Pole Dance Fitness

Once upon a time I decided to give pole dancing a try, and long story short, I’m now addicted. Strong is the new sexy, however when it comes to this incredibly athletic yet acrobatic form of exercise the sexy makes getting strong so RAD. I recently had a RAD pole dancing 101 experience with one my favorite NYC FitGirls Courtney Alexander of Flaunt Your Fitness, so enjoy this beauties.

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First things first, pole dancing is not a strippers only sport. “Because of where it originated (in the strip club) some people still view this form of exercise as taboo,” says Alexander. But lets not be fooled, pole dancing “is genuinely a great total body workout,” she adds. So whether you are looking for a new way to sweat or just want to unleash your sexy side ladies you absolutely must give pole dancing a try…and here is why:

1. You Will Sweat

The first thing I noticed during my pole dancing 101 session with Courtney was, “Yo this is cardio!” My roots were instantly damp and I loved it. So don’t let those sashays and turns fool you girls, in one single class you can burn up to 250 calories.

2. You Will Be A Buff Babe

I lift weights, do push ups and sometimes pull ups, so I was blown away by how sore I was after my first pole dancing class. I mean hello, you have to support your entire body weight with your upper body most of the time, your quadriceps and inner thighs are used to grip the pole during climbs, and lets not forget your core–mine was on fire throughout. So there you have it, total body strength training.

3. You Will Be More Flexible Than Gumby

If you’re not able to bend and touch your toes, pole dancing may be the solution to improve your flexibility. The warm up in an average pole dancing class involves plenty of stretches to reduce tension in the body. Also, moves like splits and backbends are incorporated into some pole moves that significantly improve the body’s flexibility.

4. Your Confidence Will Soar

Once you get the basics down and strengthen your muscles a bit, you will quickly begin to develop some serious skills and a body that makes heads turn. Being confident isn’t just about your state of mind – you will actually start to walk tall and improve your posture.

5. You Will Give Your Mood A RAD Boost

Pole dancing can greatly boost your mood, because well, it’s exercise and like any other form of sweat, your body releases endorphins – the feel good hormone. It also can be an excellent stress reliever. “I started pole dancing about a year or so after my mother passed away and it became my happy constant,” shared Alexander. I could totally relate to this and post class I too felt mentally high for several days to follow.

RAD Tips From Courtney Alexander (Flaunt Your Fitness Pole Instructor)

So now that you know more about the physical and mental benefits of pole dancing, allow me to leave you with a few more RAD tips from Flaunt Your Fitness owner, Courtney Alexander:

HelloBeautiful: So do tell Courtney, what made you get into pole dancing?

Courtney Alexander: I started about 5-6 years ago. A friend of mine invited me to take a class and I’ve been addicted ever since. I ran track in high school and college so it was great to be part of a “fitness community” again. My love of pole dancing is what initiated my fitness career.

HB: What advice would you give someone who is brand new to pole dancing?

CA: I would tell them to keep an open mind and to keep at it. People usually think pole dancing is easier than it looks. But with anything, it takes time and practice to master. The more you do it, the better you’ll get at it.

HB: So what if you are shy or uncomfortable being all sexy and stuff?

CA: The sexy dancing that is incorporated within pole dancing is uncomfortable for some in a group setting. So, get an alter ego, name her, and get ready to dance!

HB: So I’m getting a pole for the house ASAP! Do you recommend practicing pole dancing alone?

CA: Pole dancing is mainly offered in a group/class setting however there are also private one-on-one and semi-private options available as well. It’s always a good idea to have another person (a spotter) present because some of the moves can be very difficult and potentially dangerous if done alone. When a gymnast learns a new move her coach is present. The same mentality should be used with pole dancing.

HB: Ok, last question – what are some the safety precautions and risks one should know before they start a pole dancing practice?

CA: No lotion! You want to stick to the pole, not slide off of it. Also, don’t rush a move, have a spotter when trying difficult moves, and remember to engage your core. Form is important with all moves. You will have (pole) bruises from some of the moves – but that’s normal. And of course, remember to keep it fun (and sexy)!

Follow Courtney on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Robbie Ann Darby (RAD Experience) is a professional FitGirl, Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer in NYC. Follow her sweaty life on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more fun health and fitness tips!