Are you over 40 and up a pole? Check in here :)

Rachel Osborne started this discussion · 4/16/2014

Just wanting to touch base with anyone over 40 and a poler. Me, restarted pole aged 42 after 4-5 years off. Had baby at nearly 40, put on weight during pregnancy and finally lost the weight 2 years later. Restarted pole and loved it! But found back flexibility, turn out, splits all very different to pre-pregnancy days and it's much easier to over-train. Crunch, click, ache! On the plus side my strength is better and my body awareness is higher - plus I'm just so happy I can still do this! Anyone else want to share if they're poling in the prime of life (cough) and how it feels? And when did you take up pole?

131 replies

grayeyes · 4/16/2014
There are quite a few of us poling in the prime of life. I just started in July 2013 at age 44. I'll be 45 next month. I absolutely love it. My only regret is that I did do it when I was younger and my body would have been more cooperative--mainly my flexibility. For the life of me I cannot figure out when my back turned into a solid non-bendable surface! I used to do gymnastics and loved to stretch in a back bend. Now I suffer a ridiculous fear of going over in a handstand because I'm afraid I'll land flat on my back since it seems to have zero arch now.
Legs4Days · 4/16/2014
I am 53 and became interested the first time at age 50..stopped then started again. It's a challenge for me and makes my arms look nice...at least that is what I am told!! Great overall workout and I wish I had started sooner but one of my teachers is in her late sixties.
WebJunk · 4/16/2014
I remember being 42! I started decades ago but got more involved in work and other things in life. Got back into it a couple of years ago when it came up in conversation at the gym and being I still had a pole, agreed to show them what I knew, as limited as it is. They then wanted to learn more and so did I. I think it helps to have other people to inspire oneself. That is what is good about this website.
Saphyre · 4/16/2014
I am 49 and started when I was 47. I wish I had started sooner, but I am amazed at what my body can do!!! You CAN teach an old dog new tricks, lol. I find that I must take breaks to keep my body from getting overstrained, but that does not hold me back at all. I will keep on poling and stretching and bending as long as I possibly can.
Slkysmth · 4/16/2014
I am 40 almost 41. I started poling about a year ago. I was already strong enough to pole due to being very physically active, however, I am not as flexible as I would like to be so there lies my challenge with pole. I do find my joints get a little extra achy but that seems to happen when I weight train heavy too. I love seeing women of my age poling. It make me happy! Thanx for sharing!
Rachel Osborne · 4/16/2014
High-fives fellow 40+ polers! It is great isn't it? I never thought I'd be upside down in booty shorts at 43 but so glad I am!
AliPali · 4/17/2014
I am 45 and have been poling for three years now. I have no dance background, was hopeless at sports at school and as a young child struggled with handstands etc. I love pole and train 4 x a week. I nearly have the front splits now and am totally addicted to the feel good factor i get when I finally nail a new trick or spin. I have also gained a confidence about my body which I never had. Putting shorts and a cropped top on and more concerned about whether I'm going to get that trick today that I have been working on for the last 6 months then omg look at my cellulite. My only fear is getting that dreaded injury that might take months to heal, so sooooo important that you listen to your body, when it's saying rest, you must rest! This sounds so corny but pole really has given me a new lease of life and really now is my sunshine on a rainy day! Happy poling!!
Autumn Sky · 4/17/2014
I turned 45 last week and have been poling for 2 years. I have always been naturally flexible so this was a blessing in pole. When I started I could do a split on my right side but not my left, now I can do it on both sides. I love how it has changed my body( especially my abs). I love what it has done to my confidence level too! I too try to be extra careful to avoid injury , I go to an awesome studio where safety is a top priority. Sometimes though it's hard to tell what is sore from working out, and what is sore because of natural aging. I am in denial on aging so I blame all aches and pains on pole(lol).
yrngrl · 4/17/2014
I'm 40. I started pole a year ago, and am thrilled to be in the best shape of my life (I have abs at last!) I love the feeling of accomplishment from getting a new trick, and for someone who was overweight and sedentary almost my whole adult life, I'm constantly amazed by what I am capable of.
chemgoddess1 · 4/17/2014
45 here!
Legs4Days · 4/17/2014
I am clicking on everyone's pics and u gals do NOT look your age!
RanPolaHolic · 4/17/2014
I am 40. I started pole dance 2 years ago, seven months after the birth of my daughter. I love it!! I am stronger and more flexible than ever! The problem is that due to family responsibilities there isn't enough time to work out, and my progress is rather slow but I don't give up.
Polebull · 4/17/2014
