There are certain worries that I hear come up again and again with people who are new to pole. I get it, I had these same concerns when I started pole too! So let’s tackle the big five concerns every beginner has, and I’ll tell you the honest truth about each one.

1. “I’m Not Strong Enough”

The worry: “I can’t even do a push-up! How am I supposed to hold my body weight on a pole?”

The truth: You don’t need to be strong to START pole – pole is what MAKES you strong.

Think about it – did you wait until you were good at running before you started running? Of course not. You built up your running fitness by running. Just like every new skill we develop, it all starts with the, well, starting.

Pole is exactly the same. Every session includes strength and conditioning work that builds the exact muscles you need. We start with beginner-friendly moves that work with your current strength level, and gradually progress as you get stronger.

I’ve taught students who had never done any exercise before, who have came in proclaiming they have absolutely no upper body strength, scratch that, any strength at all and then they have been blown away with what they CAN do. Within weeks, they’re holding themselves on the pole performing moves they never thought possible. A lot of the strength is already there, it’s how we consciously activate it.

Your strength will come. I promise.

2. “I’m Not Flexible”

The worry: “Everyone doing pole looks so bendy! I can barely touch my toes.”

The truth: Most pole moves don’t require extreme flexibility. And the flexibility you DO need? We’ll develop it together.

Yes, some advanced moves benefit from flexibility. But so many beautiful pole moves are about strength, control, and flow – not just how far you can stretch. I was one of those can’t touch my toes people, flexibility is not a natural gift to me and the flexibility I have now has came with the natural practice of pole.

We include stretching and flexibility work in every single session. You’ll be amazed at how your flexibility improves naturally over time. That’s not why you START pole – it’s a benefit you GAIN from pole.

I’ve had students who were “not flexible at all” who are now doing splits. Not because they were born bendy, but because consistent training creates consistent progress.

3. “I’ll Be Too Self-Conscious”

The worry: “What if I look silly? What if I can’t do it and I feel embarrassed?”

The truth: This is exactly why Pure Pole Fitness offers 1-2-1 sessions.

It’s just you and me in the studio. No one else watching. No one to compare yourself to. No pressure to keep up with anyone else. I pride myself on creating a safe environment, where people feel comfortable exploring and pushing.

Here’s something I’ve learned teaching pole – everyone feels a bit awkward at first. It’s a completely new way of moving! Sometimes, we have NEVER related to our body in that way, or the “idea” of pole, moving fluidly with grace and dare I say it, a bit of sexiness, seems SO far away from our current view of ourselves. But shes is in there, I promise you that! The great thing about a private session is you get to be awkward, you can laugh at yourself, try things without judgment, and surprise yourself without an audience.

Plus, I’m your biggest cheerleader. My job is to make you feel supported, encouraged, and capable. Never embarrassed. You can guarantee that when you nail one of your pole goals, I will be there jumping up and down!

4. “I’m Too Old/Young/Unfit”

The worry: “Isn’t pole for young, fit people?”

The truth: My students range from 10 to 68 years old. All body types. All fitness levels.

Pole is for anyone who wants to try it. Full stop.

I adapt every move, every exercise, every session to suit YOUR body and YOUR fitness level. That’s the beauty of 1-2-1 training – it’s completely personalised. Don’t believe me? Check out the inspirational Idanna Abginente, at 82 years old and killing it.

Whether you’re super active or haven’t exercised in years, whether you’re 15 or 65, we’ll work at the pace that’s right for you. No one else’s journey matters – only yours.

5. “What If I’m Just… Not Good At It?”

The worry: “What if I try and I’m terrible and it’s just not for me?”

The truth: Everyone is “terrible” at pole when they first start. Including me. Including every professional pole dancer you’ve ever seen.

Pole is a skill. Like learning an instrument, or a language, or how to cook. No one picks up a guitar and plays Hendrix on day one. Everyone starts somewhere and what the Instagram highlights often leave out is all of the practice to get to where they are today.

The question isn’t “Will I be good at it immediately?” The question is “Will I enjoy the process of learning?”

And in my experience? Most people do. Because pole is FUN. Even when you’re a beginner. Even when you’re learning basic spins. Even when you can’t quite nail that move yet.

The joy isn’t in being perfect – it’s in surprising yourself with what you can do.

The Real Truth About Starting Pole

Here’s what I wish someone had told me before my first class:

You don’t need to be anything other than curious and willing.

You don’t need to prepare. You don’t need to “get in shape first.” You don’t need to prove anything.

You just need to show up and be willing to try something new.

Everything else – the strength, the flexibility, the confidence, the skills – that all comes with time and practice.

Ready to stop worrying and start doing? Book your first session at Pure Pole Fitness in Telford. I can’t wait to show you what you’re capable of.