For the past ten years, I’ve struggled with anxiety. I’ve always known that physical activity helped me regulate it, but I could never stick to a workout routine. For a long time, I viewed exercise as a punishment for gaining weight, which made it difficult to sustain any commitment. Eventually, I experienced a mindset shift: working out isn’t something I should do because I feel bad about myself—it’s something I should do because it makes me feel better.
Finding pole dancing has been a game-changer. It has helped me stay committed to moving my body and, in turn, significantly improved my mood and mental health. Trying something new can be intimidating, and I’ve definitely had days where I was nervous or unsure about stepping into class. However, every time I finish, I feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. The workouts are so engaging, and the instructors are incredibly supportive and helpful. When I’m in class, I can block out all the overthinking and stress that usually preoccupy me. It’s taught me the importance of presence, the value of movement and the strength within myself.
Walking into the studio always feels safe and welcoming. There’s a smiling face to greet me, a professional to guide me, and a room full of encouragement from others who are also pushing themselves. This environment has been instrumental in boosting my self-esteem and showing me what I’m capable of, both physically and mentally. I was terrified to invert during my first advanced class. But with persistence and support, I pushed through. This achievement has taught me that if I can do hard things in class, I can handle challenges in other areas of life, too.
Staying consistent with this workout routine has decreased my anxiety and lifted my mood. Seeing what my body is capable of has helped me love myself again and feel less depressed. I look forward to every class, which has become a highlight of my week and fundamental in my journey to mental wellness. Through classes I’ve built meaningful connections and found a strong sense of belonging. The pole dancing world is a judgment free zone where everyone cheers each other on and celebrates progress. This sense of connection has made me feel less isolated in my struggles with anxiety. Over the past year, being part of this studio has transformed my mental health and allowed me to have hope that anxiety won’t always be something that runs my life.
