Overview
If you’re looking for a way to spice up your workout routine and still lose weight, pole dancing offers a sexy solution. Pole dancing, no longer relegated to the realm of exotic dancers, has sprung up as a popular fitness routine. With pole dancing, women of all ages and sizes can reap the rewards of a full body workout while learning some seductive moves and building confidence.
History
Pole dancing is a seductive performing art that involves dancing with a vertical pole using elements of gymnastics. It began as a form of entertainment in circuses and later became common in strip clubs and cabarets. Pole dancing has become popular as a fitness activity in recent years, according to CNN. The number of pole dance classes that have sprung up across the country continues to rise. In 2008, the U.S. Pole Dance Federation was formed to unite pole dancers across the country.
Features
Dancing offers an aerobic workout that burns calories and improves flexibility. According to an interview by Canada.com with pole dancing instructor Wendy Traskos, a former gymnast and go-go dancer, pole dancing offers the added benefits of resistance training. Pole dancing works the core muscles in the back, legs and glutes as it requires these major muscles to support the body while on the pole, and to perform maneuvers. Pole dancing helps improve balance as well, requiring skill and practice to navigate the pole.
Benefits
By combining cardio and resistance training, pole dancing helps women lose weight. Angela Edwards, owner of PoleLaTeaz, an Atlanta dance studio, told CNN that she has had many students lose weight from pole dancing, losing anywhere from a few pounds to 20 or 30 lbs. within a matter of months. In addition, pole dancing helps women feel sexy, confident, feminine and comfortable in their bodies.
Warning
Pole dancing does include a risk of injury, so dancers should take precautions. Pole dancer “Lux,” a professional dancer at Scores club in New York, in an interview with “Entertainment Weekly” advises dancers to use chalk powder on their hands to keep from slipping on the pole. She also advices wearing stilettos with grips, stretching before working out and bringing your own cloth to wipe down the pole before you begin each session. Dancers should go at a pace that feels comfortable for their individual bodies, and modify poses as needed.
Considerations
You do not have to look like a stripper or movie star to do pole dancing. Women of all ages and sizes can benefit from the classes. According to Traskos, women from ages 18 to 60 take her classes, and they come from a diverse range of backgrounds. Pole dancing offers a serious workout with sensual fun for everyone, allowing women to get in a good sweat and lose weight while feeling sexy and feminine.
About this Author
Marnie Kunz is an award-winning writer and editor who covers fitness, pets, lifestyle, entertainment and health. She has been writing since 2003. Her articles have been published in “Alive,” “The Marietta Daily Journal,” “The Hillsborough Beacon,” “Webster-Kirkwood Times” and “The Paper.” Kunz holds a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing from Knox College.
