What is pole fitness?
Pole dance/fitness is a combination of dance and acrobatic/gymnastic movements that uses a vertical pole.
Is pole fitness safe?
Like any other physical activity, there can be some risks. Our certified instructors will provide direction and guidance to support you in remaining safe. We highly recommend using a crash mat when learning new tricks, especially inverted tricks. Remember to always listen to your body and not push beyond your limits.
What are the benefits of pole fitness?
Pole fitness is a full-body workout. With consistent practice, expect to gain body strength (especially to upper body and core), increased confidence, and sense of accomplishment, as pole teaches what your body can do.
Do I need to have upper body strength to pole dance?
Pole does require a lot of upper body strength, but don’t worry if you don’t have any now. You will build strength and muscle memory as you go.
What should I wear to class?
We recommend wearing shorts and a tank top to class. The more skin that you have exposed, the better grip you will have on the pole. Clothing hinders your ability to grip the pole well, so for safety reasons you will want to have your skin exposed. More advanced students tend to wear shorts and a sports bra as they progress into more difficult tricks that require more underarm and side grip.
What about oil or lotion?
For best grip and safety, arrive with clean, dry skin. Lotion, oils, and body products make the pole slippery, which is unsafe for you and others in the class.
Should I bring shoes?
Students typically practice barefoot but if you would like to practice in heels, you may.
Is there a weight limit?
X-Pole does not have an official weight limit for their poles as things like proper installation will affect the weight limit. Our poles are bolted to the floor and ceiling making them very secure. There are also many moves that you can do around the pole and low to the ground if you are worried about the weight limit.
Is there an age limit?
We ask that students be over the age of 16 to attend our classes. Anyone under the age of 18 will need parent or guardian consent.
Do I need prior experience?
You do not need any prior experience before your first pole class. Our Intro to Pole class is the perfect place to start if you are new to pole! It is catered to first time polers to work on proper grip, form and technique.
How long before I am ready for level 2?
This will vary depending on each student. We recommend being comfortable climbing the pole and having a good prep for your invert. Only our Intermediate/Advanced class is reserved for intermediate/advanced polers and requires an instructor’s permission in order to sign up. Each student comes with a different background and body type, so what works for one student may not work for another.
How many students are in class?
We allow a maximum of 10 students per class (2 people per pole) to accommodate enough space and time for each person to participate.
Do the poles spin?
The poles can be set to either static or spinning mode. As a beginner you will start with the pole on static to ensure that you are safe and comfortable on the pole. Once you are comfortable and we feel it is safe, we will progress you to spinning pole.
How many poles are there?
We have 5 static/spinning poles in our Cleveland studio.
What types of poles do you use?
We train on 45 mm X-Pole studio poles.
What are the benefits of practicing Pilates?
The benefits of Pilates include long and lean muscles, improved posture, increased range of motion, reduced stress, better mind and body connection, enhanced mobility and agility, increased brain function, and overall improved sense of wellbeing.
Do I need Pilates experience?
No. We offer an Intro to Pilates class. While not required before taking an all-levels class, if you are brand new to Pilates reformer, we strongly recommend taking it for your own safety and confidence. Whatever class you choose to take, our instructors will guide you through each movement safely, explain equipment setup, and help you build confidence from your very first session.
What is the difference between Pilates mat and Pilates reformer?
Pilates mat depends upon your body weight to create resistance, while the reformer incorporates the addition of weighted springs and a moving carriage. One is not necessarily more challenging than the other, as both require attention to proper form and technique, body alignment, and mental and physical concentration.
Do you offer hot Pilates?
We offer hot Pilates mat classes exclusively at our Be Pilates studio in Rocky River. Click here to learn more!
What should I wear to my first Pilates class?
Wear form-fitted and comfortable clothing. At our studio, you may practice while remaining barefoot or wearing grip socks. Need grip socks? We offer them for sale at our Cleveland studio.
How many days a week should I practice Pilates?
As often as you like! It is safe to practice Pilates as often as every day, if you wish! We offer a range of packages to support your desired routine. For the best results, we recommend practicing at least 2 – 3+ days per week.
How many reformers do you have?