I'm 46 and gave been poling die about a year. I love it! My flexibility has improve tenfold since I started. I'm hoping to compete at some point :)
Sieira · 4/17/2014
I started when I was 41..im 42 now so about 7 months love it! I was NEVERRRRR flexible in any way slowly but surly I'm getting better. It's sooo great to be at a studio that's so encouraging :) I have a pole at home now also. I do notice more achs and pains but it's worth it! I do have a lil more fear then the younger girls, but the more I trust my body the stronger I get. Wish I started younger too lol
lisakm · 4/17/2014
I started last year at 47. Had been into flying trapeze for a few years in my early 40s, but had to give that up when household finances declined. Loved pole class from day 1 -- much more affordable than trapeze, and just as challenging and exciting. AND something that was actually possible to practice at home -- didn't have that with flying trapeze! Like others have said, I wish this was something I had gotten into when young, but I'm thrilled to be doing it now.
SimplyHappy · 4/17/2014
I am 44 and pole makes me happy. Started at age 40 and took two years off because of a bad car accident. I enjoy bring back and learning new things. I have limitations due to injuries but working to push past them and loving every minute.
Cuwoody · 4/17/2014
I am 44 and have been doing pole for a year. I love to have people closer to my age to bounce things off of. I am by far the oldest in the studio where I train. I feel my age gives me advantages in some ways but creates obstacles as well. For me flexibility is one of my biggest challenges.
Cuwoody · 4/17/2014
I have no background in gymnastics, dance, etc and I haven't kept myself in shape so this has been great for me. Like many of you I am surprised at how much strength I have gained. I am a little timid at times bc of the fear of injury and a lengthy recovery since my "old bones" don't heal like they did at 20. I am glad that I have had the opportunity to do this. It really has changed my life for the better.
zuzulya · 4/17/2014
I'm 51 and I started about a year ago....it's been a great journey and I am stronger today than I have ever been! I'm excited about all the things I learn and it's so much fun when my body suddenly "gets it"....as the "chubby" girl who never got picked for a team sport and who everyone thought couldn't possibly be athletic, I find a very profound sense of accomplishment with each pole session. I'm not so sure that as a younger person I would have been able to appreciate it the way I do today! You're never too old and I intend to pole for a very long time!
ntrujilloc41719 · 4/17/2014
Can't wait to read everyone's replies. 42 here and no plans of stopping! Hope to be doing this at LEAST 20 more years or more if the body holds up. BEST workout ever! where else can you dance, wear heels, look hella sexy and learn some bad ass moves all for fitness??!! The tricks are getting harder but we go hard or go home! Pole on ladies!!!
Cactusgirl · 4/17/2014
I am 54 and just started last year. Took me awhile to get over always being the oldest woman in class, but finally realized I was the only one thinking about my age. Wish I had found this decades ago!
Paunobs · 4/17/2014
I started at 48 I am 2 months off 52, last weekend I was the only Nanna playing in the playground with my 3 grandchildren hanging upside down , and swinging on the monkey bars, it has been a tough journey but one I am very grateful to have taken, menopause has slowed me down somewhat with more aches and pains, less motivation and fatigue but I still persist the benefits far outweigh the cons, I work within my body's physical limitations, if I get injured it will take much longer to heal, so I am careful, fear holds me back somewhat but focusing on what my strengths are is how I deal with these issues. Best thing I have ever done for myself!:-)
hookedonpole · 4/18/2014
Currently 58 yrs old, started at age 50, so it's been 8 yrs now. I could be farther along, however, did not have a studio to go to for quite a long time. So did the you tube thing, veena's lessons which really helped me progress, and various workshops here and there. I also tend to pole on the fear side, especially without a spotter, but it's okay, I have accomplished a lot and love the strength and stamina I get from pole, as well as the toned muscles! I have a studio to go to now since October 2013 and love the consistency, excellent instructor and gals to have fun and encourage each other.
MartyS · 4/18/2014
Awesome girls :) 52 now, Started just before I turned 48 and never looked back. I hated any form of exercise but absolutely love poling.. just wish I coukd trade my joints in for rubber ones. I have osteopenia and that fear of faĺling just sits there permanently grrrr, so extra caution steps in when trying certain moves. Intend on poling for a very long time :) Happy poling everyone.
chriswarner · 4/18/2014
I am 61yrs 6mths old and started poling 2 years ago. It was the best decision by far that I have ever made in my life. I have never felt better and as the weeks go by I notice how I am becoming stronger and more flexible. What a wonderful sport to enjoy in my retirement in 3 1/2 years time.

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