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Defy Gravity - Pole Fitness and Aerial Arts Studio
4.9 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · Pole studio in Urbana, Illinois
Fitness studio at Lincoln Square Mall offering pole and aerial classes for all levels.
Plan your first class
- Free first class or intro offer new students are welcomed with a free class or a discounted intro pass — check their site to book your very first class
- Drop-ins drop-ins around $15 — check their schedule; many studios discount your first visit, so ask about the new-student rate
- Memberships monthly memberships and unlimited plans available — ask how an intro offer credits toward a membership
- Parties hosts bachelorette & private parties — a favorite for birthdays and bachelorette groups; ask about private group bookings
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule defygravitycu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (217) 516-4613
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–1:30 PM |
The classes they teach
“I had no upper arm strength when I started, but made progress really quickly.”
“I tried my first pole class here since it was only $10, and the whole experience was amazing!”
What's on offer
“It's a very cool place to check out for just a fun evening out, girls night, or bachelorette parties.”
What students say again and again
“The instructor does a great job of explaining the moves during each dance and it's such a safe, welcoming vibe!”
“Great variety of fun classes, supportive instructors, and an awesome way to get stronger, feel sexy, and make new friends!”
“This studio is the most inclusive place I've ever been in and I will not be leaving anytime soon!”
“Great variety of fun classes, supportive instructors, and an awesome way to get stronger, feel sexy, and make new friends!”
“Great variety of fun classes, supportive instructors, and an awesome way to get stronger, feel sexy, and make new friends!”
From the reviews
I'm 2 fundamental pole classes in and love how fun the course is! I did knock of 1 star for a couple reasons. 1st. it's a little hard to find all the way in the back of a Plaza building. 2nd. there's no parking lights in the area so it's a bit scary. 3rd.
Defy Gravity is a fun and body-positive studio! It's a great place to explore the intersections of art and fitness through dance and aerial classes. The instructors are supportive and knowledgable. Don't worry that you're not strong enough. I had no upper arm strength when I started, but made progress really quickly.
I tried my first pole class here since it was only $10, and the whole experience was amazing! Rose Quartz is such a kind instructor and made me feel comfortable the entire session. I’ll totally return back here when I can!
This studio is amazing. I have had a blast at every class. I always end up surprising myself. The instructors are so encouraging and welcoming. I have learned so much self confidence from my classes here
Bachelorette & private parties at Defy Gravity - Pole Fitness and Aerial Arts Studio
Defy Gravity - Pole Fitness and Aerial Arts Studio comes up for private parties — confirmed on their own site. A pole party is one of the most-booked ways to celebrate a bachelorette, birthday, or girls' night, and it's a blast even if nobody in the group has ever touched a pole. A few things worth asking when you reach out. First, group size and what's included — most studios run private parties for around 6–15 people with a dedicated instructor, a beginner-friendly routine, and time for photos. Second, the vibe you want — sassy heels-and-flow choreography, playful spins and tricks, or a mix; a good studio tailors it to the guest of honor. Third, booking and pricing — parties are usually a flat package booked in advance, and popular weekend slots fill up fast, so ask about deposits and what to wear (shorts for grip, no lotion). It's beginner-friendly by design, judgment-free, and genuinely fun — exactly the kind of thing everyone talks about afterward.
Your first pole class at Defy Gravity - Pole Fitness and Aerial Arts Studio
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.