I started pole dancing after seeing it performed at a live event in New York City.
But it wasn’t easy.
Here are 10 things people might not know about this fitness form.
Most pole dancers, regardless of age, are in the best shape of their lives.
Pole dancing is a full-body workout.
It is resistance training and cardio in one, andflexibility is improvedas well.
Pole dancers perform acrobatic tricks either suspending their weight or propelling it around a metal pole.
The simple act of climbing a pole is an incredible display of strength.
It is no surprise, then, that most pole dancers insist they have never looked or felt better.
There are many different types of pole dancing.
Pole dancing is extremely versatile.
There is something for everyone!
You need your skin exposed to grip the pole.
Pole dancers must have their legs, arms and stomachs exposed to safely grip the pole.
At first, the idea of working out in a sports bra and tiny shorts may seem intimidating.
Their focus shifts instead to what they can accomplisha freeing notion, really, that can helpbuild confidence.
It can be dangerous without proper training.
Although pole dancing is fun, it is a serious athletic endeavor that should not be taken lightly.
In addition to bruises, pole dancers can experienceshoulder or back painwith improper technique or overtraining.
You should always learn from a certified instructor.
That said, I encourage everyone interested in pole dancing to go through gradually progressive training with a professional.
Men can (and do!)
The number of men pole dancing continues to grow every year.
Mens natural inclination toward upper body strength makes them ideal candidates for the sport.
Not having upper body strength is not an excuse to avoid it.
I understand that you may be nervous to try pole dancing.
But I encourage you to stop creating roadblocks for yourself.
The best way to get better at something is to work on it!
Every athletic journey requires a first courageous step.
You’ll grow over time as you build skills, strength and body awareness.
Overcoming feats is part of what’s so inspiring and empowering about pole.
Its not always so sexy.
Pole dancing is not always as overtly sexual as people may believe.
The process of training is often full of awkward and unglamorous moments.
Many of us end up with bruises, burns, and scrapes from trying new moves.
But it can be very sexy.
The seductive allure of pole dancing still remains steadfast.
They felt this link delegitimized efforts to be taken seriously.
The community is very tight-knit.
There are pole dancers of all professions, ethnicities, religions, cultures, sizes, and ages.
We support each other through learning new moves.
We share each others videos, and we watch each other perform.
This shared interest bonds us with a special understanding, just like any other team sport.
Pole dancing can be emotionally healing.
This is one of the biggest reasons I’ve stuck with pole dancing as long as I have.
The combination of athletic skill and artistic influence makes it unique to any other form of dance or sport.
To me, it is both dance and sport woven together into one beautiful, athletic art form.
