Plus-Size Pole Class Review
In a different world, I might be a pole dancer. I mean, if you watch a few of those money counting videos, I’m sure you’d say the same. But after hearing all the downsides of the profession, I just choose to do it recreationally — and it’s been one of my favorite activities.
Pole classes are an amazing way to tap into your feminine, sexual energy and work different muscle groups. If you’ve been considering trying pole class, I think you definitely should! Keep reading to find out why:
How My First Pole Class in Texas Went:
I took my first ever pole class when I went to visit my friend in Texas. We signed up at a random studio, but what we didn’t realize was we signed up for a mixed level 1 and 2 class. Sidenote: it is so important to go to a class at your level. Otherwise, you might leave feeling a little defeated like I did.
I’ll admit, as a plus size girl I was so nervous for my first pole class. I couldn’t wrap my mind around holding up my entire body weight and also spinning around. It seemed impossible. And at the time, I was right. I couldn’t really get off the ground or even do a full rotation on the pole. Needless to say, I was very sure it’d be my first and last class.
My Second Round of Pole Classes in Tampa:
About two years after my first class, I got the desire to try pole classes in Tampa. I did a ton of research about the different studios: class times, availability, levels, first-time offers, etc.
I landed on Buttercup Pole Dance on Hillsborough Ave. They had an amazing offer with 5 classes for $99, which is great when the prices usually range from $25 to $40 or more per session. They also offer heels, aerial, and various levels of pole.
As soon as I walked in, I knew my pole experience would be different from the first one I’d had. They put the poles on spin (rather than static). This simple adjustment meant that the pole would spin on its own and anything I added was gravy. Some instructors prefer teaching on static, where you are the one that spins around the pole. I’ve found this setting to mean more pole burn and less successful attempts. As you can imagine, spin poles are way more encouraging and helpful for a beginner.
I enrolled in the Seedlings class for “like new, never-tried-it-before” beginners. It’s an 8-week program that teaches the basics of pole in a loop. I learned back hooks, fireman spins, handstands, groundwork, and more with my 5 courses. A few weeks later, they sent me an email with 3 classes for $29 that I couldn’t pass up. So I went back for more.
My skills grew so much over the classes – along with my confidence and self-perceived sex appeal.
5 Things I Learned Pole Dancing as a Plus-Size Girl
If I could boil down my entire experience to just five things, it would be these for your first pole class:
1. Keep Trying Because You WILL Get Better
There will be some moves that you won’t get on the first, second, or even 6th try. But on the 7th, you’ll do something that looks a little more like it. Finally by your tenth attempt, and a little coaching from the instructor, you’ll have the move in your back pocket.
Also, you spent your money, so you might as well keep trying and playing around with the pole while you’re there.
2. They probably won’t understand
Listen, the pole instructor probably won’t understand every nuance of your body and how it moves. High school physics really failed us all because I thought it was a given that an object with more mass is going to fall or lose momentum faster than something light.
Fortunately, I’ve become pretty good at tuning out the rah rah cheerleader riot even when they mean well. However, it’s important to actually try each move and not just say you can’t do it.
3. Prepare for bruises
If you thought chafing was a thing with walking, get ready for a whole other level. When I took a class in NYC, I had a pretty gnarly bruise under my arm from gripping the pole so tightly with my arm. (On a static pole, of course…)
4. It’s pricey, but most things are
Most “luxury” workout classes can be a bit pricey, and pole is no exception. Fortunately, many studios offer first-time student offers and packages. It’s probably not going to be one of those workouts you get to do everyday (and if you got it like that, you go girl!). However, it’s a fun change of pace that can replace a day out drinking.
Don’t worry — it healed eventually!
5. Have Fun
These classes aren’t auditions for your high school dance team. No one is giving out awards at the end of class for the best poler. And you won’t be disinvited from the next class if you’re not top of the pack.
Pole class is simply about having fun, trying something new, and embracing a different part of yourself that you may or may not be used to. The environment is so accepting and chill (everyone in the beginner class is there to learn and is focusing on themselves).
The most fun part of each class comes at the end when you can request songs and freestyle with all the skills you’ve learned. Remember, it’s only going to be as comfortable or uncomfortable as you make it.
What to bring to your first pole class:
One great thing about pole classes is it doesn’t take much to participate. The studio provides the pole, rubbing alcohol, and rags to wipe off any oils. Bring water, of course. If you want to get really fancy, you can bring a tripod to set up your phone and record yourself at the end of class. However, propping it up works just as well.
What should you wear to pole class?
As far as what to wear to your first pole class, opt for comfortable athletic clothes, like shorts, a tank top, and a supportive bra. It’s important to show some skin, as it helps you grip the pole. You don’t need shoes or socks since you’ll be taking them off. While heels add a certain je ne sais quoi, they are not a necessity. Over time, you might get comfortable enough to wear them one day!
Did pole classing help with weight loss?
While I certainly started doing pole classes as part of a more active lifestyle, it didn’t necessarily help me lose weight. It can help you tone your body, due to the muscle work and conditioning. It’s one of many non-traditional workouts that gets you moving and can get your heart rate up depending on what you’re doing during class.
Mostly, I didn’t go regularly enough to see those kinds of changes, but with anything, consistency is key.
Is there a pole dancing weight limit?
Most poles can hold up to 500 pounds — and some can hold even more. I’ve always felt secure during my sessions. The poles are completely bolted down, and there’s no way you’re going to break, bend, or otherwise fall off of it due solely to your weight.
Those videos of people flying off poles at home can usually be attributed to bad installation, but these official studios have been installed to perfection.
How strong do you have to be to do pole dancing?
The most successful pole dancers I see online say they started with no upper body strength. When you start, you mostly use your momentum, skin, and hand placements to complete the movements.
It’s normal to be a little nervous when trying a new activity, but isn’t it also just as exciting? If you’ve been considering pole classes, you should just take the leap and do it! What have you got to lose?
There’s no such thing as too large or too old for pole classes. Even if you’re just shy or feel a bit uncoordinated, your first pole class might be a cause for nerves. But let me tell you, it’s one of the most accepting environments with the most amazing energy I’ve been in. So, go ahead and sign up because you might just discover a new favorite pastime.