Where Pole Became His Peace, Art & Unstoppable Joy

From Hesitant Beginner to Pole Artist in the Making!

When Henry first walked into Pole Athletica, he craved that magical mix of sexiness, fitness, and feel-good vibes (spoiler: he found it!). But what he didn’t expect? How pole would rewire his mind-body connection, become his "ballet on the pole," and turn a studio into his happy place.

What motivated you to start PoleFit classes at Pole Athletica?
I have always wanted to do Pole Dancing, but never really got to it. What really drove me to pole was the combination of sexiness, fitness, flexibility, and the feel-good feeling I always get after dancing and exercising. 

How did you feel before your first class, and what were your initial expectations?
I did an intro to pole class about one year before actually taking regular classes at the studio. Before my first class in Level 1, I wasn't sure I would do great, but I was willing to try, and after the intro class, I had a better idea of how the pole class levels would go. I think misleading expectations are what might keep people away from starting Pole classes. I didn’t really have extraordinary expectations, say doing inverts on my first week, so I think that is what kept the fear away and made me be consistent with classes. 

Can you describe your journey from Level 1 to Level 4? What were some of the key milestones for you?
Excitement, pain, joy and a feeling of wanting more. These are the feelings throughout my pole journey. I always feel amazed at the fact that when I first try a few of the new skills for the term, I pretty much always think ‘there’s no way I can do that’, but then, after consistent training, by week 6 I can do most of them. The first thigh hold on level 1 is terrible, not gonna lie, but then it soon feels like a resting position, and that is often the case with other skills through to level 4. Level 4 was really challenging, but making it out of it was also great, meaning I made it out of a really important step in my pole journey.

Has your perception of pole fitness evolved since you started?
Absolutely effing yes! Pole is way more than just sexy dancing, it's also a form of art, and in my head it's even a form of Ballet on the pole. One can definitely bring basically any kind of dancing into Pole, and create their own style and pole expression.

What physical and mental changes have you noticed since you began pole fitness?
Pole has helped me to have better body mobility awareness, and also increased my mind-body connection. 

How has pole fitness impacted your daily life and overall health?
I think about pole and flexibility every day since I started. It just makes me feel better about myself, knowing that I am practicing a performative art that combines fitness and dancing. I stretch pretty much every day now, striving to bring everything I learn into pole. Now, whenever I go on holiday, I also try to do some pole dancing, because it is such a feel-good activity.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Skin pain desensitisation is definitely up in the list of challenges in pole. Along with it, I would say for me particularly I have been very mindful of my flexibility limitations. I won’t say it is easy, but both these challenges can be overcome. Continuous practicing at the pole, gets the skin used to the pain, and doing some stretch training at home, as well as the splits intensive classes at the studio have brought me a long way.

Can you share a moment during your journey where you felt particularly proud or accomplished?
Getting my inside leg hand, because that skill is a bloody pain.

How has the community at Pole Athletica contributed to your experience?
The whole Pole Athletica team is amazing, and whenever I recommend someone to start pole classes there, I say it is as if they are a family. You know everyone, and everyone is bloody good!

What role has the studio environment played in your pole fitness journey?
Personally, if I don’t feel comfortable somewhere, I don’t go back. So that says a lot for my continuous stay there.
The individual practice classes that come along with the term package are also a favourite of mine, which means I am always able to practice and improve the skills I have learnt in class.

Is there anything unexpected you’ve gained from your experience at Pole Athletica?
I found peace in it, surprisingly. The focus that's needed to do pole has definitely helped me with some mental health issues.

Do you have any goals for the future regarding pole fitness?
Just get better and better, and feel good, happy and accomplished while doing it. Get flexy and go above and beyond. 

How do you feel pole fitness aligns with your lifestyle and personal values?
I just feel like pole lets my multiple personalities shine. The sexy comes out, the shy found its place in strength training, the weird can do weird combos, and the artistic me can flourish.

What would you say to someone considering pole fitness but feeling hesitant?
Just do it!!!!! Don’t be afraid, there’s nothing to fear, and the staff will definitely welcome you. If you say you are not strong, you don’t need to be, you will get stronger just by coming to classes and practicing. If you say you are out of shape, don’t stress, any body type is welcomed. If you say you’re not sexy, never mind, there are multiple types of pole dancing, and you’ll figure yours out. If you say you are uncoordinated, well, that’s what the pole classes are there for.