The unexpected benefits of pole dance

 

Since starting my own pole dance and fitness journey I have found there are so many things I didn’t expect when I started to attend pole classes. I certainly didn’t expect to be walking into an amazing community of people who are really supportive and make you feel as though you can conquer the world!

 

The things that have benefited me and the support I have gained has made my pole journey so exciting and easy. It’s the things that I didn’t expect that really have been the cherry on top.

 

I wanted to know what others thoughts were about this, and so I headed to a large online facebook group and asked “what are the biggest benefits you have found through doing pole classes?” 

 

Here were the answers: 

 

Kalynne 

 

Confidence and falling in love with yourself. It makes you appreciate the crazy things the body can do. My upper body strength is probably the strongest it’s ever been. The friendships I’ve built have been long lasting and super supportive even as we have all moved on from the studio/company in which we met. We still keep in touch, hang out, support each other’s business endeavors, etc.

 

Rachel 

 

Confidence and community. My sore body is a constant reminder of all the super hard things I can do. It makes me feel like I can do anything. My community is full of laughter and support. We talk so much shit while we do conditioning. It helps. I know most of my friends pee your pants stories. We are bonded for life I think.

 

Maria 

 

Body confidence and friendships that so far lasted 10 years + 

 

Caroline 

 

Upper body strength, flexibility and abs!

 

Catherine 

 

Confidence and feeling so much stronger.

 

Jenny 

 

Strength, confidence & friendships.

 

Citlali 

 

Overall health improvement and muscle gain when I was past 36!

 

Như 

 

For me, I see my body change, it’s getting fit. Then I found that pole class helps me reduce my stress and make good friends there as well. After so much drama in my workplace I feel peaceful and joyful in the class. 

 

Tanya 

 

Confidence for sure.

 

Chris 

 

For me it completely cured my sciatica that plagued my life for 30 years prior to taking up pole. I took up pole at 59 years old and am nearly 70 now. Not even the slightest twinge of sciatica for over 10 years now, wish I had taken up pole 40 years ago.

 

Amy 

 

Confidence, balance, CORE STRENGTH AND BACK MUSCLES. Everything except the bruises- it’s all beneficial.

 

Aly 

 

It’s fun of all the reasons that are deeper, doing something that brings joy feels like the most important one along with reminding myself that my body can do cool things.

 

Angela 

 

You combine strength, stretching and cardio all into one workout.

 

Annmarie 

 

I’m in the best shape of my life.

 

Alicia

 

I love expressing myself artistically while being physically active. It is a definite stress reducer, and I have met so many cool and interesting people.

 

Brooke

 

The shoes. Definitely the shoes.

 

Iris 

 

Body positivity and community. I’m International. It has created a lot of friends who are taking me into their culture.

 

Christina 

 

Women supporting women.

 

Laura 

 

I’m severely sight impaired (registered blind) and for me, pole fitness and pole dance is not only for the same benefits as most others, but because it shows how sexy, strong and able ‘disabled’ women can be. It’s an empowering thing!

 

Sarah 

 

I’m 45 and started pole dancing this year. I feel stronger and fitter than I ever have. I have never had much confidence in myself but to see progress each week after I have been to class really helps my confidence and believing that I can push myself and learn new things . Feels so empowering. Pole is my happy place. It’s something I do just for me and I have never done that before – I made space for something that I love and I want to do . I love love love it.

 

Amelia 

 

Strength of mind and body.

 

Marcel 

 

I started pole st 46 and I have never been as fit or toned as I am, and enjoy it every time (I do mostly strength moves), unlike boring weight lifting or circuit training.

 

Michelle 

 

Pole has given me a sense of belonging, a purpose, and a reason for living. It’s the only place I forget all my sorrows.

 

Chas

 

Confidence supportive community learned more about my body and I was surprised by what it can do. I’m stronger and happier with huge stress relief.

 

Vane 

 

To me the biggest benefit is that I can add exercise without ever getting bored. Plus it gives me confidence and helps me discover what my body and mind are capable of. It is the continuous challenge that has led me to keep doing this sport for years now.

Dominique

Body confidence and being proud of myself regardless of my shape. I am plus sized but in better shape now than in the last 10 years. I am 59 years old and started 4 years ago. My core is strong I have better flexibility . I push myself and continue to learn. I accept that my progress is mine to own. I deal with rotator cuff issues so at times my shoulder just does not work but I learn that floor work and learning moves from the floor can be just as important and beautiful.

 

WOW – Just wow. These were so beautiful to read through and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Tell us if you are already a pole dancer, what are your unexpected benefits of pole?

 

Click HERE to find our Facebook group to share. 

 

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Rebecca Lockwood

Rebecca is the founder of WILD and has pole danced on and off since 2006! Rebecca teaches pole fitness, pole dance, aerial hoop, hammock, kids aerial, bungee fitness and more. Her all time fave pole moves are teddy, corkscrew and a fan kick, because you cannot just have one! Rebecca also teaches people how to understand the mind and mental health. Connect with her personal accounts via the links.