The Healing Power of Pole: how the world’s most taboo sport aids eating disorder recovery
BY EMILY BROWN
TRIGGER WARNING: mention of eating disorders throughout, but every effort has been made to ensure that no harmful behaviour associated with eating disorders is discussed explicitly in this article.
According to the Anorexia and Bulimia Care website, “young people, aged 14 to 25 are most at risk" from eating disorders. With the average student being in this age demographic, it’s unsurprising that eating disorders affect many university students. Something that did surprise me, however, was how many students I would meet through the University of Plymouth Pole Dancing Club (UPPDC) who have experienced an eating disorder.
Pole dancing is a sport which intimidates many, often due to its connections with the sex industry and the 'revealing' outfits that are worn. Being ...