The Empowering Art of Plus Size Pole Dancing

Have you ever looked at a pole dancer and thought "Wow, I wish I was thin enough to do this"?

You don't need to be thin to bust a move or twirl around a pole. Anybody and any body can do it!

Pole dancing was always something I thought looked so fun. Who wouldn't want to glide and twirl around a pole effortlessly while people watched in awe? Well, growing up fat and being a fat adult prevented me from exploring pole for years, not including the association of pole with judgmental attitudes from your average Joe. A local studio had been on my mind since before Covid but I was too afraid to do it alone and none of my friends wanted to commit to going with me. I let the idea simmer in the back of my mind while I went about my life.

A little over a year ago, I said "Fuck it. I'm gonna try it."

The rest is history.

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What You Need To Know Before Pole Dancing

There are a few things you need to know before you get into pole. Firstly, you're gonna have bruises, and a lot of them. Secondly, you're gonna be sore. And lastly, you're gonna be undeniably addicted.

The first time you learn to strut around the pole, you're gonna be a little embarrassed. And that's normal and ok. Most people I see attending a Pole 101 class bring a friend with them so they don't feel so awkward swaying their hips and flipping their hair in front of strangers. Being a thick girl, I felt more than a little awkward, especially when everyone around me was much smaller and caught on much faster than I did. I mean, it took me two months to learn a basic fireman spin. Lame.

Source: xpoleus

See how easy that looks? And yet I still couldn't figure it out?

But I didn't let that stop me. I kept going every week, and while I'm still behind compared to other people in the same level as me, I don't let it get to me. Everyone moves at a different pace, and hey, this is supposed to be fun!

Get In Touch With Your Inner Hottie

The thing about pole is that there's no rules. If walking around a pole shaking your ass is what you wanna do, do it! If you wanna do flips and spins and tricks, you can! The only thing you need to worry about (besides basic safety) is having fun!

Pole has made me a much more confident person. I'm fat, but I'm sexy. I'm alluring. I'm a seductress. And so are you.

Embracing your sense of allure and empowerment through feeling sexy is a powerful way to boost your confidence and self-esteem. It's about appreciating and celebrating your body, no matter the shape or size, for its unique beauty. Feeling sexy is all about radiating self love.

Don't believe me? Check out these amazing plus-size pole dancers on Ravishly.com

This Is Exercise

Ok, enough about being a sultry god/goddess. The other thing about pole is that it's work. You might be able to nail a spin or trick on the first try, but for the majority of people, it requires a lot of dedication and practice.

This is weight lifting. This is cardio. This is acrobatics. This is work!

You're using nearly every muscle you have, lifting your own body weight, and using the momentum to spin. It's great exercise and you'll be amazed at how strong you actually are once you start.

Pole dancing is super tough but also super fun! You gotta have a lot of strength and stamina to do all of the spins, holds, and climbs on the pole. It works out your arms, core, and legs, helping you get more flexible, coordinated, and fit, all while having a blast dancing and feeling yourself.

If you stick with it, you'll see some serious muscle gains and get stronger overall. It's a tough workout, but totally worth it!

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If you're thinking about taking a pole dancing class - do it! It never hurts to try some thing new.