Fitness

You don’t need to be super-fit to pole dance.  It’s more about determination to succeed and having the guts to try new moves, because it’s scary being upside-down on a pole while trying to figure out how to flip yourself from one position to the next.

Your fitness levels will improve with pole dancing classes anyway, but to get more out of your training it’s recommended to include additional work-out activities.

Core strength is key to controlling moves and preventing back injuries during pole class.  So Yoga and general core-strengthening exercises like ‘the plank’, ‘crunch’ variations and many exercises using weights and machines will help.

Improving your stamina will make your classes more enjoyable too.  If you get tired quickly then an hour of pole dance can feel like hard work; rather than fun.  You don’t need to join a gym or get a personal trainer if you can motivate yourself, but seeing as many of us find that difficult a personal trainer often helps.  Get out and run, cycle or swim.  Start slowly and work your way to full pace.

Our preferred supplier of kettle bell use to aid strength and conditioning for pole dancing

Whatever supplementary exercise you do, the importance of warming-up and cooling-down can’t be stressed enough.  You’re far less likely to ache after class or cause yourself injuries if you spend at least 10 mins preparing your body before and after class.  Not only that, stretching helps you get more flexible and in-turn will give you stronger lines that make your moves look better.

Watch out for PDA blog posts on pole dance fitness here.