Pole Dancing

When you hear the term ‘pole dancing’, what is the first thing that comes to mind? If I were to say I am I pole dancer, normally people automatically start thinking about glitter, tassels, dollar bills, high heel boots, on a stage in a strip club. I am here to change the mindset of those who tend to relate pole dancing to being a stripper.

It’s easier to explain what I do as ‘pole fitness’ because that is essentially what it is. Pole fitness has become an up-and-coming exercise within the past decade and more people around the world are doing it. It is newly recognized as a sport around the world, and some organizations are even trying to make it an Olympic event. Now, why would spinning around a pole be considered a sport? First, pole dancing or pole fitness is not simply spinning around the pole. There are a vast variety of movements and skills that can be performed on the pole, the possibilities are endless. Each skill requires a significant amount of upper body strength, and a lot of the skills performed on the pole are remarkably similar to gymnastics. Its almost like a new kind of apparatus for gymnasts! I would challenge anyone who thinks pole dancing is a silly amusement made for strip clubs to try and perform a few pole skills and then tell me its not a sport.

Although pole fitness does require upper body strength, it is still something that truly anyone can do, which makes it that much more accessible as a sport. And the best thing about it is that it does not take long before it makes you stronger. Most dancers are surprised by how unbelievably fast they improve, which makes it a very appealing exercise to so many people. The workout burns a lot of calories in just a short amount of time, which makes it a great workout especially for women looking for fat loss results. Lot’s of plus sized women get deterred away from pole dancing simply because they feel they are too heavy, but do not be fooled, every average pole holds at least 250 pounds and others hold a lot more than that. Thankfully, plus sized women around the world are realizing this and have pushed their fears aside to join pole fitness. Furthermore, there is absolutely no age requirement for pole fitness. Whether you are five or 105, you can start pole dancing. Kids absolutely love it and are usually already good at most skills. Older women have found that it helps get their strength back and gain flexibility in their whole body, which ultimately leads to healthier bones and joints and less pain.

There are many different types of pole dancing, so anyone is sure to find a style that fits their own personality. Of course, as I already explained, pole fitness is all about the fitness aspect of the sport which means performing mainly strength skills and exercises. Some examples are climbing the pole, pole holds with different parts of the body and in different shapes, and pole spins. Another style of pole is artistic/contemporary, which is like contemporary dance but just with a pole added. There are not a lot of climbs and holds in this style, mostly floorwork around the pole and using the pole as a transitional tool. Lastly, exotic pole is like what people think of a stripper doing. The movement is slow and sensual, and like the artistic style, there are not a lot of actual pole skills. However, a lot of spins are included in this style, but the movement is still different than that of pole fitness spins. A lot of women chose to practice exotic pole because it is a confidence booster and helps build self-esteem. In my opinion, all the styles do that for people. I tell individuals all the time to try a pole class one time and tell me you do not feel better about yourself afterward.

I recommend pole dancing for anyone who is looking to lose weight or build strength in a fun way, while also feeling great about yourself at the same time. Another reason I recommend the exercise is that pole fitness is so accessible because studios are starting to open and are becoming a regular thing, but also you can buy your own pole and practice in the comfort of your own home. There are many inexpensive options for purchasing a pole for your home and lots of them can be set up without damaging your floor or ceiling, and some can even be taken down easily if you cannot keep it set up all the time.

If I were to monetize my passion of pole dancing, I would create an online training so individuals can learn in their homes and in their own time. I learned this way and was able to advance quickly, but also at my own pace. It also helped with my fear of others judging me, because no one can do that at home! So many people are in the dark about how truly inspiring this sport is and tend to turn the other cheek when they hear about it, which is why I am here to explain the reasons why pole fitness should not be looked down on or frowned upon in the sport world. After explaining my piece, I would urge anyone and everyone to join my online classes to start their pole journey with me and show the world how amazing it and you are!