Now that term 1 of the New Year has just begun, resolve to make the most out of it! Here are some simple ways to have a great class experience every time:

• Eat a light meal at least 60-90 minutes beforehand. You want enough energy to last through the whole class without feeling faint from hunger, and still be able to spin without feeling nauseous from an over-full stomach.

• Don’t use any moisturizer (or worse, massage oil!) on your hands or body on the day of your class as it will turn the pole and floor greasy as you work up a sweat. We don’t want anyone sliding on the floor or slipping off the poles!

• Wear comfortable, stretchy workout gear that allows you to move freely. Make sure your shorts allow you enough skin contact with the pole and your top won’t fall open and expose you once you go upside down!

• Pack everything you need for class into a separate little pole bag that you can grab and go anytime: shoes, shaving gel, Dry Hands, wet wipes, pole cleaning cloth, band-aids, hair-ties, water bottle, extra shorts, etc..

• Arrive early so you have enough time to change into your pole gear without missing any of the warm-up. The warmer your muscles, the easier it is to do pole tricks without accidentally straining something.

• Watch and listen as the instructor demonstrates new moves. You don’t want to miss learning how to safely get in and out of a trick, or the tips on what common mistakes to avoid.

• Make sure you get enough rest between workout sessions as its vital for strength to develop. Beginners should keep at least 24 – 48 hours between pole sessions, depending on how active you are.

• It goes without saying but if you’ve had any alcohol, getting on a pole is a bad idea. It might make you feel more adventurous, but you really want to have all your motor skills functioning at 100% anytime both feet leave the ground. Safety first, everyone!

• Have a separate, clean pair of heels just for your pole classes. Don’t wear your everyday walking/clubbing heels into the studio because we roll around on the floor a lot, and our bare skin comes into direct contact with it… so don’t bring slime and grime in! Your skin (and fellow students) will thank you for it.

• Most of all, remember not to take things so seriously that you forget to have fun! Pole is your time to be happy so don’t judge yourself if you don’t get it at first, just enjoy the process!