How Pole Fitness Became My Unexpected Path to Strength & Joy: Luisa's Story
Meet Luisa—a Pole Athletica student for 15 years and counting! What began as a playful challenge (with a side of secret sister scheming!) grew into a journey of strength, confidence, and pure joy. From rewriting stereotypes to defying gravity, Luisa’s story celebrates the transformative power of pole—not just as fitness, but as resilience, community, and self-love. Read her Q&A below, and you might just feel inspired to spin into your own empowering adventure!
Looking back at when you first started, what initial misconception about pole dancing or your own capabilities has shifted the most?
Probably that pole is about being sexy. My only knowledge of pole dancing before I started Pole Athletica was the stereotypical portrayals in the movies of women in strip clubs. When my sister suggested it as a fun extracurricular, I remember we initially didn’t tell our parents because of those stereotypical connotations. We both attended Jen’s show at the Carrigage Works at the end of our first term and my perceptions had changed entirely. It was dazzling and inspiring. Everyone was having fun and showing off how strong and toned they were. I wanted to be exactly like them!
Over the years and multiple studio relocations, what’s one thing about Pole Athletica’s atmosphere or culture that always felt like “home” to you?
The mirrors and the brass poles feel like home to me! Any poler will tell you that when you first start, it’s very intimidating and painful in new places. Be kind and patient with yourself. Practice and have fun. Watch as you start to peel off those layers and reveal your inner strength. I had so many instructors over the years who have guided me into weird and wonderful poses. I love being able to watch my reflection and see that I’ve achieved something I didn’t think possible.
Over the course of your 15 years at PA, what has most surprised you about your own transformation or style?
Probably how much I have grown to love and embrace pole fitness. It’s such a huge part of who I am. It’s working out without feeling like working out. It’s allowed me to hit pole goals I thought inconceivable, it’s allowed me to build strength and body confidence.
How has Pole Athletica’s community played a role in keeping you motivated, supported, or inspired over the years?
Jen is great at documenting our pole achievements over the years. It makes for good conversations and goal-setting.
When everyone cheers everyone on is also very motivating. Not to mention the collection of incredible pole dancers we’ve had a chance to train with is always inspiring and offers a new perspective on the wider pole community.
We all hit snags along the way—what was one significant challenge you faced, and how did you push through it?
Returning to pole after covid lockdowns. That was humbling. Rebuilding strength and tapping into the muscle memory as guided by Jen and the Pole Athletica team. I showed up and continued to regain my skills. Pole is so much more about the journey than the destination.
Is there a personal milestone or “lightbulb moment” in your journey that still brings a huge smile to your face?
When my parents came to watch me as a level 3 student at Jen’s first student showcase at Bellevue Street. They left with entirely different perceptions of pole.
How have these past 15 years of pole practice influenced any areas of your life outside the studio, like your day-to-day routine, mindset, or relationships?
As a healthcare worker, pole fitness is how I give back to myself. It helps regulate stress and release those natural endorphins that boosts my mood, helps me sleep better, and builds resilience.
If you could offer one golden piece of advice or inspiration to someone just starting out, what would it be—and why do you think it’s so important?
Be patient and persistent. Those shoulder mounts will come. You will overcome them!
