17 Reasons To Start Pole Dancing For Fitness
This post is for everyone who ever tried to get into a fitness regime and failed.
Do you struggle to get the motivation to go to the gym regularly?
If this sounds like you then there's something you have to try!
If you don't have the discipline to get yourself to the gym or workout at home then you're in need of something else, something that doesn't feel so grueling.
Something where you don't have to force yourself to find the motivation to get up and go.
That something is Pole Fitness!
Today I'm going to reveal how pole classes started my love affair with fitness and how it very quickly became something I couldn't live without.
(This page contains affiliate links – my full disclosure statement is available {here})
What You Will Learn
- How Pole Fitness Can Help You To Lose Weight
- Why Pole Fitness Gives You Confidence
- How Pole Fitness Makes You Feel Empowered
- The Health Benefits Of Pole Fitness
- How Pole Fitness Builds Strength
Let's Talk About The Elephant In The Room
What do you imagine when you think of pole fitness?
If it's a room full of exotic dancers then you're hugely mistaken although you can find exotic classes if you'd like to give it a try!
The pole fitness frenzy is sweeping across the globe at an ever increasing rate and has developed into a sport building up for olympic attention.
However, I fully believe that if you're going to participate in pole fitness it's futile to deny the origins of the sport.
Of course society has attached a bit of stigma to it, but it has started to become much more widely accepted.
The fact is it wouldn't be where it is today without women who had the confidence to bear all and dance!
It may be a post for another day, but those women brought pole straight out of the strip club and into dance studios for you to enjoy.
We can't move forwards and remove any stigma around sex workers by ignoring or denying its origin, it must be embraced, accepted and built on.
With that said, you certainly don't need to whip out a pair of 8 inch heels or have perfect hair and makeup to practice pole fitness.
In fact, many classes will begin barefoot with the usual sports attire and end with us all in a sweaty exhausted heap.
Exactly like going to the gym - but so much more exciting and fun!
So without further ado, let me introduce to you the top 17 reasons why you should start pole dancing for fitness today!
#1) Worry Free Weight Loss
If you find yourself struggling to slim down then you're in luck.
Pole fitness will help you to strip down that unwanted weight! It's possible to burn 500 calories in just one class, perhaps more if you train intensely.
That's why it's time to forget Weight Watchers and combine pole fitness with a nice healthy diet to shed the pounds in no time at all!
Groups like Weight Watchers and SlimFast can actually hinder your fat trimming progression because your body will need all the energy it can get to keep up with your fat burning new hobby.
Then there's the added bonus that you don't need to worry about finding the motivation to keep going, because it's great fun!
#2) Anyone Can Do It!
My favourite reason of all, anyone can do it!
Some people progress faster than others, especially if they're fitness fanatics that incorporate transferable skills from other sports such as climbing.
You don't have to have any particular strengths or dance background, or even be in good shape to get started with pole fitness though.
You will find people from all walks of life at your nearest pole class, from vets to managers to shop assistants and health care advisors.
You might be surprised at just how many people actually have pole fitness to thank for their fantastic fitness levels.
So whether you're out of shape or in shape, young or old you'll find pole fitness is for you.
It can be as easy or as hard as you choose, just stop at a level that feels comfortable for you and if you have a competitive streak there's plenty of competitions world wide for you too!
#3) Get A Toned Body You Can Be Proud Of
Ever wondered why strippers always seem to have such lovely legs? Because pole. That's why!
The huge array of exercises and movement involved in pole fitness mean that you'll quickly notice your muscles becoming more toned from top to toe.
It's an absolutely fantastic workout for your abs, arms, legs, shoulders - everything!
You'll soon be noticing the difference, it really doesn't take long to start seeing results like this from pole fitness.
You don't even need to go that often, many people who start pole fitness will see these results from attending as little as once a week.
So make sure you're ready to kiss goodbye to your body as you know it because your abs, arms, hips, calves, thighs, waist and bum will never be the same again!
#4) It Doesn't Feel Like Exercise
I should rephrase that; It doesn't feel like exercise in the moment.
