How Pole Has Changed My Life

To be honest it’s a little tricky to think back to what I did with my time before I discovered pole dance!

I know I did cardio at the gym and cycled to work but other than that I never really sure what hobbies I had, as pole seems to have taken over everything! It is now my hobby, my job and my love (well one of them anyway).

What I do know is that pole has changed my life.

I’m so much more confident now then I ever was. I’m so much stronger too. It gives me a reason to work on my flexibility, handstands, floorwork. I train parts of my body that I didn’t even know I could feel. I always believe in use it or lose it, and I’m certainly using my body.

Body Confidence

Growing up, I really didn’t have much confidence. I was super skinny and couldn’t get any muscle on me. I was also super awkward and had big fluffy hair (I still do know!) But now I can feel and see the muscles developing on me, and I want more!

I love looking around the gym and see that I’m working on heavy weights, rather than when I used to pick up the 2kg and break into a sweat.

I’m so used to teaching and poling in little, little shorts, that for more this is normal. I spend so much time in pole gear that I think what I wear is normal for people in everyday life. I’ve walked around in my longest non-pole shorts (mid thigh) and been judged for how ‘short’ they are.

I have to laugh to myself thinking: ‘if only they knew…’

I used to cover up as much as I could, never proud of myself. Of course I don’t walk around in tiny shorts in winter (well I do, with thick tights on!) but I know that I can – I’m happy with that.

I do indeed have those lumps and bumps that only we can see but hey, if I want grip then I’m putting on my tiny pants!

Knowing You Can Pole On That

Let’s face it. We can all do some pretty amazing things that not many people in the world can do. I love knowing that. I do what pretty much every poler does, which is stare at every pole-shaped object on the street wondering if it’s sturdy enough for a quick move.

I know that I can go on holiday and find something to do a quick street pole pick on.

I also love showing people and realise how impressive it is to non-polers. I do often forget how hard an invert is and so it does look awesome to see.

The Amazing Pole Community

Everyone I know (and pretty much everyone I meet) knows I pole. Sometimes the conversation just comes around to it, sometimes others bring it up. Either way, it’s out there.

Without even meaning for it to happen this way, my circle of friends are all polers – of have tried it at least. I stay in touch with people I meet at workshops and events and cheer on people I’ve had masterclasses with.

I watch polers online and am part of as many pole communities as possible.

If the pole community wasn’t as friendly or supporting as it is, I wonder where my pole journey would have taken me.

While pole has certainly taken over my life, it is not the be all and end all of my existence. Have my hobby as my exercise, means it frees up time for the things. I love try other things that poling will help with, like aerial hoop, or silks. I’ve even trained with the circus to help with my handstands and floor work.

I love pole. Its definitely made me the strong, independent person that I am now. It’s given me a job and a hobby.

My partner even poles with me so we can make it something we do together.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to pole. 😀