Signing up for the class: Easy. Telling others that I went: Hard. However, as a blogger, I have to write about my experiences and publish it on the internet for the whole world to enjoy. The entire time I am writing this, I am imagining my mom’s face when she reads this article, which I am sure she will stumble upon it one day.
But why should I be embarrassed for taking a workout class? Pole dancing is an intriguing idea and fantasy, but people are so hesitant to sign up. I am not sure if it is a fear of being judged by others, or if it is the insecurities with our own bodies that make us hesitant to search for a class nearby. It is not like if we go: all of our morals disappear, our hand becomes branded by the pole and the whole world now sees us as a stripper.
Honestly, I was shocked a few months ago, when I saw a girl I went to high school with post a video of herself pole dancing. It was not something I would expect to see on my Instagram feed, and especially not something that I would expect from this particular girl. However, over the next few months, she started posting more and more photos of herself, and I was in awe. The tricks that she was performing in such a short amount of time were so amazing and astonishing.
Mind you, this girl was not very fit or athletic before. In fact, she made it her New Year’s resolution to lose a lot of weight and get fit. To do so, she signed herself up for pole dancing classes. Watching her progress and confidence was just the push I needed to look for classes near me.
So, why is that fear there? And most importantly, how do we overcome it?
According to our instructor and owner of the dance facility, the hardest part for their business is just getting people in the door. Once they are in, they absolutely love the hobby and stick with it.
Truly, the amount of athleticism and grace needed in this hobby is incredible. You will work muscles that you never thought you would use before.
As my legs started to chaff against the pole, I was told that eventually you will build calluses on your thighs. My thighs! I did not know that was possible.
Holding on to the pole and trying some of the moves may feel awkward and uncomfortable, because unless you are a firefighter or exotic dancer, you probably have never worked with a pole before.
Before you hop up on the pole, check out these things to know:
1. Bare it All!
For your first class, wear shorts and a tank top. The more skin you expose, the better grip you will have on the pole. As you grow in skill and confidence, the length and amount of clothes will slowly disappear.
Also, do not wear lotions or oils the day of a class. You may think it will help you spin better on the pole, but it will affect your grip. Depending on the studio, they may have special sprays and rubs to help with the grips of your hands and thighs.
2. The Pole Spins.
Unless you are taking a static pole class, it will spin. I was not aware of this until we started our warm ups on the pole. That was a good laugh!
3. You Will Learn How to be Sexy
I never thought warm ups could be sexy. But as I imitated the instructor, I learned different ways my body could move, and I actually liked what I saw in the mirror. Usually, I follow the instructions hesitantly, but the more we moved, I got a new sense of confidence.
Overall consensus:
I found a great, new workout! Not only do you feel like giving yourself a pat on the back for working out, but you leave feeling powerful. As I walked past people on my way to my car, I did not fuss with the length of my shorts or fear the exposure of my legs. Instead, I walked by knowing that I looked good, and my booty could work it in those shorts. The class is definitely a self-esteem booster, and accepting of all body types.
The classes changed my mind about working out. After taking a class, I was already looking forward to my next class. I am not one for working out, but I felt the need to get stronger so I could get better at the moves.
So, if what I say intrigues you, go out and see if there are classes near you. If you feel that hesitant finger hovering over the “Book Now” button or feel that heat of your cheeks as you open the webpage, just push through it and take a chance. You will not be disappointed with what your body can do.