We feature small classes that enable our teachers to provide students with individualized attention and offer modifications as needed. We have six reformers at our Cleveland and Rocky River studios.
Do I need experience?
No. All aerial modalities at Be Fitness are beginner-friendly, and instructors provide clear guidance and modifications for every level.
What should I wear?
Fitted clothing that covers the knees and midsection for safety and grip. Avoid: jewelry, zippers, and anything that may snag fabric.
Is aerial safe?
We take safety seriously. We teach level-appropriate progressions, spot students when needed, require mats for all modalities, and prioritize proper warm-ups and technique.
Do I need upper-body strength?
Not at all. You’ll build strength over time through consistent practice.
What is the age requirement?
Adult aerial classes are 16+.
Kids Aerial is designed for ages 7–12.
Can I start with aerial yoga if I’m brand new?
Yes. Aerial Yoga is one of the best entry points for beginners and a gateway into other aerial modalities.
What is the age range for Kids Aerial?
Kids Aerial is designed for ages 7–15. Younger children may be approved to join class following an individualized assessment.
What should my child wear?
We recommend wearing something comfortable such as activewear and no jewelry or anything that might tear the fabrics.
Are kids in the same room as adult classes?
No. Kids Aerial is held in its own dedicated aerial time and space.
Do you offer recitals or performances?
We occasionally offer a multi-week choreography workshop that features a small recital for students to perform at the end. See our current workshop schedule on Mindbody for more information on the next workshop series.
Can my child join if they’ve never done aerial before?
Yes! All Kids Aerial classes are beginner-friendly and taught with modifications for every level. You can also request a small private group classes and or 1:1 private lesson for a more personalized experience.
Do we need experience?
Not at all. Parties are beginner-friendly and designed to make everyone feel comfortable.
What should we wear?
Wear something comfortable that you can move in. For pole: shorts recommended for grip. For aerial: fitted clothing, no jewelry. OR dress to impress!
Can we take photos or videos?
Absolutely. Cameras are welcome! We’ll help capture a group photo.
Can I choose the music/playlist?
You can include your choice of music at the time of filling out your form or booking your party!
Is there an age limit?
Adult parties: 18+; 21+ if alcoholic beverages are being served. Kids Aerial parties have their own age requirements.
What if we’re running late?
Parties cannot be extended. Arrivals more than 30 minutes late may result in cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are quick answers to the most frequently asked questions. For even more detailed information, review our full studio policies further below on this page.
Late Cancellation & No-Show Policy
Because class sizes are intentionally small, late cancellations directly impact instructors and other students.
- Cancellations and No-Shows: You will be charged a late cancellation fee ($20 if cancelling less than 12 hours before class and $30 if cancelling within 1 hour of class) and your pass will be returned to your Be account. No exceptions!
- For clients registering for classes via ClassPass, at least 24 hours’ notice is required to avoid penalties.
- Running late? Give us a call at 216-227-9710. Arriving more than 5 minutes late may result in losing your spot to a waitlisted student. Arriving more than 15 minutes late means you will not be permitted into class for safety reasons.
Waitlist
- When adding yourself to a waitlist, be prepared to be added into the class.
- If a spot on the roster of the class opens anytime before 12 hours prior to a class, Mindbody will automatically add the first person on the waitlist. If the class is no longer conducive to your schedule, and to avoid any late fees, you will need to take yourself out of the class before the 12-hour cancellation period starts.
- If a spot opens up within 12 hours of the class, the front desk staff will reach out to see if you are still able to attend; declining will not result in a late fee.
Workshops
- Workshops are not considered a “class” and cannot be paid for using a membership or package.
- Workshops are non-refundable.
- If cancelled within policy limits, the amount paid may be credited to your account.
- Late cancellations for workshops result in loss of the workshop pass.
Open Practice
Open practice is for approved students only and is available for pole and aerial departments.
Breaking open practice rules may result in removal and loss of the paid session.
Age Requirements & Parent Policies
- Kids Aerial is for youth ages 7-15
- Teens 15 – 17 may join adult aerial classes after having a private assessment by an instructor. Please contact the studio for more information.
- Parent/guardian must sign all waivers for minors.
Safety Policies
Your safety, and the safety of others, comes first.