Alternative Fitness

Who dreads going to the gym? I know I did. The intimidation of fellow gym mates who are very muscular. The confusion of the equipment and how to begin. The sound of the weights slamming. I remember I was, and some days still can be, intimidated. I, like many people, began to search outside and found so many options!

Imagine walking into the doors of your new fitness facility and feeling happy. The atmosphere being so warm and welcoming! The thought of being judged is gone! The support of your fellow workout buddies. Those were the feelings I felt when I walked into The Pole Academy in Greenville SC.

I know what you are thinking; did I just say "The Pole Academy" and yes, I did. It is a pole fitness studio that teaches pole as a fitness regimen. Pole has changed over the years and is becoming mainstream. Pole is beginning to break away from its "taboo" history. It began as entertainment in the 1920s as entertainers used the curtain pole of the tent to entertain guest. Pole has a history that dates back to Mallakhamb (traditional Indian sport). If you love Cirque du Soleil, then you may have seen Chinese Pole a few times. Pole can even be an Olympic sport; it is being evaluated as I type. My, oh my, how pole has changed and continues to change.

People don't believe me when I mention the various pole competitions that are being held all the time. Pole Championship Series is held at Arnold Classics in Ohio every year in March. That is just one out of many, such as Pole Sport Organization, US Pole Dance Federation, and World Pole Dance that are just tip of the iceberg.

Pole is a calisthenic workout; in other words, it uses their own body weight. Pole engages muscles that you never thought you had. The cardio that goes into a routine can wear you out! You have to keep your body moving, and the flexibility that is required to execute certain moves is insane!

With that being said, imagine walking into your first pole class. The instructor is certified by a national program that X-Pole sponsors and/or has studio certification. More and more instructors have degrees in personal training and more. Instructors, like teachers, create a curriculum for their classes and may specialize in a certain style. Many have a "day job" and teach because they are passionate about pole and the benefits you receive. The instructor will begin class by going through a warm-up to prevent body injury. Once the warm-up is complete, the class truly begins. The instructor will demo and explain the pole move you will be learning. They will break it down to explain which muscles you are to engage while you are not realizing that you are working out. By the time you begin to feel sore, it is time to cool down and stretch. As I tell my students, get a picture and/or video to keep as a progression and/or reference for another day and time.

Pole has many styles from exotic to pure fitness. Everyone comes into pole for many reasons, but all leave feeling amazing.

As you can see, that pole is definitely making its presence known. Now with that being said, pole has transformed me into who I am today. The support system that pole has given me is amazing, The strength, the confidence, the beauty are the biggest things I have gained. Well, plus the flexibility doesn't hurt, too! With pole I never feel like I am working out because I am having too much fun! I think everyone should give it a spin! Anyone can pole! My question is, if you don't, why?