This month marks five years since I first entered a gym at the grand old age of 30. It was the second new fitness activity I’d picked up that year, having started running in January. I may as well have arrived on another planet, one with a completely different ecosystem to what I was used to, that’s how strange it felt… and I’m feeling that way again having recently started pole fitness classes.
Back to the original beginning…
The sights, sounds and smells of the gym were all totally unfamiliar to me in 2017, and having an experienced guide was essential. With my PT’s help, I began to figure things out, but it was a long time before I considered myself anything other than a beginner. In fact, even now, with qualifications and experience under my belt, I don’t even consider myself at beginner level when it comes to some things – there are elements which would still be brand new to me at this stage, and I’ve started to see that as exciting rather than terrifying.
I do now absolutely know the basics and beyond, and there are more complex styles of lifting awaiting me when I’m ready to tackle them. For now, though, I’m a beginner at something else, and it’s already reminded me a lot about how my own new clients will be feeling.
What’s it like entering the pole studio?
I’ve stepped out of the gym, and into the pole studio for a course of pole fitness lessons. It’s something I’ve wanted to try for a number of years, and put off partly due to COVID (haven’t we all), but also for a number of other reasons. Like you (and the past version of myself), I was nervous; I hadn’t managed to find somewhere I was really drawn to in terms of location and teaching; and I hadn’t yet made it a true priority, I was busy with getting fitter, then learning to lift properly, then studying to teach others how to get fitter and lift.
As it is for many people, it was partly a case of timing. I was ready for the challenge to present itself. I had the space in my calendar (sort of). The first thing that fell into place was spotting the studio in a location near to me, with the right type of classes available at a time when I could be free too.
How do I choose a pole fitness class?
When I did my research, the instructors at Pole Fitt seemed friendly and patient, the studio had parking (I live in the countryside so I drive everywhere), and they’re set up to cater for beginners – they offer a six-session course for absolute newbies, and then there are pay-as-you-go progression classes at a variety of levels each week.
Having survived my first class, I wasn’t convinced I’d be ready to progress, but with only one lesson of the series left, I’m feeling more confident!
How difficult is pole fitness?
I found pole as challenging as I thought I would – it does use a lot of core and upper body strength, both of which are relative weaknesses for me. The elements of dance also aren’t my natural style, but I’m happy to push myself in that direction. And on that note…
Is pole dancing inappropriate?
There’s no shying away from the fact that, for some people, pole dancing is all about stripping. But, as the Netflix documentary, Strip Down, Rise Up beautifully demonstrated, that isn’t all it is for others.
Yes, it can be about earning money in a sexualised way. Yes, it can be about getting in touch with your sensual side and learning to like how you look. Yes, it can also simply be a workout.
I’d love to be anywhere near good enough for what I do on a pole to be considered entertaining rather than falling flat on my backside. Maybe one day! I’ve been to clubs where I’ve watched people dance professionally, and I’ve never felt anything other than admiration. If they are dancing willingly, I’m perfectly ok with it.
To say that pole is about sex is to view fitness through the male gaze – you may come up against stigma when sharing your favoured activities with some people, but for me it’s not an issue. I’m secure enough in my choices and reasons to feel no shame about what I am doing.
How do I find time for fitness classes?
As someone who already had a busy schedule, I’ve chosen a compassionate approach in other areas – whilst I get started, I’ve dialled back my gym sessions slightly, swapping one of my lifting sessions for pole instead, still training four times per week, just not all about lifting. Hopefully, my body will adjust and, if I decide to continue with pole, I can see it being an additional, rather than a substituted session. Meaning that, if I continue with pole, I’ll resume four strength sessions per week, and do pole as a fifth workout.
Class has reminded me how to be a student – how to listen to another expert, how to find my drive to keep trying, and how to use my existing knowledge without it getting in the way (because that can happen!).
Wherever these steps take me, it’s towards more learning, and that is what I’m happy for my life to be about. Any ideas for what I should try next?