What to Expect from Your First Pole Class
It’s normal to be nervous before starting Pole for the first time, so we put together this guide to help you know what to expect in your first Pole class!
A Warm Welcome: When you arrive at your first class a member of staff at the front desk will sign you in and welcome you to the studio. We’ll tell you where to put your bag, where the toilets are and where you can refill your water bottle during class. We’ll also be available to answer any other questions you have or calm any pre-class nerves (these are common!).
If you’re joining one of our popular ‘Intro to Pole’ courses, all of your fellow classmates will be brand new to Pole too, so you’ll be in good company! If you’re joining our Beginners or All Levels classes, some students in the class who have been before, at least for a couple of weeks! Our members are very friendly so you will probably get chatting to others before your class even begins.
Getting some skin on show!
It’s no secret that Pole dancers love prancing about in teeny tiny outfits and no, it’s not not just because pole give us super duper confidence (although that is a fact!) but also because skin gives us essential grip on the Pole.
For those of us not used to getting our legs out at the gym, this can initially seem a little intimidating but you’ll soon get used to it. Ideally for Pole you want to wear short shorts so that the insides of your thighs can grip the pole, as well as a sports bra or crop top so that you have grip points around your waist and at the back of your armpits.
However if this feels like too much for your first class we suggest starting with any shorts that give you a grip point on that back of your knee.
For those who can’t have skin on show for cultural reasons, (or if you simply don’t want to) you can invest in ‘grippy pole clothing’. This is widely available online, but it can be a bit cost-prohibitive if you’re new to Pole so hit up Vinted if you’re looking for a bargain!
Learning the basics
A quick search of the hashtag #beginnerspole on instagram is going to throw up some ridiculously complex tricks, however the reality of your early pole classes is that we will build up your foundational knowledge of tricks. Basic spins, tricks and combos will build up your core strength and confidence before progressing to more difficult tricks.
Lots of Photo Opportunities
Pole is a hobby that allows you to gain for some insta grid worthy skills, so there will be lots of opportunities for you to take photos & videos along the way. We provide handy phone stands in our cleaning boxes next to your mat so help yourself and show off that progress!
A few bruises!
Pole can be tough on your skin, especially when you’re new to training. It’s something that will feel less uncomfortable over time, but after your first class you should definitely expect your skin to feel a wee bit tender and to find some bruises in unusual places… but don’t worry. It's all part of the journey! Similarly, you will probably experience some muscle soreness the next day. Like with any new exercise you are switching on muscles that you may not have used before so your core and shoulders may be feeling it.
Again, this is completely normal and these DOMS will ease off in a couple of days. We do recommend a hot shower or bath to aid your post class recovery. 🙌🏼
We can’t wait to see you in your first Pole class or course. If you have any other questions about your first class that we haven’t covered here- check out our ‘before your class’ page or drop our team an email and we’ll be happy to help!