So, you’re telling yourself that you’re ’getting old’. Are you ready to flip the script on aging? I’m here to tell you that your more mature years are about to get a whole lot more exciting. How, you ask? Well, the answer is simple: pole dancing!
Before we get into this let’s quickly highlight why our mature years as women are so exciting. My name is Andrea Ryff & I’m the owner of Achieve Pole Studio. I started at age 36 and at 40 won a National Title against competitors half my age.
I’m about to turn 50 and whilst in my 20s I was convinced this would be the end of life for me, (actually, I also thought that would be the case in my 40s) now as I approach my 5th decade, I realise just how wrong I was. I’ve loved my 40s! I’m stronger, fitter, more confident and sexier! When we hit our 40s, 50s and over, we’re independent – financially and emotionally, we’ve experienced so much – both good & bad, the way we see the world now is very different to how we saw it in our 20s, we know who we are, what we want & where we stand. Summed up, we’re secure enough to live life our way. When you get to the other side of 40 you value your time and appreciate how much experiences can enrich your life. Cue a good challenge. Pole dancing!! Now let’s get into why this is something you absolutely have to try.
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Photo by Leslie Liu
Age is just a number, and at Achieve Pole Studio, we firmly believe that your age should never limit your sense of adventure, fun, or empowerment. Nor should it mean you stop challenging yourself & trying new things. It’s time to redefine aging and what it means – and trust me, it’s all about strength, sass, and living your best life! Not to mention stepping into your most confident self.
Why Pole Dancing?
Now, you might be wondering, “Why on earth would I want to give pole dancing a go in my older years?” Well, hang tight because I’m about to lay down some incredible reasons:
Pole dancing is a full body, non-impact workout. It’s resistance training using your body weight to generate functional strength. Let me repeat that – functional! No lifting of heavy weights that add a load onto joints, and no boring reps to count. It’ll have your muscles working in ways you never thought possible. Imagine having killer arms, strong legs, and a core that’s rock-solid – pole dancing makes it happen!
“I can’t even touch my toes!” Don’t worry, you’re not alone and touching your toes is not a prerequisite to start pole. As the years go by, our bodies can become as stubborn as a cat in a cardboard box. Pole dancing, with its graceful stretches and fluid movements, will have you feeling more flexible and limber than ever. Say goodbye to those creaky joints!
“I hate cardio!” Unless I’m dancing to a killer beat, I’m out. Which is why I love pole! Forget about the boring treadmill or stationary bike. Pole dancing is a heart-pumping, adrenaline-rushing cardio exercise that’ll leave you breathless in the best way possible. It’s a party and a workout all rolled into one! You won’t even know you’re working out.
Life can be hectic at any age, but pole dancing is your secret weapon against stress. It releases a flood of those happy endorphins, leaving you feeling like a superstar after every class.
Ever wanted to channel your inner goddess? Pole dancing lets you do just that. It’s an empowering journey that boosts self-esteem, sparks creativity, and shows you that you’re capable of anything! You’ll come in thinking you can’t, and pole will prove you wrong. Pole dancing allows you to see your body for what it can do, not the way it looks.
At Achieve Pole Studio, we’re all about creating a tight-knit community. The camaraderie of like-minded individuals transforms the studio into a sanctuary of shared experiences, where victories are celebrated, and challenges are conquered together. Read our Google reviews and you’ll see this reflected in each one!
But don’t just take our word for it. Listen to what some of our incredible participants have to say about their pole dancing journey:
“It’s such a great sport and so much more fun than a normal gym workout. You really get a sense of achievement as you learn new tricks & keep building on your skills. I am 51 so most students are younger, but they make everyone feel welcome. Great way to keep fit, build strength and have a lot of fun & laughs.” – Karen Nielsen 51
Helen & Karen are both in their 50s and are part of the Advanced classes at Achieve. Karen started age 49 and Helen, now 52, started in her 40s. Check out the video below to see how they’re defying age with pole.
“I have been learning pole for 6 years and started at the age of 40. My energy level increased, muscle definition and self-confidence has rapidly improved. Everyone, no matter of their skill level, age, body shape is made to feel welcome and we all support each other. It’s definitely worth giving it a go.” – Yoshiko Kayamori 46
“I love training at Achieve and the variety of classes on offer. Plus, the awesome instructors that guide and support your growth. I enjoy the diverse group of people, the pole technique I have learnt and the fact that I am stronger and fitter than ever before.” – Vandana Reddy 45
Greta Pontarelli is 72. When Greta was 59, she was diagnosed with Osteoporosis, a condition that destroys bone density.
“To strengthen my bones, I needed strenuous exercise, something that would involve lifting weights,” she explains. “But just weightlifting is very boring. That’s why I looked into pole dancing.”
Pole attracted Greta because it provided exactly the sort of physical load that doctors recommended to her, except that the weight didn’t come from dumbbells, but her own body. Greta became fitter, she gained flexibility in her muscles, her back pain disappeared. But, most importantly, Greta was given the opportunity to inspire people.
“Many start to think that even at 40 or 45, it’s already too late to begin something new, to find a new dream. I am glad I am able to convince them that it’s never too late to realise your dream and be happy.”
After watching a Pole Legends competition, Glynn thought to himself “That’s awesome, I’d love to do that,” At Age 63, he went and gave it a go under the stage name “The Prince”. Now he is known as among the top five male pole dancers in New Zealand.
He said although other forms of exercise could be just as good, there were specific features about pole dancing that could help with certain issues.
“Pole is going to make you strong and it’s going to make you confident,” Owens said.
He said, through pole dancing, participants learn to cope with setbacks. The mental benefits come from a combination of community, confidence, and the feeling of accomplishment.
“You stop focusing on what your body looks like and it’s more about the skills you can achieve.”
Moreover, Glynn places an emphasis on going beyond necessity and just letting it loose. “Having fun is high on my priority list,” he says.
The stories of Karen, Yoshi, Greta & Glynn are testaments to the power of how pole dancing redefines aging. Pole dancing’s true magic lies in the journey of self-discovery, to learn more about their bodies, their strengths, and their potential. The pole becomes a metaphor for life’s journey- every-changing, evolving, and always offering room for growth.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to break free from aging stereotypes and embrace a world of confidence and empowerment through pole dancing. Join us at Achieve Studio and let’s make your golden years the most extraordinary yet!
