Last summer I decided to join a pole dancing class to increase my strength and flexibility. I have always been interested in working out in new and exciting ways, and going to the gym everyday just doesn’t sound interesting. I was approached by two teacher handing out flyers to the new pole fitness studio, and I decided to check it out. I didn’t know exactly what to expect at first, but what I founds was a strong community of women (and men) who come together and support each other in becoming a fitter person. I wanted to share some facts with you about pole dancing

1. Pole dancing isn't just for the strip clubs.

There are actually many different kinds of pole dancing. Another style of pole dancing, my style, is called pole fitness. Pole fitness combines dance, gymnastics, and acrobatics. It requires a lot of flexibility, strength, endurance, and gracefulness, but it doesn’t require you to have all of those things to begin with. Everyone starts off at level one and must work their way up. Also pole dancing is very artistic and beautiful to watch

2. A huge variety of people pole dance.

The studio I went to was still relatively small, but the people I took class with were very diverse. We had students between the ages of 8 to 48. There were people of ever body size imaginable. We had women who were pregnant, which was completely safe for both the mother and baby as long as she didn’t do any advanced tricks. We also had a few men come to class. The amount of men who pole dance increases every year. In fact, because of the upper body strength required makes them an ideal candidate for pole work.

3. Classes are usually very small.

Pole dancing is actually pretty dangerous, and it requires a lot of individualized attention. My classes never exceeded nine people including the instructor but often times there were less than five people in the class for that day, which was great because I was able to get more personal attention. There were many classes where I was taught extra moves because I was able to handle more difficult tricks.

4. Pole dancing can hurt.

Let me rephrase that, pole dancing will hurt. Not only will you be sore after your first few classes, you will come to find that if you do it regularly, your body begins to adapt to having to hold itself up on a steel rod. I started getting blisters on my hands and bruises on my legs and arms.

5. Pole dancing requires skin.

The reason why you see so many pole dancers were very little clothing is because it is required. The only thing keeping you on the pole is the skin contact and grip. In the beginning, it is okay to wear longer leggings or t-shirts because most of the moves can be done without as much contact. As you grow in the sport, it requires more skin exposure for more difficult, upper-level tricks.

6. There are pole dancing competitions.

There are organizations that hole many pole dancing competitions at the area, national, and international levels. Some of them include Pole Sport Organization, The U.S. Pole Dance Federation, and The International Pole Dance Fitness Association just to name a few. There are many different levels that you can enter, and contestants are judges on things like form, level or tricks, and artistic creativity.

7. People are trying to get pole dancing in the Olympics.

There are a lot of people in the pole community that want to see pole dancing in the Olympics. The Pole Fitness Association started a petition to get it in the 2012 games, but obviously did not succeed. However, it is something many are hoping for in the future.

8. Street Pole is a thing.

There is a street pole tag on Instagram. I urge you to look it up. There are many people around the world doing cool, pole dancing tricks on play grounds, street signs, beaches, and buildings.

9. Pole dancing is very empowering.

Like every sport, pole dancing takes a lot of work. There is something really great about finally doing a trick or combination you have spent forever trying to learn. Also, the pole dancing community is very close. We like to build each other up. It’s great having a group of people cheering for you, and with social media we are able to keep up with each other, and see each other progress.

10. Pole Dancing is fun.

Honestly, if I had more time and more money I would do it again. I love learning new, and interesting things. There are a ton of studios popping up around the country as well as master classes. If you have a chance at trying it, I highly suggest it. You will not regret it.