The beginner’s guide to pole fitness & aerial hoopFor complete beginners in Huddersfield, the Colne Valley and surrounding areas
come as you are
Thinking about trying pole fitness or aerial hoop for the first time? This guide covers everything you need to know before your first class at our studio in Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, from what to wear to the worries every beginner has. Read it, then come and join one of our beginner 6-week courses.
your biggest cheerleader
Hi, I’m Becky
If you’re reading this, a little part of you is curious about pole or aerial hoop. Maybe you’ve watched a video and thought “I could never do that”. Maybe you’re excited and nervous in equal measure. Either way, you’re in exactly the right place.
I began teaching pole in 2009. After a break between 2015 and 2022 while I had my children, I opened WILD in 2022, a studio where women feel welcome, whatever their starting point. Almost everyone who walks through our door for the first time feels a bit unsure. Six weeks later, those same people are spinning, laughing and surprising themselves.
01 · Your first class
What happens in your first pole or aerial hoop class?
No one will throw you upside down on day one. Every pole fitness and aerial hoop class is built so complete beginners can join in, with easier and harder options for every move.
1. Arrive and settle in
Get there 10 minutes early. Tell your instructor about any injuries (privately if you prefer) so they can adapt the class for you.
2. Warm up
We get your whole body moving and ready, with extra attention on shoulders, wrists and core.
3. Learn the moves
Your instructor breaks each move down step by step. You’ll start with the foundations: grip, walks, simple spins and poses. Every class has variations, adaptations and different options for different bodies and abilities.
4. Practise with support
Crash mats are always down and spotters are on hand. In hoop, pole and hammock tricks, up to two people share each piece of equipment, so you take turns and cheer each other on.
5. Put it together
By the end you’ll link a few moves into a mini combination. Grab a photo or video so you can see how far you’ve come.
6. Cool down
A gentle stretch to finish, then off you go feeling stronger and a little bit badass.
02 · What to wear and bring
What to wear to pole fitness and aerial hoop
Dress for grip, not for looks. Pole and hoop both rely on skin contact to grip, so what you wear really does make a difference.
For pole
- Leggings or joggers, plus a supportive sports bra and a t-shirt
- Shorts on hand: as you progress, bare legs help you grip
- Bare feet: you’ll grip with your skin
For aerial hoop
- Leggings or joggers (the hoop can rub behind the knees)
- A sports bra and a fitted sports t-shirt
- Nothing with zips, buckles or sequins
Bring with you
- A water bottle
- A hair tie
- A small towel
Skip on class day
- Body lotion or oil on arms and legs: it makes you slippy
- Rings, bracelets and watches
- A big meal right before class
03 · The worries every beginner has
Common worries about starting pole fitness
You’re not the only one. These are the questions beginners ask us most. For more answers, see our FAQs.
“I’m not fit or strong enough”
You don’t need to be. Strength is something you build in class, not something you need before you start. No need to be “fit enough” first.
“I’m not flexible”
Neither are most beginners. Flexibility comes with time, and every move has an option that works for your body today.
“Will I fit in?”
Most of our beginners are brand new, and everyone starts together. Our members come in all ages, shapes and sizes, and our community is supportive and non-judgemental.
“Will it hurt?”
Some soreness is normal, like after the gym. Skin contact with the equipment can feel like a friction burn and you might get a few bruises at first. Both ease as you progress.
“Is there a weight limit?”
Our poles take up to 330lbs (about 23½ stone), and our hoop mounts are rated to 26 stone.
“What if I wobble or can’t do a move?”
You might wobble. You might laugh. You might surprise yourself. That’s all part of it, and your instructor will help you every step of the way.
04 · Looking after your body
How to recover after pole and aerial classes
Drink plenty of water
Before and after class. Your muscles will thank you the next day.
Eat well
Have a light snack an hour or two before class, and a proper meal after to help you recover.
Expect some soreness
Arms, shoulders and core may ache for a day or two. That’s your body getting stronger.
Be proud of the bruises
Pole kisses fade quickly and happen less as your technique improves.
Keep coming back
Consistency is everything. Coming every week is how moves start to click, which is why our beginner courses run for six weeks in a row.
Listen to your body
If something hurts in a way that doesn’t feel right, stop and tell your instructor. We’ll always adapt.
it’s about how it makes you feel
Most women join to get fitter. They stay because they feel stronger, more confident and more capable, and because they’ve found a community that lifts them up.
05 · Your next step
Beginner pole and aerial hoop courses in Huddersfield
Our beginner 6-week pole and aerial hoop courses in Slaithwaite, Huddersfield are the best way to start. You learn the foundations step by step, with the same small group each week, and finish with simple combinations you’ll be proud of. Just 12 places on each.
Book with a friend. Everything is more fun together, and in hoop, pole and hammock tricks you share the equipment and cheer each other on.
Can’t make a week? We’ll move you to another class with at least 48 hours’ notice, within the same term and subject to availability. Courses are non-refundable once booked.
Still have questions? Message WILD on WhatsApp and we’ll help you choose.
Want to try a few things first? Try any 3 classes for £25.
