My 1st Pole Dancing Class: Lessons Learned

I’ve done a lot of things in my 54 years - but pole dancing? This was a first. But you know, we’ve gotta mix it up sometimes, am I right????

Really though, stepping into that class was a mix of curiosity, excitement, and a little bit of WTF am I doing here?

The instructor was this gorgeous, sculpted woman, who looked like she could rock the cover of any magazine.? And the other participants in my Intro to Pole class looked half my age, no joke.

But there was no turning back, and as with most things in life, the biggest lessons came from simply showing up. Here’s what I learned.

1. The First Step Is Showing Up

You can read about things, watch videos, tell yourself one day, but nothing actually happens until you walk into the room (or studio, in this case). I could’ve come up with a hundred reasons not to go—too old, not strong enough, no experience, dimply skin, look silly —but the reality is, the hardest part was deciding to just go.

And once I was there? I wasn’t the only newbie. No one was expecting perfection. No one cared if I looked awkward. The only expectation was that we try.

2. You Can’t Advance Without Being on the Game Board

Life isn’t a spectator sport. If you want to get better at anything—your health, your strength, your career, your relationships—you have to get in the game.

I did a good deal of time over-spinning my spins (where are the breaks?) and figuring out how not to slow-mo slide down the pole. But I was in it. The only way to learn and to improve was to start where I was and keep going.

How often do we hold ourselves back from trying something new because we’re afraid of looking like a beginner? News flash: everyone starts as a beginner.

3. Showing Up Reveals Both Strengths and Areas for Growth

Here’s the thing—when you try something new, you get an honest look at where you’re strong and where you have room to grow.

Honestly, I was stronger than I thought. My coordination, my strength, my endurance? Not so bad! But my grip, both hand and leg grip, is going to need some work!

But I learned that I really like to freestyle flourish my arm out to one side, and to point my toes and sweep my foot across the floor.? Kind of like when you’re a little kid, pretending to be a ballerina.? That’s what it felt like - and I liked channeling that little kid in me!

4. If You Don’t Give Yourself Credit for Your Strengths, You’re Less Likely to Follow Through

Here’s where a lot of us (especially women) trip up—we focus so much on where we struggle that we forget to acknowledge where we shine.

If all I focused on was comparing myself to others, I probably wouldn’t go back. But I am going back—because I also saw progress. I saw strength. I saw myself having fun. And that matters so much more than the shortcomings and the ego stuff.

How often do we dismiss our progress because we’re so fixated on the gaps? Instead of saying, I’m terrible at this, try: I’m figuring this out. I already have some strengths, and I can build from here!

So, will I become a professional pole dancer? Probably not. But will I keep showing up, getting stronger, and having fun?

Hell yes!

And maybe that’s the biggest lesson of all—life gets better when you’re willing to take a risk, and be a beginner at something.

Now, what’s something you’ve been wanting to try? And what’s stopping you from just showing up?

If you want to learn more about how to make the most of exercise in midlife, given challenges and opportunities with hormones, check out: Ask the Expert: Impact of Hormones on Exercise with Dr. Amanda Roe, ND.

And if you want to get Better Strength, Better Sleep and Better Energy, check out my next challenge, which starts March 1!? This one will be just 21 days and will feature new base exercises that you can do from home, or from your local gym.

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