Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole “Nicki” Bennett.
Hi Nicole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Before I found pole fitness, I was a wife and mother of three young babies. Looking for an outlet that was for me and didn’t have to share with anyone all while getting in shape after kids. So I didn’t want to join the gym back then, I want something out of the norm that involves strength, determination, and risk.
I went to my first class at a studio 9 years ago, I became hooked on it due to my wonderful “pole mother” Carole. She is the blueprint to how I teach to this very day to my students or “pole kids”.
After becoming a teacher after eight months of proper instructing and spotting training, I sat out to train with the best in the pole industry that I use to truly and still look up to. Now, I call them my friends. This lead to me becoming the first certified pole instructor in the city of Memphis and Bartlett. I take pride in what I love and seeing my students evolve daily is a blessing like no other.
Although the pandemic has slow things down, I still give it my all when my students are on a mission. Whether they were looking to gain their confidence back, build their own sense of independence, or getting over a heartbreak. I see myself in them when they would walk through my studio doors or virtual train. They have a mission, and I am definitely there to guide them in a positive direction on it.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The only challenges I would face would be in the beginning. It was the mind frame of many people about pole fitness. I was a pole instructor way before it became mainstream. So many people were very closed off to it. They thought it was sexually suggestive in every way. No two-pole studios are the same. My brand focuses on the fitness side of it. So I was the conservative style of pole. Leaving out the “twerking” and other suggestive things unless a student wants to learn those things privately in personal training.
I learned that over time, people wanted to learn all there is about poles but many were afraid of what others thought or seen of them. I’m super and totally opposite, I’m a Sagittarius. So many already know my opinion of how I feel about other’s opinions of me. Lol.
I also opened my doors to men that also wanted to pole too, which was taboo in Memphis to also become the first co-ed studio in Memphis. At the time, many women-only studios had insecurities of men poling alongside them. Would shut the doors in their face but would allow couple’s lap-dancing parties. I truly never understood the ignorance behind that behavior of many. I love the LGBTQ community and they have every right to train if they want and I had no problem dismissing anyone that had an issue with a man that came to learn pole fitness.
I have taught some of the city’s most amazing people to be their most amazing version of themselves. I will never stop doing that.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Nicki Dark Fitness caters to fitness enthusiasts from all walks that want to learn something new and challenge. I also offer fitness boot camps, yoga-inspired Pilate fused flexibility training, prenatal fitness to help my mommies bounce back to their groove after their little ones arrive.
What sets me apart is the focus and drive to not only assist my clients in restoring and maintaining their fitness goals. It’s to assist them on their journey of finding and living their best versions of themselves by being in sync inside and out. I’m super proud of that mission and truly stick beside it.
We are currently offering virtual sessions at the moment due to safety protocol with the pandemic going on. Clients are given close to detailed attention even virtual. That part hasn’t changed about us. Whether it’s pole fitness, fitness boot camp, or flexibility
We are currently looking to bring back Lyra or “hoop” as many call it, that we use to teach once we find a trainer that is comfortable teaching virtual.
Pole fitness clients have to have current pole equipment installed at home or they can purchase one from our website at nickidarkfitness.com
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most important quality to success is the drive, determination, organization skills, and being optimistic in a very positive way. Where you don’t stress about getting there on your quest.
Just telling yourself you are already there and everything else will work in connection to make it so.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@nickidarkfitness.com
- Website: www.nickidarkfitness.com
- Instagram: @ndfstudios
