Check out our FAQ’s below filled with helpful information and handy tips for your pole journey whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro!
Please don’t hesitate to Contact Us if you have any questions you feel have not been covered below. We are more than happy to help!
Want to know more about the history of Pole and how it has evolved? Check out a beginners guide here. We have more facts and hints on our Blog.
New to Pole
If you’re new to pole, thank you for choosing to come to us for your classes! We cannot wait to welcome you to our family and start this journey with you!
We have provided some helpful beginner’s tips below to make sure you feel super prepared when walking into class!
Before arrival please make sure you have completed our Screening form and returned it to us. Avoid moisturising your skin, ideally 24 hours before class as this can transfer to the pole and make it slidey and difficult to grip, as well as damage the pole over time.
At the start of class, we will welcome everyone, introduce ourselves and verbally screen for any questions, concerns or injuries. Please do let us know if there’s anything you think we should be aware of before beginning class, either alongside the group or in private.
Names and pronouns will be asked, give whatever information you are comfortable with to your instructor and the class. Any questions at all, feel free to ask!
Please remove all jewllery before touching the poles.
The class begins with a group warmup and then level appropriate conditioning to help warm up the poles and further activate your muscles.
TIP 1: If you’re sharing a pole, make sure to get the other person’s name! This could be your new lifetime friend and there’s nothing more awkward than being 6 months in and still not knowing their name! Everyone is super friendly!
The bulk of the time will take you through the chosen classes syllabus with the instructor making their way around everyone. Pole is a great workout no matter which form you choose to explore. Tricks help tone and build strength and dance and combinations aid in stamina and cardiovascular development. After your first class you will likely feel sore, particularly the next day, due to using muscles and muscle groups you might not normally use. You may also find some odd bruises in random places, this is all perfectly normal and eases up as you progress and your skin and body become more acclimatized to the movements.
TIP 2: Should you find your muscles aching, called DOM’s, use a foam roller or a tennis ball to roll out the muscle. This helps to remove any built up lactic acid in the muscle which causes the discomfort. A tennis ball is great for getting into any of those little niggly bits.
The class will finish with a gentle cool down led by your instructor, helping you to reset and preventing DOM’s before concluding the class.
TIP 3: It’s always nice to provide a wee thank you to the instructor before leaving class, it’s also an opportunity should you have any questions or to provide any positive feedback.
TIP 4: Don’t copy what others are doing in class as it may be a mixed level class with people of all abilities, your instructor will provide level appropriate content for you. Never allow another student to teach you, we know the difference between reminders and helpful feedback and teaching!
TIP 5: If you have partaken in a flow or choreo class, it is always good etiquette to credit the original choreographer, particularly if you post it on the internet and it’s not okay to claim the choreo as your own original work. If you have taken elements, you can use ‘inspired by’ as way of providing credit.
TIP 6: At Juicy we acknowledge and support sex work and the strip clubs that gave us our artform. We actively encourage you to read about the history of pole and support sex workers and strippers. We deliberately don’t offer authentic stripper style classes unless it is being taught by a stripper. We will be more than happy to help point you in their direction should you wish to take their classes. Our biggest tip is to always be respectful of all, but particularly when it comes to acknowledging the roots of pole.
TIP 7: Do not believe the Instagram hashtags when they tag moves as beginner. These are heavily skewed for views and usually are not accurate. We have many beginners experiencing loss of motivation or panic due to seeing these tags, please do not take them seriously and speak to your instructor if you are concerned at all. We have a very deliberate, catered syllabus that allows you to build strength appropriately, learn correct muscle engagement and develop the skin resistance needed for more advanced tricks.
We hope you enjoy your class and can’t wait to see your face regularly!
What is Pole?
Pole in the form we do now, (i.e. with a metal pole), began in the strip clubs. There is a lot of misinformation about it’s roots but it has a beautiful and rich history from burlesque to peep shows, before it evolved further in modern day strip clubs. See Pole History for more in depth information.
