Saturday, August 23, 2014

What I Learned From Pole Dancing Fitness

Earlier this year a dear friend and I embarked on a new adventure to become in the elite 2% of the population that would attempt pole dancing. Wanting to see what this was about we found a pole dancing fitness class near home and signed up for a 6 week beginner class. 
I am always up for a challenge and eager to attempt anything once for the experience. I have to say I was intimidated walking into a room being the heaviest of the group, one of the oldest and looking at 8 poles just waiting to bust my ass! 

I will spare the details of the mix of fun and frustration I felt but I will share the observations/lessons I took away from my pole dancing adventure:

  • It takes incredible core strength its no easy workout
  • It made me confront several weaknesses
    • I couldn't climb a pole - never could since grade school
    • I am not that graceful and finding my sexy walk was simply odd to me
  • You have to let go of what others think- focus on mastering your own gig
  • Trust yourself and the pole which is a metaphor for opening up to trust on every level so you can be your best self
  • In the midst of confronting my weakness I had my dear friend beside me and I felt safe to be me and not be perfect. We shared in each other's frustration,  in some good laughs, and comparing which body part hurt worst and for how long!  
  • I have to be OK with not being good at some things because its perfectly OK!  
After 6 weeks , I can't say I would ever get rich making a living as a pole dancer but I can say my friend and I are in the 2% of the population that  had the courage to face the pole. It was a great work out and pole dancing fitness is serious business and the ladies and men who master the pole I salute your strength.
I am grateful for the least expected lessons I took away from having this experience reminding me the value of having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and attempt something new!