While you'll definitely enjoy yourself in pole fitness classes and not realise how hard you are working your muscles, you'll definitely feel it the next day.
The day after my first class little things like changing into second gear in the car were agony!
On the plus side though, that does stop as you gradually get stronger but you'll always feel like you've had a good workout.
#5) Who Wants To Become Confident & Empowered?
How would you like to be more outgoing or less shy?
Pole fitness builds confidence and self esteem like nothing I've ever seen before.
Everyone in their first few lessons feels out of place and down right silly and this is one of the top reasons why people don't return to continue more classes.
But once you have the very basics figured out your muscles will begin to develop and you'll start to progress much more quickly.
The development of these amazing skills in turn reaps some fantastic emotional rewards. You'll have an improved posture and naturally walk taller and more confidently.
When you mix that with your newly toned and sculpted body I'd be amazed if you weren't super proud of yourself and your abilities.
You wouldn't believe how empowering it can be to nail all of those new moves while getting a brilliant workout.
It'll give you the motivation you need to keep going and in the long run you'll feel less shy, more attractive and more confident.
#6) You Don't Have To Be A Pro To Get Abs
Who doesn't want a toned stomach?
Pole fitness helps you develop strong core muscles and abs for that perfectly sculpted tummy and it's also incredible for building upper body strength.
One of the many reasons for not starting pole fitness sooner (including my own) is that a lot of people believe they need a strong upper body to start.
So if you've been thinking about how weak your arms are and how you'll never do it I've got news for you. Nothing could be further from the truth!
When I first started I couldn't even swing across the monkey bars or do a pushup!
It's amazing how quickly that changes after starting pole classes. If I can do it, you definitely can.
I often wish I hadn't taken so long to get started, so if that's what is holding you back you need to get going!
You don't need to be strong to start pole fitness, starting pole fitness makes you strong.
#7) Now You Can Get Fit & Have Fun Doing It
Do you have trouble dragging yourself down to the gym for a boring old workout session? Do you lack self discipline and motivation when it comes to keeping fit?
Well if it's a choice between that and pole fitness I know which way I'm heading, allow me to explain why.
Pole fitness is just so much fun! While you're busy learning exciting new tricks and spins you rarely realise how many times you lift your own body weight in just one class.
There's certainly never a boring moment and the excitement and euphoria you feel from achieving each new move also gives you that motivation to keep going.
You'll be addicted in no time and you won't be able to resist learning just one more trick, and another one, and then another!
It's easy to lose the motivation to stick to regular fitness routines so for me the fact that working out no longer felt like a chore was the number one reason I loved it!
#8) Feel Instantly Accepted When You Join The Community
Whether you start pole fitness alone or with a friend you'll never feel left out.
There's a real sense of friendship and encouragement within the pole fitness community and you'll be surrounded by positivity and optimism forever more!
The majority of pole fitness studios offer a safe and comfortable environment to achieve your goals with instructors who will guide you with enthusiasm every step of the way.
You'll never have to worry about being judged in a pole fitness class as women of all shapes, sizes, ages and fitness levels are welcomed with open arms.
It's a great place to meet people and make new friends and if you're starting alone at home you can still find that support online.
There's many groups of supportive and encouraging like minded individuals hanging out online and if you decide you want to network in person you can simply head to your nearest pole event.
#9) It's Easy To Do From The Comfort Of Your Living Room
Too shy to start in front of a group? No pole classes in your area? No problem!
You can still start pole fitness at home, all you need to do is buy a pole and install it.
Permanent or portable? You choose. All you need to do then is simply get yourself some online lessons or a pole fitness DVD and you're off to a great start!
A lot of people who attend pole fitness classes will also have a pole at home so that they can get extra practice in and workout in private at home.
#10) It's The Ultimate All In One Workout
Are you tired of working so hard to improve just one area of your body?
Pole fitness classes combine so many different types of exercise that you don't have to focus on any specific body parts.
There's no choosing which machine you want to work on or which muscle groups need the most attention. You just practice each new move as it comes.
There will be floorwork, some dancing, spins, climbing and for the more advanced polers comes inverting and lifting your whole body upside down!
