At 76 years old, Ms. Fran is finding her rhythm and her confidence on the pole. In a recent video posted by Moxie Movez, a movement and wellness company focused on older adults, Ms. Fran proudly demonstrates her pole skills. She explains that her time on the pole has helped improve her balance and fluidity, and even boosted her confidence. That is especially meaningful considering she typically gets around using a walker. Naturally, the clip racked up thousands of views and comments. Because how often do you see a woman in her 70s spinning with joy and control around a pole?
At the center of this moment is Mica Saunders, founder of Moxie Movez and a wellness innovator affectionately known as “The Body Chemist.” Her mission is to get aging bodies moving again. Her tactics don’t involve punishment or pressure, but rather purpose, play, and joy.
From Chair Workouts to Center Stage
Saunders’ journey started in 2015 with a simple thank-you gesture. When the owner of an assisted living home allowed her to use the back of the facility to host her own pole fitness classes, Saunders returned the favor with chair aerobics for the residents.
“They laughed, moved, and even walked around the pole with curiosity and joy,” she recalled. “That was the spark.”
It wasn’t long before her grandmother joined in, first secretly, then proudly. In 2019, the two planned to perform at the international pole convention, PoleCon. Though her grandmother passed away before they could take the stage, Saunders kept the dream alive. In 2023, she debuted the Grannie + 1 Grandpa Troupe, a senior pole performance group that’s been showing out ever since.
Rewriting the Rules of Movement and Aging
The world often casts older adults as fragile or invisible. But Moxie Movez flips that narrative entirely.
“If you don’t move it, you’ll lose it,” Saunders said, a motto rooted in science and self-love.
Pole fitness offers seniors a masterclass in balance, coordination, strength, and confidence. One woman, who previously used a walker, now navigates with more independence thanks to improved stability. Another beamed when she could lift herself an inch off the floor, something she hadn’t done in years.
“There’s nothing better than seeing their faces light up when they realize what their bodies can still do,” Saunders shared.
Yes, it’s sexy too.
“They feel strong, sexy, and empowered. One woman said, ‘I feel fresskie again!’ They call themselves the baddies of the center,” Saunders said.
It’s obvious these aren’t just fitness classes. They’re full-on confidence revivals.
Stripping Away the Stigma (and Maybe Throwing Some Monopoly Money)
Pole dancing still carries stigma, especially for older generations raised in religious or conservative spaces. But the women of Moxie Movez lean all the way in with sass and spirit.
“They’re grown-grown,” Saunders said. “One woman joked, ‘If my missionary comes for me, can you speak on my behalf?’”
These women aren’t just embracing their strength, they’re reclaiming their sensuality. They’ve even asked for Monopoly money to throw at each other in class. The goal isn’t performance for others. It’s liberation for themselves.
Wellness Beyond the Pole
Beyond pole classes, Moxie Movez has developed products under the Pole Poised line. From joint-soothing balms to herbal bath teas, they’re all designed with older adults in mind. Their grip aids, while perfect for the pole, also help seniors hold canes or walk confidently with rollators.
Saunders’ programs integrate brain health, particularly for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Music and rhythm stimulate memory and emotion, reconnecting them to joy and identity.
“Pole fitness, with its rhythm and repetition, is like a reset button for the brain,” she explained.
Aging is an evolution and these women prove that strength, beauty, and a little flirtation don’t have expiration dates.
“They’ve taught me to stop worrying what people think, live boldly, and dance like every day is a party,” Saunders said.
Their message is clear. If you can move and live in your purpose, you’ll stay young forever.