Poledancing for Fitness
Poledancing definitely has a reputation, and it isn’t necessarily a good one. Most people associate it with the more shady side of town, sleazy clubs, or strippers.
All that might be changing. Many people of both genders are reclaiming poledancing as a great way to stay in shape, just another form of exercise. It’s not hard to see why poledancing is such a good way to stay in shape, either.
Poledancing actually burns more calories than a workout session in the gym. You can use poledancing to help tone your shoulders and arms, thighs, abs, and backside. Because of the range of movement required, poledancing also improves your flexibility.
A successful poledance routine also has emotional and mental boosts associated with it. Your self-esteem and confidence increase, and you might find this effect spilling over into the rest of your life. After all, poledancing isn’t just about looking sexy for other people. Now, it’s about looking sexy for yourself!
Both men and women participate in poledancing, and there are even some classes especially for men. Their greater upper-body strength benefits them in some ways. Even though they tend to be less flexible, a poledancer relies on his or her upper-body strength to stay balanced during precarious moves.
You can probably find poledancing classes at a local dance or fitness studio. If not, there are kits you can buy to install a pole in your own basement or garage, and you can take lessons online or learn from an educational poledancing DVD.
Poledancing can become as serious a hobby or as casual as you want. Some people choose to dance once in a while, or just at their weekly or biweekly classes. Others take it to extremes and participate in national or international poledancing competitions, join clubs, and make it more than just a “side hobby”.
Poledancing competitions and organizations include Miss Pole Dance World, Miss Pole Dance UK, US Pole Dance Federation, Miss Poledance Australia, Pole Divas Hong Kong, The World Pole Sport & Fitness Championships, and Miss Pole Dance Canada.
Clearly, poledancing can be practiced privately, at a local or regional level, national level, and even world level!
The trend towards poledancing as a form of fitness and fun is showing signs of picking up as poledancing begins to shed its seedy beginnings and become recognized as a valid form of exercise.
