Month 1: Finding My Balance

Like any new fitness endeavor, the first month proved to be the toughest.

I vividly recall my initial class, where my only accomplishment was a basic climb after what felt like an eternity of struggling against the pole. My thighs were covered in bruises, my arms were sore from supporting my weight, and my back felt like it had been run over.

Yet, amidst the discomfort, I felt liberated. Discovering that my body could twist into extraordinary shapes and cling to the pole filled me with exhilaration.

I experienced a boost in confidence, realizing that if I could conquer this, I could tackle anything I set my mind to.

Originally, I planned to attend just one class. However, once I got home, I promptly booked seven more to fill the month.

The following sessions were full of surprises. It felt as though my body had a memory, as I managed to climb the pole on my first attempt in the second class, thanks to the encouragement of my instructor and fellow students.

By my fifth class, I was able to perform an invert, and by my seventh, I was combining moves and spinning elegantly. I had discovered a newfound passion, and I was eager to delve deeper.

September to December: The Hiatus

With vacations and year-end work commitments, I found myself unable to pursue this new passion for four long months.

During this unexpected break, I often found myself yearning for the pole, scrolling through Instagram for inspiration, and reminiscing about my earlier progress. I even searched for pole tutorials on YouTube and focused on core strengthening exercises at home, knowing they would be beneficial when I returned to the studio.

However, resisting the temptation of the pole was challenging, and my mind concocted reasons to avoid going back.

This led to a longer hiatus than I had anticipated, as I pondered:

• "It was a fun hobby, but is it truly for me?"
• "Should I invest in a gym membership instead?"
• "Can I fit two classes into my schedule along with the extra driving?"

Yet, I possess a strong belief in my ability to overcome excuses.

Thus, when the new year arrived, so did my determination to return to what had brought me so much joy.

Months 2–4: Embracing Consistency

In January 2023, I resolved to attend the pole studio each month and track my progress by year-end. The potential for significant improvements in both physical and mental health motivated me to purchase another eight-class package for the month.

However, as the date of my first class approached, I felt anxious, fearing I had lost all the strength I had built in August.

I confided in my instructor, who reassured me:

"Your body remembers the moves. Focus on warming up and conditioning first, and trust that your body will take care of the rest."

Following her advice, I was amazed at how well my body recalled the movements after just 30 minutes of conditioning. Not only did I climb confidently, but I also executed inversions without slipping.

Although the bruises returned, so did my confidence.

The remainder of the month was dedicated to regaining lost strength, enhancing flexibility, forming friendships with fellow dancers, and nurturing resilience.

I had answers to the earlier questions that had troubled me:

• "This is a fun hobby, and it brings me happiness and confidence; I deserve more of it."
• "I can join a gym simultaneously. Pole dancing only takes up two days a week, and the gym will help me strengthen my pole skills."
• "My schedule can accommodate everything if it contributes to my mental health and self-confidence."

From that point on, I was consistent, balancing three gym days with two pole classes weekly. I felt new muscles developing, my productivity soared, and I radiated a glow that even strangers noticed.

And yes, I reached a point where I was inverting like a pro!

Each class pushed me to improve, and I returned home with a sense of accomplishment that lasted the week.

The most challenging aspect was daydreaming about pole dancing when I wasn’t in class. Every conversation seemed to circle back to my latest achievements or my deep affection for this new discipline.

I realized pole dancing had evolved into more than just a hobby; it had become a lifestyle.

Month 5: Overcoming a Setback

Just as I felt invincible, an incident occurred that set me back weeks, if not months.

One humid April morning, after completing an hour-long class, my instructor instructed everyone to cool down. My muscles were fatigued, but adrenaline coursed through me, especially since I had just learned a new aerial invert and felt incredibly confident.

Caught up in the moment, I neglected to use a crash mat. I executed an invert successfully but, due to the humidity and my fatigue, my knee hook slipped.

Before I realized it, I had fallen, hitting the ground head-first. Although I sat up immediately, I felt a lump on my head that resembled a small apple. My instructor rushed me to the hospital, where the doctors ordered a CT scan and prescribed painkillers for five days.

Despite the pain, I returned home grateful. Reflecting on the incident, I acknowledged it could have been far worse. I had heard of severe injuries in pole dancing, but I was fortunate.

This experience taught me vital lessons:

• Always use a crash mat, especially for inversions.
• Limit training to one hour and avoid complex moves when fatigued.
• Listen to your instructor when they advise cooling down.
• New moves require time to master; just because you've done something once doesn't mean you're an expert.
• Stay mindful of your body’s weight distribution and limb positioning when trying new moves.

Since the accident, I’ve been hesitant to attempt inversions again. Fortunately, pole dancing offers a plethora of intricate moves that don’t require being upside down.

I’ve regained my confidence in climbing and accepted the need to take things slow. My focus has shifted to mastering techniques and perfecting my hooks before tackling more advanced moves.

While my journey hasn’t been flawless, it has provided me with more than I ever imagined. It has become a perfect avenue for toning my body, building strength and confidence, and feeling fantastic.

Final Thoughts: Is Pole Dancing for Everyone?

Absolutely! Pole dancing is an art that enhances strength, flexibility, coordination, and promotes weight loss while boosting confidence.

Anyone exploring new fitness forms can benefit immensely from trying it out.

After five months of commitment to pole dancing, I finally have answers to my initial concerns:

• "You don’t need to be fit or flexible to start; determination is key, and strength and confidence will develop along the way."
• "I’ve witnessed women in their 60s, even grandmothers, excel at pole dancing. Thirty is just a number."
• "Public opinion is irrelevant; those who matter will support you. Sometimes, pursuing your own interests is essential for your well-being."

I hope my pole dancing journey inspires you to explore this unique art form. If there’s a pole studio in your city, I encourage you to book a demo class to satisfy your curiosity. If you have questions about pole dancing or my experiences, feel free to leave a comment.

If you enjoyed this narrative, you might also like these two articles:

• How Pole Dancing Changed My Outlook Toward Fitness
  • Strength and flexibility are different — who knew? (medium.com)
• How I Built Muscle While Losing Fat: A 30-Day Plan for Women
  • Use this detailed workout and nutrition guide to crush your fitness goals. (betterhumans.pub)