Try this! Strip pounds with pole dancing
Who would have thought that a metal pole could provide such a unique approach to fitness? I certainly didn’t. That is why I gave Pin-Up Pole Dancing a call to enroll in their six week beginner’s class. I just had to see what all the hype was about!
Pole dancing classes and studios have started to pop up all over the country. Placing an emphasis on the artistry and strength involved rather than the taking-off-your-clothes aspect that is so commonly attached with the notion of pole dancing, this form of fitness has attracted women of all abilities, shapes, ages and backgrounds.
With female-only classes tailored to individuals at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, pole dancing has become a serious, competitive sport in countries like Australia. Competitors are judged on difficulty, femininity, strength and presentation. It’s like a similar modern-day version of Olympic artistic gymnastics.
On my first day of class I wanted to get right down to the good stuff; the spinning around the pole that’s so frequently associated with pole dancing. But the class spent a good chunk of our two-hour class to me building our upper body strength—a crucial element to completing pole dancing skills successfully.
We did vertical hangs on the bar in a tight body position to learn how to control our movements and we had to learn how to climb to the top of the pole. After four climbs my arms were shaking! And I have pretty good upper body strength.
As the class progressed we learned a variety of skills that were not as easy as the teacher made them look. Skills appropriately named “The Fireman” and “The Venus” proved how important it is to utilize the muscles in your hands, arms, shoulders and stomach.
In the days following my first workout, I definitely felt the effects on my upper body. I was itching to get back to the studio to get stronger, to improve on the previous week’s skills and learn new material. By week four, we were required to bring high heels to class (nothing like trading in your Nike’s for stilettos!), and while my upper body was recovering nicely, my legs were in store for a different kind of workout thanks to performing all the maneuvers in three-inch shoes.
After the high-heeled work out, the muscles in my feet and calves were sore and tight. Because of the increasing difficulty of the moves we were learning and the amount of flexibility required, my hamstrings were getting a workout as well.
All this soreness was a good sign because I knew I was getting results. I am not one to head to the nearest gym to pump some iron. I feel like I don’t fit in with all my very serious male-counterparts. But pole dancing has served as an enjoyable and fun alternative.
written by Rhiannon Banda-Scott
Scott is a fifth year senior journalism student at Michigan State University. A former NCAA gymnast, she enjoys finding fun and unique ways to live a healthy and fit lifestyle.
Where did you take said class? Are there any in the local area ? could you give this info in the next magazine Thank you!
Those classes were taken at Pin-Up Pole Dancing in East Lansing. Hope this helps.