While countries around the world each have their own unique origins of pole dancing, in the US, it originated in sideshow attractions in the late 18th century. Fast forward to the early 2000s when the term “pole fitness” was popularized, and the movement has picked up momentum ever since.
We recognize that pole dancing can seem intimidating. However, it’s surprisingly easy to get started once you find a studio (like The Vibe Studio!) that you enjoy working with.
Why Try Pole Fitness?
Pole dancing is an absolutely great full body workout. Strength and balance are only a few of the benefits you might see from taking up pole dancing lessons!
It Builds Strength
While it’s a full body workout, pole will particularly improve your upper body and core muscles. Even if you don’t have much upper body strength at first, your strength will grow over time as you learn. So don’t be afraid to start pole with little upper body strength.
Pole has been referred to as a combination of yoga, pilates, TRX, and Barre – sometimes in high heels! Taking a class in heels will help you build the muscles that improve your balance as well.
You Improve Flexibility
One vital component of pole dancing is flexibility. Many movements in pole dancing require quite a bit of flexibility, so over time your flexibility will improve, particularly if you stretch at home on off days.
If your class doesn’t start out with stretching (ours do!) make sure you get there early enough to stretch yourself. Make sure you stretch your whole body, with a focus on any area of your body that gets tight frequently and/or doesn’t have the flexibility that you’d like.
You’ll Learn to Walk in Heels
Some pole classes incorporate high heels, and over time you’ll improve your ability to walk in heels of any size.
You’ll hold on to the pole a lot at the beginning so you’ll be able to improve your balance over time. As you learn, your core, ankle, calf, and glute muscle strength will improve significantly, making it easier to balance in standard size heels.
Improved Confidence
As you are able to execute more and more complex moves, your confidence will grow! Not only that, but most first time students are stepping out of their comfort zone when they first try our pole classes. Stepping out of your comfort zone to try something new is an instant confidence boost!
Strengthening your body and learning what it can do is another way that pole builds confidence. And don’t forget the heels! There’s just something about walking in heels that gives you a boost when you need one.
You’ll Have Fun!
Even though it’s a hard workout, we strive to make pole classes fun! You spend your time learning and practicing many different movements and mini-routines so you won’t even notice the time passing.
Tips for Your First Pole Class
It can be nerve wracking to go to your first pole class! Especially if you’ve never danced before. But here are our tips for making your first pole class go smoothly.
● Don’t wear lotion or jewelry.
● Stretch before class so you have an easier time with some of the movements.
● You want to wear shorts, a tank top or sports bra, and heels. We recommend Pleasers for our pole classes!
● Avoid comparing yourself to others. You don’t know what experience they already have!
● Don’t expect to be perfect your first try - it takes time to learn.
● You’re probably going to be sore for a couple of days, make sure you get plenty of rest after class
Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!