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Arete Pole Fitness

4.6 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Pole studio in Salem, Virginia

Pole studio Aerial arts too Beginner-friendly

Plan your first class

Hours

Monday 5–8 PM
Tuesday 5–8 PM
Wednesday 5–8 PM
Thursday 5–8 PM
Friday 5–8 PM
Saturday 12 AM–6 PM
Sunday 12–1 PM

Hours shift for holidays, workshops, and class schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they teach

Pole and aerial classes on the schedule at Arete Pole Fitness, confirmed in students' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginner Pole 8 mentions

“They have pole classes for beginners through advanced as well as belly dancing classes.”

All studios teaching beginner pole →

🎀 Aerial Silks

“I'm probably going to take intro to silks and another intro beginners pole to I can remember every thing”

All studios teaching aerial silks →

Aerial Hoop (Lyra) 2 mentions

All studios teaching aerial hoop (lyra) →

What's on offer

Amenities students name in their reviews of Arete Pole Fitness — the fastest way to tell what to expect before you book your first class.

🎀 Aerial Apparatus 2 mentions

Other studios with aerial apparatus →

Amenities are mined from reviews and the studio's own info — they tell you what students have experienced, not a formal guarantee. If something is a dealbreaker (grip aids, showers, private parties), confirm it with the studio before you go.

What students say again and again

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 16 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“They have pole classes for beginners through advanced as well as belly dancing classes.”

strong community vibe 2 mentions

“The instructors and students are all extremely supportive and friendly.”

From the reviews

We were in town for the holiday and booked a beginner class. Jenni walked us through a routine and did a great job explaining basics. It was a really fun experience and a good workout, too. It's made me want to look into classes where I live.

★★★★★ — Michelle, May 2024

Just took the beginner pole dancing class this weekend, and can't wait to go back. Our instructer was so kind and helpful, and it felt like a private and creative spacs. The only negative was the hair salon owner next door being a reeeeeal harda*ss about making sure no one parked in her half of the lot.

★★★★★ — Mary, May 2023

Arete Pole Fitness is a great place to go if you want to get into shape and have fun doing so! They have pole classes for beginners through advanced as well as belly dancing classes. I know the owner personally. I highly recommend Arete.

★★★★★ — Sandi, Feb 2020

Just took my first intro to pole beginners with Shannon, she was the coolest. It was super fun. I'm probably going to take intro to silks and another intro beginners pole to I can remember every thing

★★★★★ — Jeorgia, Oct 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 16 reviews →

Your first pole class at Arete Pole Fitness

Nervous about your first pole class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects total beginners to walk in the door. Here's what to know. You don't need to be strong, flexible, or thin to start — pole builds all of that, and your first class is about learning to spin, walk the pole, and hold on, not inverting on day one. What to expect: a warm-up, some conditioning, and a few basic spins or a short combo — it's a real full-body workout, so expect to sweat and to feel it in your arms and core the next day. Rest whenever you need to; no one is watching or judging. What to wear: shorts and a tank or sports bra — bare skin on your arms, legs, and stomach is what grips the pole, so save the leggings for aerial or floorwork. Skip the lotion the day of class; it makes the pole slippery. Grip aids: most studios keep grip liquid (Dry Hands / iTac) on hand, and knee pads make floorwork comfy — ask at the front desk. What to bring: water and a small towel. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign in and meet your instructor. It clicks fast — most people leave their first class already planning the next one.

Pole is for every body, and it's about strength, artistry, and confidence — not performing for anyone else. If you're pregnant or working around an injury, check with a doctor and let your instructor know so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Arete Pole Fitness

1600B S Colorado St, Salem, VA24153

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.