Author: Mer G
Published on www.fitnesscultchronicles.com
If you’re like us, you were devastated when your parents shot down your idea of making it big as a world famous “dancer”. Hadn’t they seen Flashdance? How else were you supposed to get a body like that without swinging around a pole? Well fear not friends, now you can get all the physical benefits of pole dancing while still being able to look Mom in the eye at Thanksgiving. Read below for five things you didn’t know about pole dancing and some basics on the fitness movement.
It Dates Back Past 96’s Striptease
It’s hard to believe, but the exotic dance that takes place at your local “Major League Yabbos” and modern day pole dance fitness can both be traced back to ancient times. According to the International Pole Dance Fitness Association (IPDFA), pole dancing that we know and love today has a fusion of Chinese, Indian, French and Dutch elements. “Chinese Pole” for example, dates back past the 12th century and was primarily used by acrobats for circus performances. “Indian Pole,” or “Pole Mallakhamb” was used as a way for wrestlers to develop speed, reflexes, concentration and coordination.
Modern Day Fitness Benefits
Let’s face it, pole dancing can be pretty intimidating to try out if you’re just starting your weight loss journey or if you just have body issues in general. Fear not though because taking a class at a reputable studio won’t require you to go topless with just a G-string on…if they do then please find the nearest exit because you just landed yourself a job at the strip club. Pole dance fitness classes can be performed fully clothed so you can experience all the great benefits which include increased flexibility, endurance, balance and overall muscle strength.
Celebrities Do it Too!
Celebs like Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus are pretty much a given for having taken the pole for a spin or two, but even the more “demure” celebrities are trying it out. “I was incredibly ungraceful at first. The upper-body strength and the core strength you need to do it gracefully is crazy. I take my hat off to the women who can do it. You have to be incredibly strong,” said Emma Watson who had to learn how to work the pole for her role in “The Bling Ring.”
2016 Olympic Contender?
Despite being denied for the 2012 Summer Games, a large effort is still being made for the Olympic Committee to recognize pole dancing as a sport and include it in the lineup for the 2016 Olympics. Until then, competitors will continue to show off their skills at events like the annual International Pole Championship.
It’s Not Just for Women
Although the sport is primarily dominated by female competitors, men are starting to break into the field as well. Check out International Pole Championship competitor Steven Retchless on America’s Got Talent…body glitter included.
