How to Get Fit With Pole Dancing

Pole dancing was once viewed as something a little sleazy, but the times are changing. As experts began realizing that strippers had better bodies than some of their clients, they looked for ways to incorporate their moves into a fitness routine. Proponents point out that this type of dancing increases flexibility, tones muscles, and helps improve the body. There are even some celebrities who tout the virtues of pole dancing such as Teri Hatcher, Lindsay Lohan, and Kate Hudson. If you want to get fit with pole dancing you can install a pole in your home and use a video, or take lessons at your local gym.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pole
• Instructor or instructional video
• High heels
• Shorts

1. Use the pole as an accessory when you first start out and focus on your dance moves and increasing your flexibility. Until you build up your muscles, you won’t be able to do some of the more complex moves.

2. Practice at home using one of the exercise DVDs or videos that are available. You can have a pole installed in your home, or focus on doing the movements without the pole.

3. Wear high heels and shorts when pole dancing in the gym. The shorts keep your legs free to grip the pole, while the high heels force your legs to work harder during the workout.

4. Remember to warm up before the workout and cool down after. Your muscles need a few minutes to stretch and relax, which will increase the improvement you see.

5. Keep a firm grip on the pole to work your muscles. Before long you’ll begin to an improvement in muscle tone and appearance.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear as little clothing as possible and keep your legs and arms bare. This helps you get a grip on the pole.
• Don’t use lotion or oil on the pole since this makes it harder to grip and you can hurt yourself.
• Don’t expect to instantly climb on the pole and do the more complex moves like the instructor. It takes time and work to build up to those moves.