What To Expect At Your First Pole Class | Pole Fitness

I get asked regularly about getting in to doing pole fitness and what to expect at a beginners pole fitness class. Booking that first class can be quite daunting and you may even feel nervous in the build up to it. You're also likely to be wondering what to expect if you haven't had someone talk to you first hand. Whether you have taken the plunge and booked your first class, or contrarily if you haven't yet booked a class and just want to know what to expect if you did try it out, then keep reading for some helpful hints and tips!

No Pain No Gain
As with many forms of exercise, starting out isn't easy and it will take some time for your body to get used to your new found hobby. If you haven't done anything remotely similar before, chances are like me you will come away feeling a little sore and stiff and will be aching a lot the next day. Even though your body will become more conditioned to the pole over time, pretty much every new move you try will cause some sort of pain whether it's pole burn, muscle aches or my next point... bruises.

Bruises
Be prepared for bruises. As a beginner doing pole fitness you are likely to get a lot of bruises. now I would love to say here that once you're a little more advanced the bruises stop, but that would just be telling you a big fat lie. You simply just get used to them and accept that along the way you may acquire bruises in very questionable places, but if you've nailed that move in the mean time, who cares?!

What To Wear
The best thing to wear when starting out is a simple strap top and shorts. Make that short shorts. You generally practice in bare feet and once you have been poling for a while you may find it more comfortable to wear a sports bra instead. Your skin is your best friend; without exposed skin you are unable to hold any positions or spins successfully as there is no friction between you and the pole. Guaranteed you'll feel a little self conscious to begin with, everyone does. You'll soon forget about it the more classes you attend so please don't be worried about showing a little flesh... none of us are perfect and we all have our fair share of cellulite, stretch marks and not-so-toned areas. I promise you no one will care and neither will you once you realise that. The only person you hold back by trying to cover up as much as possible is yourself because you will be restricted with the spins and moves you can try.

Moisturising
Moisturising your skin before heading to a pole class is very problematic. For fake tan lovers this includes you! Referring to my previous point about needing exposed skin for friction... moisturising your skin before a pole class eliminates that friction and you'll just be sliding all over the place. It can be dangerous for other polers too, your lotions can leave residue on the pole which is difficult to remove quickly when sharing a pole and between classes. It's recommended not to moisturise for up to 24 hours before your class, but sometimes that can be a little difficult. If like me you have a skin condition such as eczema, going without moisturising for that time leaves your skin irritated and sore. To avoid this I tend to have a quick shower beforehand to wash away any of my moisturiser and emollient residue and put them back on after I get home.

It Won't Happen Overnight
Above all this is probably one of the most important things to remember during your first few classes. There will always be someone who is more advanced than you and that's okay! Pole fitness is a strength and conditioning journey, for example you won't be able to invert straight away and a reputable instructor will not let you attempt it until they think you have enough strength to do so safely. Just stick at it and in time you will be amazed at the strength you gain in your upper arms and thighs particularly. Everyone starts at varying fitness levels and everyone progresses at their own pace. There will be things you pick up quicker than others and vice versa. You might be struggling to climb the pole for the first time but in the mean time you could be nailing that spin!

As you've probably guessed, after getting over the pain and bruises of my first class I got the bug and was hooked! I've now been poling for over 3 years and the confidence, strength and friends I have made along the way are invaluable. I do hope this helps you with what to expect for your first pole class, whether you've already booked or are thinking of doing so, just remember to enjoy it!

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