Breaking Misconceptions at Pole Body in Fargo
It kicked my butt,
says Erik Lopez, a 28-year-old nontraditional student at Concordia College, describing his introduction to pole fitness at Pole Body in Fargo. It just really did a number on me.
The studio challenges long-standing stereotypes by offering whole-body workouts tailored to individuals of diverse ages, sizes, and athletic backgrounds.
For Lopez, finding the studio came after a serious car accident that triggered a long, painful recovery process involving a concussion protocol and hours of physical therapy. Carrying a backpack across campus left him in pain at every step. Seeking a way to strengthen his body and alleviate discomfort without high-impact exercise, he turned to the studio and found that pole exercises delivered core stability, flexibility, and strength.
The Evolution and Atmosphere of the Oak Street Studio
Located at 508 Oak St. N. in Fargo, Pole Body was founded by RyLee Rogers. Rogers began learning and teaching in Fargo in 2013 with Pam Thorson, one of the first pole-fitness instructors in the area.
Inside, the studio features mirrored walls that help students observe instructor’s moves and check out their own form. Soft drapes filter the late afternoon light. I’m really big into energy and vibe and aesthetic and how does it feel and how does it look? And the feedback I’ve gotten over the years is that people prefer mood lighting or low lighting,
Rogers explains, noting that no one wants to be in their sports bra under harsh fluorescent lights.
Combining Strength, Flexibility, and Recovery Services
The studio emphasizes that pole fitness is an athletic discipline. Rogers put in the time to train, apprenticing under a lead instructor for several years after two years as a student before venturing out on her own.
Together, Rogers and Enz provide an array of classes and recovery services. These offerings include support classes in strength-training, yoga, meditation, and Rossiter stretching—an intense myofascial release technique where a trained coach uses their foot to apply weight to tight connective tissue while the client actively performs specific movements to relieve pain and restore mobility. Rogers is a master practitioner of Reiki. According to Pole Body, clients can choose from various packages for classes, private lessons, and recovery services.
Build Confidence Through Progressive Ground Instruction
Newcomers entering the studio are not expected to lift their entire body weight on day one. Instruction begins on the ground with progressions, focusing on points of contact where the body physically touches the pole to apply pressure, friction, or mechanical advantage. Classes are $35 each for drop-ins, with various packages available.
Rogers notes that the physical journey can challenge a student’s ego, but pushing through initial embarrassment or awkwardness helps build confidence. That inclusive ethos forms the foundation of the studio’s guiding motto: Every Body is a Pole Body.