What we like the most about modern day pole is that it is versatile and provides many styles for you to choose from.
If you are looking to get fit and toned, the tricks element might be more your scene. You want to dance and slink around? There are so many styles you can explore from contemporary pole to authentic stripper style. Perhaps you’re not a fan of heights? That’s OK! There’s so many basework and floorwork fun you can focus on instead.
Pole really does cater to all and is constantly evolving and changing meaning there’s always more for you to learn. It’s fun and challenging with some great confidence boosting side effects. People often report caring more about what their bodies can do, rather than what they look like, which is a welcome and refreshing break for most of us!
Start your journey with us now, we swear you won’t regret it!
What are the Benefits?
Pole is an incredible workout as it uses all of your muscle groups and requires you to build strength in order to lift your own body weight. You develop your stamina and cardiovascular through dance and tricks combinations. Requiring your skin to aid in gripping the pole helps you to feel more comfortable in your own body.
Pole tones, strengthens and aids in flexibility but also has loads of wonderful side effects not related to the physical. Everyone who has began their journey reports feeling more confident, comfortable and often sexier than they were before.
They become a part of a wonderful community who often feel like outsiders in main stream hobbies, and constantly surprise themselves with what they are capable of.
Not to mention that exercise has proven mental health benefits!
It really is an all rounder of a sport and can get you tricking, dancing and flowing to a more creative you.
What can I expect?
Our instructors create a super warm and friendly atmosphere regardless of experience, emphasising inclusion and fun whilst ensuring the safety of all, both on and off the pole.
Classes often run in one hour/ hour and a half time slots where we begin with a warmup to get you ready for exercise. We then warm the poles up with some various level appropriate conditioning before using the bulk of the time to teach you the specific pole activity you signed up for. The class concludes with a gentle cool down.
Pole usage is capped at 2 per pole so you still have plenty of time to work on things whilst giving yourself a breather. The poles themselves are made of Chrome and can come in various sizes between 40mm, 45mm and 50mm. They have the ability to remain static or be put onto spin, giving you even more learning options.
What should I wear?
We require skin to create friction in order to stick to the pole. For your first classes as a beginner we recommend shorts and a t-shirt or tank top. Leggings are fine for your first few classes, but please be aware this can make it harder to gain purchase on the pole and you will more likely slide around. Cycling shorts are a good alternative if you would feel more comfortable whilst still providing the grip.
There are a selection of grippy/sticky leggings and tops available on the pole market should you require/wish to avoid uncovered skin altogether.
Otherwise feel free to wear whatever you are most comfortable in and if you wish to dress up for the occasion feel free, provided you are able to pole in the clothing safely.
Pole heels are allowed as are socks and bare feet, though we recommend only wearing pole heels once you have had some classes, or prior experience to ensure your safety and form.
Please remove all jewellery prior to touching the poles, if possible avoid wearing any to class.
Please don’t moisturise your skin at least 24 hours before attending class as oil based moisturiser will transfer to the poles, making it not only slidey for yourself but others who may be sharing your pole. This can also damage the poles over prolonged periods.
What should I bring?
We recommend you bring your own absorbent cloths that you can use to wipe the pole down or yourself between usage. It can be particularly useful when first starting out, before your grip strengthens and adapts. You may find your hands feel sweaty.
Bring plenty of water as it is a workout regardless of the class type.
Grip aids are allowed though we recommend using these sparingly to allow your skin to adapt, but aids like Girlie Grip, Dry hands and equivalents can help on particularly hot days. Please check with your instructor before applying any grips to the pole to ensure the brand has been OK’d by the studio.
Feel free to bring your phone along and take loads of pictures and videos of your progress, just please be mindful of other people and check with anyone who may be in the background before you post on the internet. Do not film or take pictures of anyone without their explicit permission.
If you would like to wear socks, we recommend wearing yoga socks as these have grips on the sole meaning you are less likely to slide around on the laminate flooring.
