When I completed a trek to Everest Base Camp, I came home with a drive to venture into something different in terms of fitness. Going off the beaten track has never failed to push me to my limits and constantly teaches me so much about the world that I never knew. Moreover, I’ve also always enjoyed dance and so I put those two together plus a Google search and thankfully I came across an 8 week pole dancing program for beginners! What are the odds!

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     My classes are usually once a week, for one and a half hours. The first half hour comprises of warm up, stretching and abs conditioning, which used to leave my core and upper body in dire need of some yoko-yoko the next day. However, that has gradually changed over two years of pole dancing. Each lesson has constantly improved my strength and balance, posture and coordination. I’ve gained so much body confidence since Day 1.

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     This journey though, has not been all unicorns and gummy bears. While motivation gets one fuelled up about getting into shape, fitness is all about discipline and consistency. I regularly exercise in the mornings, at least 4 times a week to build my upper body strength and maintain my flexibility. It definitely demands self discipline and determination but it reaps some fantastic emotional rewards too. I’ve learned to identify my abilities, how can I leverage them and truthfully, I have never been so in love with my scars and curves. In fact, every day I thank God I do NOT have a thigh gap!

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     In the past, I have performed for a Christmas pole party in 2017 and it was hands down, the most nerve wrecking and exhilarating performance I have done. I had all sorts of thoughts running through my mind from “What if my thighs fail me and I slip from the pole, head down?”, “What if I forget any steps?” and the list goes on. As there is a first time for everything, my first pole dance performance went amazingly well and I was very proud of myself. My upcoming performance will be in December and this time, I’m more excited than nervous.

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     Some of the stereotypes I have faced, tell someone you can’t join them for Sunday Brunch because you have pole dancing class and you may have eyebrows raised and a tonne of questions to answer to; “What do you wear?, Do you perform in clubs?, Do your parents know?,”etc. Like many exotic forms of dance, pole dancing has always been associated with strip clubs and leering men. However, this dance is slowly picking up a reputation in Malaysia as a sport and I’m thrilled to be a part of a movement that is bringing pole dancing out of the shadows and into fitness studios.

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     Diet wise, there isn’t a strict one that I stick by but it is advisable to consume more protein and vegetables as it helps with strengthening your muscles. Last year, my pole instructor started an 8 week abs challenge. Years ago, I started doing push ups and thought it was the most torturous thing. Flash forward January 2018, and I insist it’s still the most torturous thing! The 8 weeks was all about discipline and commitment versus temptation and ignorance, which was definitely challenging, mentally.

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     My advice to those wanting to venture into pole dancing is following the rules. The two fundamental requirements is to come with an open mind and a whole lot of enthusiasm. One of the things that I love so much about pole dancing is that everyone, and I mean EVERYONE of all shapes, sizes and ages are welcomed with open (and strong) arms. So there’s nothing to worry about being judged.

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