Pole Dancing Away the Pounds and the Popularity of Pole Dancing
Once reserved for topless dancers and celebrities who have grown bored of yoga, pole dancing has worked its way out of bars and into dance/fitness studios all over the world. Pole dancing, I believe is no longer a phase but is here to stay. Once the domain of strippers wearing G-strings in seedy bars, pole dancing has emerged as a popular exercise for women who want to feel sexy while they tone their bodies. My studio is attracting students, professional women and even grandmothers. Three years ago when I opened my doors most people hadn’t heard of pole dancing at all. Now there isn’t the assumption that I am a stripper ( or my friends thinking what the hell happened to Suzie) anymore and teaching girls how to be strippers. People are now noticing that pole dancing is a great way to lose weight so let me take you through how all the hype started.
The trend began around 2001, when a former dancer and actress named Sheila Kelley decided to share the expertise she gained preparing for a role as a stripper in the film “Dancing at the Blue Iguana.” Kelley started the S Factor Workout, which combined pole dancing with other striptease elements. At the time, her company was the only one in Los Angeles offering pole-dancing lessons. I actually ended up training at this school on the west coast and did the teacher training program at her school.
Then came Oprah. Kelley demonstrated her pole techniques on an Oprah television show in 2003 titled “Releasing Your Inner Sexpot!” Actress Teri Hatcher of “Desperate Housewives” and other celebrities got interested, and they praised the role of the pole in developing their bodies. The good thing about S Factor is that it brought pole dancing to the mainstream. Hopefully this will now allow more women and moms in all of Miami Dade County and beyond want to take pole dancing classes.
Many women also fantasize about being a stripper, and pole dancing gives them a way to experience that fantasy in a safe, non-degrading atmosphere. As women I believe we have a deep desire to express our sexuality but have been programmed to think of pole dancing as a practice only performed in front of ogling men. Once my students bond with other women in class, there’s a noticeable change. When they try it, they realize it is also a great workout. Unlike other kinds of aerobic exercise, such as running or spinning, pole dancing offers both fitness and the chance to be creative and really let loose. Dancing in general is a great way to burn calories, but unlike other forms of dance, pole dancing integrates cardio and resistance training. It also works the core muscles in the back, the leg muscles, and especially the quadriceps and the gluteus. The arms, shoulders, and torso support your weight as you hang onto the pole. As they grow stronger it improves stability, balance, and posture. After taking a class, most women are sorer than they have ever been, even if they exercise regularly. They're sore in places they didn't even know muscles existed.
Many students install poles in their own homes which is why I sell them on my site. Students wear regular workout clothes, except instead of wearing sneakers we replaced them with 6-inch heels. I find that the heels reshape your body as well because it is like having weights put on your feet. More advanced students wear shorts to expose their legs. You stick to the pole better when you can use your skin. The great thing that I have seen since I started my business is anyone can learn pole dancing. Some of my students are ballet, jazz, and are modern/hip-hop dancers who are curious about the dance style, but many others have never danced. They figure if strippers can do it, then so can they. My clients range in ages from 18 to 60, and they come from all ethnic backgrounds and occupations. We also have women who come to the studio who are lawyers, doctors, police officers, accountants, and waitresses - all walks of life.
Getting in shape isn't the only benefit pole dancing offers. There is a great emotional release when you're pole dancing; I feel personally the happiest when I am dancing. It creates a beautiful feeling that starts from inside of me and is the closest feeling I have with God and the universe. Truly dancing is the most exciting gift I can give to another woman. When I started my journey in pole dancing I knew I had to share this will all women. Your self-esteem usually goes up because you feel more comfortable with yourself, your womanly curves, and the way your body moves. It also does not hurt that a few pole dancing moves will turn one's significant other as well into silly putty! As my business has grown, pole dancing has become a popular theme for bachelorette parties. Women are getting rid of the male stripper - they want to be the stripper.
Exercise Benefits of Pole Dancing
It is Easy for Weight Loss because you can start off out of shape and get in shape by doing this type of activity. If you want to tone your legs and get that stomach into a tighter shape, you can do it by performing the many routines that are available with Pole Dancing. This type of dancing is definitely heading towards a long term habit and no longer a fad in my opinion. The benefits to your heart and lungs are increased as you become more adept at performing the routines.
· Burning Calories - It can burn as many as 250 calories an hour which is similar to a good gym session ( so remember to sign up for at least 3 classes a week).
· Builds Muscle and Tones - Supporting your entire weight with one arm can be challenging and builds your upper body. It also helps strengthen your stomach muscles and you can, if you go regularly expect to see increased muscle definition with your bottom, arms and thighs
· Endorphins! The physical exertion makes your body release the happy hormones – endorphins making you feel better and more energetic
A recent study on the health benefits of pole dancing has concluded that women practicing pole fitness do not derive their over inflated false sense of self-worth from men leering at their exposed bodies or from the intoxicating effects of alcohol as previously thought. No. Rather, they get it from experiencing actual significant weight reduction. It burns a huge amount of calories and strengthens those muscles you didn’t even know exist. It’s sexy and tones and shapes your body. Many women are just now finding out about this and some have been keeping the secret of their new found toned bodies a secret. So please share my blog with all your friends and family so they can see the benefits and not feel scared anymore to try pole dancing. Trust me it is in all of us to be a Sexy bitch on the Pole!!!