Ts and Cs
At Juicy we value your safety above all else and actively encourage a respectable, safe space for all.
Anyone deemed disruptive or unsafe either to themselves or others, by the class instructor, will be asked to leave class immediately with no refund given and potential banning from all future classes and events.
We take any kind of bullying, disrespectful or abusive behaviour very seriously and any act, verbal or otherwise will not be tolerated. Anyone who contradicts the ethos of Juicy Pole Glasgow being a safe space for all people will be asked to leave immediately, with the potential of future banning from all classes and events.
Please be respectful of your instructor and other class participants by following instructions given, keeping noise levels to an acceptable level and being mindful of anyone around you when taking pictures and/or videos, warning them/seek permission for appearing in the image.
A screening form is required to partake in any and all classes, both online or in person, and should be returned before attending your first ever class with Juicy Pole Glasgow. Please be honest and accurate in your information and keep it up to date by notifying us of any changes. This is to ensure your own health and safety within a class and allows the instructor to accommodate should they require to do so. Any private information given will not be shared outwith that of the instructors who are teaching you. You can request to see your own information, held by Juicy, at any given time.
For every participants safety, it is important you arrive to class on time and partake in the full class warm-up provided. Failure in this will forfeit your class and you will be asked to leave without participating, with no refund or exchange given. The warm up is for your safety as it prepares the body for exercise, preventing injury. We do not accept responsibility for anyone participating in a class who has not been lead through a thorough warmup by a relevant, qualified professional. Late comers will not be permitted entry.
Pole Dancing and fitness is a dangerous sport and you participate at your own risk. Any behaviour during class which fails to respect and understand this, will not be tolerated and you will be asked to leave the class. It is your own responsibility to ensure your safety and only attempt moves you have been taught by a relevant, qualified professional and are within your own skills level. Any disruption or behaviour that jeopardises the safety of other participants will be ceased immediately. It is at the instructor’s discretion to allow you to continue within the class or not.
Your classes will be overseen, taught and managed by an instructor with the relevant professional qualifications and insurance. They will be on hand to spot you verbally and physically during any moves they deem necessary. Touch permission will always be fully explained and confirmed with an individual before the commencement of the move or trick. You are always within your rights to refuse, but please be aware this may mean the restriction of certain moves/tricks if the instructor deems it unsafe for you to attempt without a spot. They will always do their best to provide alternatives or variations to the move before refusal. Crash mats are also available for use anytime and should be applied in an appropriate manner, i.e. the correct mat type for the matching trick, not as a substitute for a safe spot or good technique.
Equipment is checked regularly and is the responsibility of the studio you are visiting. However, misuse of the equipment by individuals will cease immediately with expulsion of the student from the class.
Please check our FAQ’s on what to wear and what not to do before attending class as these will ensure your safety and that of others attending.
A cancellation notice of 48 hours is mandatory, anything under this will incur the full cost of the class or event, regardless of circumstances. No refunds will be given. Anything before the 48 hour notice period, please contact your instructor or Juicy immediately to allow for spaces to be sold on or alternatives arranged.
Full refunds will only be offered in the event of cancellation by Juicy Pole Glasgow for whatever reason.
For online classes; it is your own responsibility to ensure you are working in a safe and appropriate environment, including, but not limited to, home poles rigged to the manufacturer’s specifications and a space free from hurdles that could cause injury. You partake acknowledging these stipulations and at your own risk. Juicy takes no responsibility for injury caused by insufficient space or equipment whilst partaking in online classes, whether it be through live zoom, recorded video library or masterclass.
Pole Surgeries and workout plans will contain specific instruction on safe execution of the notes provided, any uncertainty, please reach out for clarity. It is your own responsibility to ensure your safe practice when utilising training guidance from the surgeries or workout plans, or any similar products provided by Juicy.
