Sadie's Journey - Gaining Strength and Self-Belief Through Pole Dance

We've got something special to share with you today – a story that's as real as it gets! Meet Sadie, one of our incredible members from our Palmerston North studio. She's taken the time to reflect on her pole dancing journey and share it with us in her own words...

I started pole dancing at Altitude in April of 2022. I'd moved in with my best friend, and we always said we would start going to the gym together once we had. Then we realized pole would be a lot more fun so I didn't hesitate and signed up.

My first class was terrifying, and I genuinely thought, 'OMG, what have I gotten myself into? I'm never going to be able to do this.' Even trying to stand from the floor using the pole seemed so confusing and painful, but I figured I'd stick to it just for a bit to see how it goes. I fell in love with pole, and I don't think I've ever enjoyed a hobby so much. Now the idea of stopping seems too painful 😉

I love pushing my body to do things I never even thought possible. I feel strong, sexy, empowered, and the whole rest of the world seems to melt away every time I enter the studio.

Pole has definitely changed my confidence. Not only in the studio but outside. My physique also is slowly changing. The tiniest little improvements I see in my muscles, flexibility, strength sometimes blow my mind. It sometimes doesn't even feel like it's me doing it all because I've changed body and mind. My dancing definitely still needs some elbow grease though.

Since starting pole, I'm so much more confident in myself. When I get to a pole class I think 'I'm gonna get this,' or at the very least I give it my all because I know I can. It might take time but there's no doubt in my mind I'll get there eventually. Which I guess leads me to say I've changed mentally as well. Pole has made me realize I am capable of a lot more than I ever thought and it's an amazing feeling. Having a bit more 'h*ll yeah, I'm awesome' in my life definitely brightens the outlook on everything.

Some advice I have for anyone starting out is to keep going!!! Trust me I know it seems impossible and there is always someone who is going to be way better than you, but that's okay! It's not about being the best, it's about being better than you were, and there's no one who sees the small changes to get there more than you. It may not be instantaneous, and maybe even feels like a lifetime, but it's worth it. Trust me."

Sadie's story is a testament to the transformative power of pole dancing and the incredible community we have here at Altitude. It's about embracing your unique journey and celebrating your personal growth.

If you'd like to start your own journey at Altitude Pole. We're here to support you every step of the way 💕