I think it is safe to say that at this point in our pole journey, we are proud of what we have accomplished so far. From the first time you touched a pole to the first climb or spin, something inside of you came alive and you just knew that THIS is where you are supposed to be. You have made the investment in yourself to commit to pole and it feels great! By now you are probably noticing that you favor one side more than the other or one side is more flexible than the other and your instructor has said these words to you “Maybe you need to crosstrain so that you don’t get injured.” 🙄 After giving it some thought and that little voice in the back of your mind saying go cross train so you don't jack up your shoulder, you finally join a gym. So now what?

Gyms are probably one of the most intimidating places on this good green earth to step foot into. Especially if you don’t know the first thing about lifting weights. You walk into this giant space with machines that can look like torture devices, you feel shy and awkward and pray that no one notices you. Studies show that almost 90% of people are concerned with how they are perceived by other people at the gym! Friend, you are not alone!

But I’m here to tell you this, cross training is one of the best investments you can make for yourself and your pole journey. Here are my top tips for making your gym experience more enjoyable and effective!

Cross Training 101 For Pole Dancers

Come up with a plan and stick with it.

Thanks to youtube and the good ole’ interwebs, you can find some really great trainers who have strong online platforms who actually know what they are talking about. Be sure to search for science based articles and videos on how to create a plan, use the machines and how many reps to do. Having a plan will put your mind at ease so that you don’t go to the gym and try to put something together on the fly!

Wear something you feel good in.

Nothing worse than trying to workout in an outfit that you do not feel confident in. I am not saying go spend your coins a whole new workout wardrobe but getting a few supportive sports bras and leggings (high-waisted so you keep ya crack in) can help you feel good! My go to is always leggings and an oversized t-shirt!

A good playlist

If Knuck if you Buck is what you need to get you to release those endorphins and get you goin, then go for it! Creating a playlist that makes you feel like you can conquer the world or listening to one of your favorite podcast is a sure way to help the workout move along.

And you already know where you can find our entire playlist library, right?! If not, click here and check it out!

Get a Trainer or try group classes

Maybe solo workouts are not for you. There are other options in the fitness world like group classes. Taking group classes is a great way to find out what kind of cross training you will actually like and have more chances of sticking to it. If you want to really dial in and learn proper techniques to weight lifting, get a trainer who knows what they are doing and can get you the results you want.

Always remember Why you came.

Your why is what will keep you consistent. If you are training to get stronger for pole and have less injuries, picking a routine and sticking to it will be easier to do vs. you going just to stay on trend with what everyone else is doing.

Keep the end goal in mind and don’t get stuck up with anything that does not serve your ultimate why!

Cross training is an essential part of any pole dancers journey. It can be intimidating at first but like everything else, you will eventually find a routine that works for you and stick to it. Remember why you are doing this and don’t be too hard on yourself!

Take your time, find what works for you and start crushing goals. Happy Training!