Olivia's Altitude Journey

Olivia started at Altitude Palmerston North in May 2025 and has loved every minute since! Here's what she had to say about her journey so far 🩷

Tell us about why you started and how your first class at Altitude went!

"My first class was so much fun, I remember thinking afterwards that I had never had so much fun doing something I was ""bad"" at. The environment was what made me stick around. The people are so encouraging, the instructors know how to push you to be your best self, and every single success is celebrated. I figured that the time was passing me by anyway, so why not do something I enjoy with it?"

What do you like about pole dancing?

"I love the challenge, the motivation to succeed and the ambition to be better than you were the day before that comes along with showing up. The people are all so invested in not only self-success, but the success of others. I love looking back on my journey through old pictures and seeing the growth and development, and even my confidence grow."

Is there anything about pole dancing that’s really challenged you?

"Body confidence has always been a huge challenge for me, and it is something I am still trying to overcome every single day. Being in pole has made me recognise that everybody is capable of doing it. It doesn’t matter what background you come from, how ""fit"" you are or what body-type you exist in. If you start believing you look good, you will feel it too."

Have you grown as a person looking back?

“I am so much stronger than I was when I started pole. Although every instructor would explain it is a ""pull"" motion to get up onto the pole, I was jumping for at least a month (sorry). I started cross-training at the gym to build my upper strength and now, I can pull myself up onto the pole, and climb all the way up! I have also felt the fear of trying new moves has gone away too! I used to be terrified of moves which required trusting myself and my body to fall the right way, or grip where it needs to (apprentice became my worst enemy), but now I can happily say I can do apprentice confidently, even on spin!"

Any advice to give to someone looking to start at Altitude?

“I would say my biggest advice is that you will never regret showing up for yourself! Enjoy the journey and celebrate every milestone.”

Final words?

“Give yourself grace, and show up even on the hard days! Altitude is such a positive environment and It's impossible to not be happy every single time you are at pole!”

Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us Olivia! It's awesome hearing how confident you have become in yourself and your abilities ❤️