02/12/2025
Greta Pontarelli (75) Proves that age is just a number when it comes to pole!
Greta from Pennsylvania has been pole dancing scince the age of 59. Now recently after turning 75, she has won her 17th world championship! Even a double hip replacement did not slow her down, competing only two months after having the major surgery.
Greta does have a large competitive background in gymnastics, matital arts, dance and yoga before taking up pole. These hobbies all have no doubt combined to help her journey to become as skilled as she is at pole.
She trains pole on every other day. On her off days, focusing on stretching, conditioning and creating choreography.
She is grateful to have had only a few injuries over the past 14 years. Including several shoulder issues (probably the most common injury in this sport) and a hand injury. The shoulder injuries were caused by overtraining and not engaging the deltoid muscles properly.
How does she eat to fuel her amazing strength and energy? Always having a diet with as many organic foods as possible. For the past several decades, a modified Paleo diet which includes as many organic vegetables and fruit as possible, free-range chicken and wild-caught fish. Avoiding gluten as well as processed foods to keep inflammation down.
What are her words for someone who wants to start practicing a specific sport, but thinks their age is a constraint?
"If there is a sport that excites you, follow your heart and don't compare yourself to others. Your competition is in the mirror. Never give up and soon see doorways where you once saw walls. Your life is precious, don't let age or any limitation keep you from passionately pursuing your dreams."
