Pole dancing for fitness?

makemewannadie

I was just wondering if anyone here has tried out pole dancing for fitness (or is thinking about it too!) there seem to be loads of classes in my area that teach it and i've always wanted to try it out but i'm a bit apprehensive, and don't know how good/beneficial it actually is...

Nessiechickie

Totally sign up!
I tried it before, can you say arms of steal?
I don't think it is much cardio but for sure counts as strength training.
Also very good for the ego.

ahelgers10

I have thought about trying it too. A coworker of mine too one and she was so sore for several days after and she said it was a great workout. She might have been sore because she doesnt work out a lot. It seems like fun.

laceybrobie

I totally want to do it in about 35 pounds~ this should no be on a pole right now. LOL

daughterofthesea

It sounds like fun haha

makemewannadie

Thanks for the replies so far! It does look like so much fun so i'd like to do it even if it wasn't the best workout...
Although nessiechickie- I have the weakest upper body strength EVER, so i'd probably suck so much at it haha.

makemewannadie

anybody else?:)

TXHunny84

I'd like to try it but I'm embarrassed to do it alone... I know if I got a pole at home my husband would want me to dance on it every night! LOL At least I'd STAY in shape. LOL

hottottie11

do it do it do it!

I'm addicted and I even have one at home.

I've been poling for a year now and made incredible progress in strength and overall "tone" (I hate that word lol)

eatcleanNtraindirty

I encourage any lovely lady to show their stuff! That's one trick you could use to woo ANY guy

gogospice

The closes thing I ever did was burlesque! So much fun! I'd be swinging around a pole if I had the chance!! I'd say go for it! I bet it is the best time ever!

love4ransom

My sister-in-law was in great shape and bought herself a pole. She watched "How to" videos on youtube and taught herself how to do everything from climbing, spinning, flipping, and much more. She invited me over to do it with her and I was over 300lbs at the time and the weight limit on her pole was 200. I couldn't do any spins sadly but I was able to use the pole it self as a tool for weight loss. There's many techniques on how to hold the pole and walk around it and look "fluid" while doing it. There's fancy squats and bends and stretches. Over time you kind of develop your own "dance". I always left her house super sweaty from doing it. I think it's a great work out.

makemewannadie

do it do it do it!

I'm addicted and I even have one at home.

I've been poling for a year now and made incredible progress in strength and overall "tone" (I hate that word lol)

Awesome! How hard was it at the beginning, or how hard would it be for someone who (as i've said before) has no upper body strength?
And haha eatcleanntraindirty- i'm sure my boyfriend wouldn't mind ;p he's encouraging me to go.

kgordon7

Where did you find a pole? I would like to purchase one for fitness related workouts? Also, how much did it cost?

megan24209

Very very fun! and challenging too. It's a great workout for the core and arms. It also is just great for the self esteem and self awareness.

I was nervous at first and didn't know what to expect. But it is a carefree and fun atmosphere. There were women of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. I sucked really badly at first .. I had literally no upper body strength and could not even touch my toes.. Most of the moves were difficult for me and didn't look right at first. Over time I have been able to increase my strength/flexibility and move up to more advanced classes.

I have been to several studios and everyone has always been incredibly nice, helpful, and always made me feel comfortable. If you are really nervous I would check out the studio before hand and just ask the people at the front about the classes to get a general feel of the atmosphere of a particular place.

It's just something new and fun to add to my fitness routine

makemewannadie

My sister-in-law was in great shape and bought herself a pole. She watched "How to" videos on youtube and taught herself how to do everything from climbing, spinning, flipping, and much more. She invited me over to do it with her and I was over 300lbs at the time and the weight limit on her pole was 200. I couldn't do any spins sadly but I was able to use the pole it self as a tool for weight loss. There's many techniques on how to hold the pole and walk around it and look "fluid" while doing it. There's fancy squats and bends and stretches. Over time you kind of develop your own "dance". I always left her house super sweaty from doing it. I think it's a great work out.

gogospice- I LOVE burlesque! Dita Von Teese is amazing.

And love4ransom, wow that sounds impressive, I don't think I could teach it myself. I love how it's part fitness/part being sexy haha. I'm up for anything to get fitter that is fun.

lindsy721

Do it do it!! I've been doing it for almost 2 years, and I love it!! It's my favorite exercise. I'm a hot, sweaty mess in just a few minutes if I want to be, it's tons of fun, you build muscle and increase flexibility.

There are lots of us ladies around these forums that do pole!!

EDIT: I, too, have my own pole and use it very frequently. Cost me about $300 on amazon. There are lots of different models, and they attach to any ceiling (including vaulted). So there are lots of options!!

makemewannadie

Very very fun! and challenging too. It's a great workout for the core and arms. It also is just great for the self esteem and self awareness.

I was nervous at first and didn't know what to expect. But it is a carefree and fun atmosphere. There were women of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. I sucked really badly at first but over time have been able to increase my strength/flexibility and move up to more advanced classes.

I have been to several studios and everyone has always been incredibly nice, helpful, and always made me feel comfortable. If you are really nervous I would check out the studio before hand and just ask the people at the front about the classes to get a general feel of the atmosphere of a particular place.

It's just something new and fun to add to my fitness routine

Yeah going there the first time is the scariest bit The one in my city is really popular, you have to book classes a few weeks in advance because they're always sold out, so that seems to be a good sign.

kgordon7

Where did you find a pole? I would like to purchase one for fitness related workouts? Also, how much did it cost?

do it do it do it!

