30 Days In: The Subtle (and Not-So-Subtle) Magic of Starting Pole or Aerial
When you’re about a month into pole or aerial classes, you might be wondering: Is this working? Am I doing this right? Why do my forearms feel like they’ve been personally betrayed? Good news! You’re right on track. That first 30 days is where the quiet magic happens. Let’s break it down.
1. Strength Shows Up Before You Notice It
Pole and aerial doesn’t gently ease you into strength; they sneak it in while you’re busy concentrating on where your legs go.
After about a month, most students notice:
Better grip strength
A core that engages automatically
Upper-body muscles clocking in without being invited
You may not feel “strong” in the traditional gym sense, but your body is learning how to support itself in space, and that’s a whole different level of functional strength.
Bonus realization:
Holding your own body weight is wildly empowering, even if it doesn’t feel graceful yet.
2. Confidence Grows Through Trying (Not Nailing)
Here’s a secret: confidence doesn’t come from getting everything right. It comes from:
Attempting the “scary” thing
Messing it up
Laughing it off
Trying again anyway
By week four, you’ve likely had at least one moment where you surprised yourself. Maybe you climbed higher. Maybe you held longer. Maybe you didn’t panic when something felt unfamiliar. That’s confidence being built quietly, consistently, and without permission.
3. Your Body Stops Being the Enemy
One of the most powerful shifts happens in how you think about your body. Instead of asking: “Why can’t I do this?” You start asking: “What does my body need to do this?” Pole and aerial have a way of turning frustration into curiosity. Your body becomes something you work with, not against and that mental shift is huge.
4. You’re No Longer Doing This Alone
Around the one-month mark, something else clicks: You recognize people. You celebrate small wins together. You realize everyone else is also figuring it out as they go. Pole and aerial communities thrive on shared struggle and mutual hype. Progress feels lighter when it’s witnessed and supported.
Final Thoughts: This Is Just the Beginning
Thirty days won’t turn you into an aerial superhero, but it will change how you see yourself. You’re stronger than you expected. More capable than you assumed. And curious about what happens next. That’s the real win.
So keep showing up for yourself. Keep asking questions. Keep trusting the process.