.
And you know what? That’s okay. Pole and aerial have always been more than just physical challenges for me; they’re experiences of self-discovery, reconnecting with parts of myself that I may not fully understand until I’m back on the apparatus.
Each time we restart, it’s a new chapter—one where we’re not just picking up where we left off but creating something entirely fresh.
Starting Over is Part of the Journey
One thing we talk about in Goddess University, our instructor training program, is how the starting (and restarting) is often the hardest part. Those first steps back onto the pole, hammock or hoop can feel overwhelming. Your body may feel different, your strength might not be the same, and your confidence can waver.
But I want to share something with you all: these feelings are completely natural, and they’re what make the return so powerful.
Every time I felt doubt creeping in, I reminded myself why I fell in love with this journey in the first place. It’s not about being perfect or the strongest in the room; it’s about the joy of movement, the freedom of self-expression, and the courage to step out of your comfort zone—no matter how long it’s been since you last did so.
Embracing Community Support
One of the most uplifting aspects of my return has been the support of our incredible community and Goddess Team.
The warm smiles, the cheers, the shared stories of those who’ve also had to take time away for one reason or another—it’s a reminder that none of us are truly alone in this journey.
Our community is built on a foundation of courage, connection, and celebration, and every one of us who steps back into the studio, regardless of how long we’ve been away, is welcomed with open arms.
For those of you who haven’t been to the studio in a while, I invite you to reconnect with us. Remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether it’s your first time back after a long hiatus or you’re simply curious to see how it feels to move again, our space is your space, and you’ll find others who understand the courage it takes to return.
What Lies Ahead
Restarting is a journey of rediscovering our strength and resilience. I know that in the coming months, I’ll continue to face challenges, and I’ll celebrate every small victory along the way. Every move I’m able to do again, every bit of strength I rebuild—it’s a testament to the power of persistence and self-belief. And I know that each of you can find that same strength within.
Our bodies change, life throws us curveballs, but our love for movement and our desire to grow remain constant. If you’ve been thinking about coming back but feel hesitant, know that the hardest part truly is just showing up.
Once you’re here, surrounded by a community that believes in you, everything starts to feel possible again.
Take That First Step—We’re Here to Support You
So, to anyone who’s been away, maybe feeling a bit apprehensive about restarting—I encourage you to come back. This journey isn’t about being the best or comparing yourself to anyone else; it’s about embracing where you are, celebrating how far you’ve come, and discovering all that lies ahead. I’ve been there, I’m still on that path, and I can tell you that every step you take is worth it.
At Rising Goddess Fitness, we’re ready to welcome you back with open arms. Let’s rediscover the joy of movement together, support each other in the journey, and find new ways to grow, both inside and outside the studio.
Let’s rise, let’s reconnect, and let’s continue to move forward together. After all, every goddess has her own unique journey—let’s make yours as inspiring and empowering as it can be.
Love,
Michelle
