From the age of 18, I really wanted to start pole class. Not just because I wanted to be a stripper (that's a joke) but because I wanted to keep fit, gain confidence and improve flexibility and it sounded like the coolest and different way of doing so.
It's been around 5 months(ish) since I started pole classes and I still remember my first lesson. I didn't quite know what to expect. I didn't know whether you'd learn routines like a stripper, learn lifts or what? I walked in totally blind to what I'd be learning.
I was one of quite a few new people and there were some people in the class that had been there for a good 6 months - a year before me, so it's safe to say that they were absolutely bossing it. I would stare at them and wonder how the hell I would ever reach their level... It seemed impossible. The way they would go upside down (which is called 'invert' btw) would be so quick and they didn't even look like they would fall off the pole.
I can't remember how my progression went, but I do remember feeling a lot stronger than I thought I was. I can't do 1 press up to save my life, but I was doing movements with my arms that surely would mean putting more pressure on them than one measly press up?
It didn't take me too long to start going upside down, but I thank the fact that I'm a regular gym goer and am blessed with a pretty strong core for that.
I found the first month or two were definitely the hardest. I would make quick progression, but then would have two lessons where I just couldn't get the hang of anything!? It was SO frustrating. Laura (the teacher) would show us all how to do a move, but no matter how many times I'd try it, my brain would be like 'NO, BITCH. YOUR BODY DOESN'T WORK THIS WAY.' So it is safe to say that it is easy to feel deflated.
Actually, I think around 4-5 lessons into it I was contemplating quitting. I thought 'hey, I gave this a try and it clearly isn't working', but if you are reading this and feeling like that, whether it be 4-5 weeks or 4-5 months into it, JUST. GIVE. IT. TIME. It is easy to want to be perfect when you see others progressing around you, but you just need to remember not to push yourself and you will get it.
I would say only in the last month or two have I consistently felt good and felt like I can do whatever is thrown at me, but don't get me wrong... There are still the occasional movements that can take me half a lesson to learn, and these are sometimes the most simple of things.
I would advise to those of you starting to actually get some pole shorts and a decent sports bra, because you will end up flashing your decency if you're not careful. As well as that, liquid chalk is my actual life when doing movements that involve going upside down - especially with the summer we have been doing. I wouldn't have been able to do half the things I've done without it.
One of the best things about pole is how great all the girls are there. You will not find a group of girls as good as the ones that go to pole. They cheer you on, help you up, help you down, listen to you moan, take pictures, record videos and all have great things to say about everyone in the room. There's no bitching, simply everyone wanting everyone to be the best they can be. It's great.
The truth is, I could probably write 10,000 words about how great pole is and why I love it, but you'll only truly know how great it is if you go out and try it yourself. I go to one in Luton called 'LJM Fitness' and I highly recommend Laura if you are interested in trying out Pole. She's very patient and believes in you, even if you don't.
(In my opinion) this is just a small post about pole and therefore don't be shocked if you see plenty more on my progression with my pole experience, because there will probably be a fair few from here on wards, sorry not sorry.
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