I'm addicted and I even have one at home.

I've been poling for a year now and made incredible progress in strength and overall "tone" (I hate that word lol)

hottottie11

do it do it do it!

I'm addicted and I even have one at home.

I've been poling for a year now and made incredible progress in strength and overall "tone" (I hate that word lol)

Awesome! How hard was it at the beginning, or how hard would it be for someone who (as i've said before) has no upper body strength?
And haha eatcleanntraindirty- i'm sure my boyfriend wouldn't mind ;p he's encouraging me to go.

A good instructor will teach you moves coupled with the conditioning exercises to strengthen you. The beginning is usually horizontal spins and climbs. You WILL be sore, but your body will adapt.

When I started, I was sore (and bruised lol). After you master lower levels, you move up...and become sore all over. My biggest nemesis is inversion (going upside down). It took a few months of core and upper body strength to develop, but don't worry. A good instructor will incorporate conditioning exercises so that you build that strength.

Plus, it's super fun. The satisfaction of accomplishing some of the coolest moves is a confidence builder.

classictoaster

I always said I wanted to do it. I might sign up for a class near my school this year for funsies. (;

hottottie11

Where did you find a pole? I would like to purchase one for fitness related workouts? Also, how much did it cost?

do it do it do it!

I'm addicted and I even have one at home.

I've been poling for a year now and made incredible progress in strength and overall "tone" (I hate that word lol)

My pole is an X-pole from xpoleus.com....it's not cheap. A good quality pole is essential. I paid 360 for mine (it can spin as well). Well worth the cost. Its portable so I can take it wherever.

makemewannadie

do it do it do it!

I'm addicted and I even have one at home.

I've been poling for a year now and made incredible progress in strength and overall "tone" (I hate that word lol)

Awesome! How hard was it at the beginning, or how hard would it be for someone who (as i've said before) has no upper body strength?
And haha eatcleanntraindirty- i'm sure my boyfriend wouldn't mind ;p he's encouraging me to go.

A good instructor will teach you moves coupled with the conditioning exercises to strengthen you. The beginning is usually horizontal spins and climbs. You WILL be sore, but your body will adapt.

When I started, I was sore (and bruised lol). After you master lower levels, you move up...and become sore all over. My biggest nemesis is inversion (going upside down). It took a few months of core and upper body strength to develop, but don't worry. A good instructor will incorporate conditioning exercises so that you build that strength.

Plus, it's super fun. The satisfaction of accomplishing some of the coolest moves is a confidence builder.

I can imagine your legs get really bruised from it! Thank you all for the advice, you're amazing.

classictoaster- I think i'll sign up for classes when uni starts (September)- start with me!

Mistyblu08

I have thought about it too but ya a lil spooked at the thought lol but reading the other postings it does sound like a lot of fun and I know my SO would LOVE it lol

lindsy721

Yes, you do get bruised. Reality of pole dancing. But the bruises go away, and you break in the skin, and then it's ok. I get bruises whenever I learn a new inversion or climb move. But they are temporary :-)

firetriniti

This is my first "real" post on MFP so to speak, but I felt compelled to reply.

Pole is AWESOME. Came back from a pole class earlier this evening in fact. I've been doing it on and off for the past 3-4 years; stopped for a year due to time commitments. Decided 2 weeks ago to finally get off my bum and just go. The good news - for any lapsed pole dancers out there - is that it really is like riding a bike. You never really forget how to do it.

As for newbies curious about pole, it's definitely a work out, and definitely be prepared to sweat, get bruises, and feel sore the next day. lindsy721 is totally right about that. But the soreness factor does depend on how hard the routine/practice is, how flexible you are, how much muscle strength you have, etc. But don't let that put you off! Nor the fact that your body might not be where you want it yet. Believe me, some of the most inspiring classmates I've met are the ones who just went for it, whatever their weight, and they were good at moves that I sucked at. It's all about finding your niche

For those who are really shy, not only is Youtube an excellent resource, but also consider taking online classes: http://www.verticaldance.com/index.htm. KT Coates (the founder) organised the Pole Sport World Championships held last weekend, and she's really wonderful.

Oops, rambled for too long. But hope this helps!

makemewannadie

Firetriniti- that was super helpful, thank you! It sounds like hard work but a lot of fun, i'm definitely going to give it a go. Would you recommend going once a week or more/less?

aloha311

I got into the best shape of my life doing this after having my 3rd baby. I used muscles I never knew I had. If you are going to do it look for a certified studio. I am actually going to be putting my pole up and start again.

Bentley2718

I pole dance, it's a great workout, especially for upper body and abs. It's a lot of fun too. (Usually my user-pic is a pole picture, but my two foster-kittens are cuter than I am.)

JAllen32

I would LOVE to! But I have zero places around here that do it, and I have no room in my apartment for something like that. I'm hoping that I'll be able to get into it some day.

cinsuccess

I was a bit too nervous to go to classes so I bought an X-pole and have my instructor come to my apartment. You can do quite a lot while you're building your muscles. My upper body strength is the worst but I can do a lot of the spins and sexy moves without any difficulty. You'll really need to build up the arms for the climbing and inversions. That's where you have to hold yourself for a few seconds at a time to get into position. Overall, it's a really good workout. I've worn my HRM during my lessons and burn on average 380-430 calories in one hour depending on what I'm doing.