Pole Surgeries are not provided by a bookable time slot. A student submits their video’s for review and an instructor will reply within the week with their written feedback. Verbal can be requested to aid in any access needs or for clarification of notes given but this does not extend the amount of feedback you receive and any attempts to wrangle more from your instructor will be ignored. We will do our best to provide extensive and cohesive feedback as much as possible based solely on the submitted videos. Any follow up videos will need to be booked and paid for separately.
Consultations are to help guide you through a specific issue or goal that you request, they take place off the pole and are more about discussion than practice.
Please do not teach other students. During classes and events where an instructor is provided, all teaching responsibility defaults to them. Anyone caught teaching other students will receive a warning with potential expulsion from class. We do understand there is a difference between reminding someone of key points the instructor has made and teaching someone a move from scratch. Your instructor will notice the difference and their word is final.
Juicy Pole Glasgow’s 121/2/3’s currently take place at Pole Physique in Glasgow and so any bookings will default to their studio’s Ts and Cs of use. To enquire and book availability please email us and we will be happy to provide further information along with any directions to the venue.
Juicy Pole Glasgow currently provides classes for Stirling University’s Pole Dancing Club throughout term time. In order to participate you must be a current student of Stirling University. For more information on joining their club please see here.
Juicy Pole Glasgow currently provides monthly classes and class cover at Pole Fitness Falkirk. To see when we are teaching please follow us on Instagram or sign up to our Newsletter to receive live updates. To book into these classes you will need to go through the Pole Fitness Falkirk booking system here. You do not need to be a current student to book in for Juicy classes.
Juicy Pole Glasgow currently provides class cover throughout Glasgow and so we recommend following us or signing up to our Newsletter in order to stay informed of any class cover updates.
Juicy Pole Glasgow also provides touring workshops throughout the country that incur their own specific Ts and Cs to book. Should you wish to book us for your studio, simply email us to receive our press pack which includes all Ts and Cs of hosting. As a student booking into any guest workshops you will follow the host studio’s policies by default.
Pole History
There is a lot of misinformation about it’s roots but it has a beautiful and rich history from burlesque to peep shows before it evolved further in modern day strip clubs. In recent years there has also been a new movement making it an alternative fitness workout.
As far as we know it began in the travelling shows where dancers would use the tent pole as a means to dance on.
In the 18th Century USA, “Hoochie Coochie” was a term used to label any kind of provocative or sexual dancing such as bellydancing. These dancers discovered they could use the central tent pole to spin, climb and hold poses on, elevating their entertainment and wow factor. These dancers were then imported to Europe.
By the 1900’s the grandmother of pole was formed in the Vaudeville variety and striptease shows only to then be divvied up during Prohibition. Aerial skills deemed appropriate for public consumption, such as silks and trapeze moved to the circus whereas sex, burlesque and striptease moved underground into the speakeasy’s. These dancers would use small stages or counter tops to perform due to the limited space, so metal poles were added for safety, to allow them to hold onto something. These dances became so popular that after prohibition venues actively converted their spaces to allow for sexy dancing with or without a pole, forming circus, burlesque and pole dance as seperate entities.
The first official pole dancing bar was formed in the 1950’s in Portland, Oregon. Topless dancing began in the 1960’s in San Francisco with lap dancing coming later in the 1980’s. Well known stripper heels brands launched in 1993, when pole dancing began moving outside of the strip clubs and into fitness and dance studios with pole competitions coming shortly after.
Everyone who has the luxury to practice pole as a hobby or as a professional non stripping career, owes it all to the strip clubs. All of the modern day tricks that are taught in studios were discovered and developed by strippers. The aesthetic we use is also often from the strip clubs, i.e. the pole specific stiletto heels.
Due to the pole being made of metal, polers wear less clothing in order to create more friction with the pole, allowing us to grip better, but the tricks that require that skin contact were originally performed in strip clubs, not to be confused with Chinese pole or Malakamb. We owe it to them for exploring, experimenting and being the original teachers, who took their skills out of the club and began teaching them in the studios.
Juicy Pole Glasgow 