Even the most regular gym attendees are surprised by the feeling after a pole workout. You'll feel muscles being worked that you didn't even know you had.
Whether you're holding a spin or dangling from your legs you'll constantly be working on engaging your core muscles too.
That means that when you get to the point of inverting (going upside down) you'll feel comfortable with it and ready to fly!
At this point your fitness levels can only soar as you repeatedly lift your body up to attempt that new move over and over again.
How many pounds of weight would that be equal to lifting when you go to the gym, without you even realising?
#11) See How Easily You Can Get Flexible
Flexibility isn't something that everyone is trying to achieve at first but it will come naturally over time with pole fitness.
Not every move will be achievable straight away regardless of strength because some of them require a certain level of flexibility.
Don't worry if you're not very flexible right now though, the more classes you go to the more flexible you will become!
After one year of pole fitness I went from barely being able to lift my leg in the air to planting my foot firmly on the back of my head. So what was the next step? I wanted to look at my toes!
You'll be bendy in no time.
#12) Get Rid Of Your Clumsiness Once And For All
Please tell me I'm not the only one that's had a problem walking into walls or falling up the stairs?
Pole fitness brings with it a much better awareness of your body and improved coordination.
When you begin to learn some of the more complex routines your heightened awareness can transfer into day to day life.
Imagine for a second the balance, awareness and coordination that it takes to hold yourself upside down on a pole.
Can you see how this has the potential to help you to avoid injury in your every day activities?
You'll be less likely to bump into things and slip, trip or fall and this will carry through with you into old age.
That's because pole fitness exercises not just your body but your mind and problem solving skills as well!
#13) Discover Numerous Health Benefits Many Polers Are Enjoying
Pole fitness comes with a lot of health benefits. There's countless success stories where people have overcome grave illnesses and injuries with a little help from pole fitness.
Just to cover the basics, here are some of the areas where it's common to find improvements from pole fitness;
Reduced Joint Pain
Joint pain is something that many people will experience especially later in life.
Pole fitness will work on strengthening your muscles while increasing flexibility and mobility which significantly reduces the likelihood of you developing joint problems.
A better grip is something you naturally develop when practising pole fitness which reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
As you become more agile you'll also have less problems with things such as neck stiffness, back pain and other general muscle aches.
Lower Stress Levels
As I mentioned earlier, nailing moves in pole fitness can give you a feeling of euphoria like you've never experienced before. As well as building your confidence this also serves to de-stress.
A good pole fitness workout will cause your body to start producing endorphins, something that's actually common in a lot of forms of exercise.
That's why you might have heard of people who get addicted to working out. Those endorphins will make you feel much calmer and generally happier after your workout.
If you don't get enough sleep because you struggle to drift off at bed time, you might be surprised to hear you'll also find it easier to fall asleep at night.
That's because regular pole fitness classes are an intense exercise that will make sure you always get a good nights sleep.
You'll need it after all the energy you use and your body will be thankful for it!
Increased Blood Flow
This one is really important especially if you have a job where you are sat at a desk all day.
If you spend a lot of time sitting down you can develop poor circulation, this means that your vital organs won't be getting all the nutrients that they require to function properly.
You're legs, feet, hands and arms will also be lacking the correct amount of blood which can cause a lot of problems and some of them can be very severe or even life threatening.
Worry no more though because pole fitness is a great exercise for increasing blood flow, which naturally means it contributes to a healthy heart & brain as well!
Improved Stamina
How's your endurance? Are you the person that can run for miles or the one who gives up when it starts to ache a little bit?
The more advanced pole dancers can often make things look very easy but some of it is actually very challenging.
As fun as they are, the moves you achieve will really work all of your muscles hard. This in turn helps you to improve your strength and endurance.
What happens at the end of a long run? You stop. After a workout in the gym? You stop. What immediate results do you see?
The answer is none. Not straight away anyway, but that's where pole fitness is different.
Pole fitness gives you real success the instant you complete a move, and there's always another one to learn.
You'll always want to keep going to reach your goals in pole fitness, remember that euphoria I was talking about earlier?
Well it's an addictive feeling, and that's why nailing your next pole fitness trick is always going to drive your endurance and stamina further, onwards and upwards!
