A Midlands barrister has discovered an unexpected path to peak physical condition by embracing pole dancing in her fifties, transforming her health and outlook on life.
From Courtroom to Dance Studio
Leisha Bond, a 52-year-old family solicitor from Kenilworth, now regularly exchanges her professional gown and wig for knee-high boots and athletic wear as she masters pole techniques at Pole Elevation in Coventry. What began as a tentative attempt to fill a void in her life last January has evolved into a rigorous five-times-weekly training regimen that she credits with revolutionising her wellbeing.
Overcoming Professional Stagnation
Having practised law since 1999, Leisha found herself questioning her direction as she entered her sixth decade. "I think I was having a bit of a malaise when I turned 50," she explained. "Everyone says life begins at 40, my 40s were great. But what have you got to look forward to in your 50s? It's pretty much perimenopause and waking up with a new injury because you slept a bit funny."
Despite being headhunted to lead a family law department in October 2024, she felt something crucial was missing from her life. "Something didn't feel right after taking this job initially," Leisha recalled. "It turned out my something was pole dancing."
A Transformative Journey
Initially attending just one weekly class in January 2025, Leisha's commitment quickly snowballed as she discovered both physical and psychological benefits from the activity. "I'm about as flexible as a brick, but you've got to play to your strengths," she noted with characteristic humour about her progression.
Health Benefits and Physical Transformation
The mother-of-one maintains she's now fitter than during her thirties, despite having considered herself "so far from sporty at school." Remarkably, the demanding exercise has positively impacted her Type 1 diabetes management. "My recent blood test was probably the best it's ever been," she revealed. "Which is literally the best I've ever had."
Leisha has abandoned conventional gym workouts that she found "boring and overrated," instead dedicating herself entirely to pole dancing. "The only thing I've stuck at is pole, and that's literally all I do now," she confirmed.
Challenging Perceptions
While some have questioned the appropriateness of her unconventional hobby for a legal professional, Leisha remains undeterred. "I'm not defined by my job or what I do outside of it," she asserted. "It's a conservative profession and I'm known in the legal world for slightly unusual dress. I won't break the rules, but I like to push the boundaries."
Building Community and Confidence
Beyond physical benefits, Leisha values the supportive environment she's discovered. "There's a conception about pole dancing, but it's ridiculously empowering," she emphasised. "It's supportive and the community there is nothing like I've ever experienced. It's body positivity of all shapes and sizes."
She particularly appreciates how the activity allows her to shed professional and personal roles. "You don't go as a barrister, or as a mother or wife, you go as yourself," Leisha observed. "It's the only thing we do for ourselves."
Encouraging Others to Try
Despite experiencing typical pole dancing injuries including a broken rib and numerous bruises she calls "pole kisses," Leisha enthusiastically recommends the activity to women of all ages and body types. "Try it I say, don't be limited by what you think it's appropriate to do by your age or size," she urged. "Literally everyone can do something and everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses."
Now favouring challenging tricks over dance routines ("I like things really where I'm hanging upside down by my legs, I'm like a bat"), Leisha plans to continue her pole dancing journey indefinitely. "I want to do it as long as I can," she concluded. "It's good for strength as a woman that's getting older."