Quite literally upwards 😀
Another plus side of that is that some of the most challenging skills can be the most rewarding and exciting to achieve!
#14) It Doesn't Have To Be Sexy
I completely understand that most people just want a good workout and they aren't aiming to look sexy in the process. That's absolutely fine, you don't have to be.
A lot of people start off purely for exercise with very little dance or floorwork involved. Just be warned that sexy can be a long term side affect of pole fitness 😉
There's many different styles of pole fitness around, some people might focus on the more flexible and bendy moves while others focus on pure strength.
Then there's those that will perform theatrical styles of dance or get a little bit cheeky and twerk it!
Some will combine a few or all of these different styles and incorporate other forms of dance such as bellydance for example.
So either turn on your inner sexy and grab those 8 inch heels or activate beast mode and practice barefoot!
Here's a great piece of advice for beginners from the pole world's very own rockstar Cleo The Hurricane; "Don’t be afraid of heels.. They make it so much more fun and make your legs look way longer!"
No matter what your preferred style, no one in the pole fitness community will discriminate so don't be afraid to let your creativity show.
#15) You Can Mix Business With Pleasure
When you start to get really good at pole fitness it will almost certainly become one of your biggest passions in life, and what better way to make money than with your passion.
No, that doesn't necessarily revolve around bars or nightclubs but hey if that's what you enjoy then go for it!
There's a bunch of other ways you can turn your passion into a great business idea.
You could get fitness instructor training and open up your own pole studio to teach other people pole fitness or go into a line of business that compliments it.
I've seen some amazing things around so your imagination is the limit.
Pole clothing, pole shoes, pole art and designs are cropping up left right and center, so if you have an idea you should run with it.
There's also of course many people calling for pole fitness to become an Olympic sport and if that were to happen competing athletes could earn money that way too!
#16) It Doesn't Hurt To Keep A Naughty Secret
Depending on your outlook and that of your friends, family and colleagues you may or may not want to tell people about your awesome new hobby.
But that's the beauty of it, you don't have to!
There's a huge community of pole fitness enthusiasts out there ready to check out your latest moves, give you feedback and praise and generally keep you motivated if you want it.
Personally I've always been very open and passionate about my choice of exercise, so much so that it usually rubs right off onto the nearest people and they end up coming along to try it out.
Even my boss couldn't resist at my old work place!
Shouting it from the rooftops is perhaps not for everybody but hey, it's still a lot of fun to keep it a secret too.
Just make sure to let your pole buddies know if you get involved in charity events and things that might get media coverage if you don't want to be seen!
#17) It Makes You Feel Fantastic!
Last but not least, if you're feeling down in the dumps there's no better way to brighten your day.
At pole fitness classes you'll learn amazing tricks and spins and regularly do things that you never imagined your body could do.
Seriously though, there really is no feeling like the one you get from achieving a move you've been working on for a while.
It's not until the very first time you achieve something that you thought was impossible that you will understand. This results in enormous physical and mental strength and you might just surprise yourself!
When you're doing it for your own health, fitness and enjoyment you stop worrying about what anyone else thinks, in fact it's very common to become totally addicted to it!
So What's The Verdict?
I'm sure you'll agree after reading those 17 awesome reasons to start pole fitness that there's just no excuse to wait any longer!
The benefits of pole fitness go so much deeper than just developing physical attributes such as strength, flexibility and agility.
It will improve your mind, your confidence, your emotions, stress levels and more while introducing you to new friends too.
It's growing fast and will soon be the number one workout choice for modern day men and women, in fact it might be already just that 75% of you haven't told anyone.
You might be sat thinking to yourself 'well sure! It worked for everyone else, but it can't possibly work for me'.
All I can suggest here is; Don't knock it till you've tried it!
If you're itching to know more take a look at my next article that will teach you how to get started with pole fitness step by step!
To get yourself started you can simply Google "Pole fitness classes in [your town/city/county]" to find your nearest class like so:
You can find them almost everywhere!
What reasons do you have for not starting pole fitness?
Have you already started? Let me know in the comments!
