Learn Pole Dancing

Not just for strip joints anymore - pole dancing has turned intoa very popular workout routine and has moved to gyms, dance schools and homes worldwide.

I never thought I'd try a pole dancing class, especially if my mother was the one inviting me, but sometimes the things you least expect - happen. This led me to the pretty awesome Poletential Pole Dancing Studio in San Carlos, CA. I was surprised at how fun and non-intimidating a pole dancing class could be. Here are some things I learned:

Wear comfortable clothes which expose your arms legs - this will allow you to grip the pole so you are able to complete the moves.
Pole dancing can be an intense workout. It works your arms, stomach and legs. Be prepared for a sore upper body and often bruising from the pole. The good news is that you can get seriously toned if you keep at it.
You can even buy detachable poles that you can install (and discreetly remove) in your home. Make sure the pole is securely fastened and give yourself lots of space without obstructions.

Interested in trying this yourself? You can sign up for a local class in your area or pick up a video and pole and set up a convenient workout space in your own home. Many poles are removable, so you don't even have to have an extra room.

Pole Dancing for Exercise

The Pole Dancing Academy in Dorset was set up by Steph Bates who has years of experience in both gymnastics and dancing. Steph runs individual lessons to people of all ages and with varying degrees of fitness.

Pole dancing requires a lot of body strength and a 30 minute sessions will feel like a 60 minute session the next day!

Muscles in your arms, legs and abdomen will be working harder than they've worked before giving you that well toned look you've always been after. Each session is approached as an exercise session, with warming up and cooling down stretches. Most people coming to Pole dancing sessions will find they have muscles they didn't know they had so it's important to warm them up before using them.

If you can hold your own body weight on your arms you'll have a great advantage but this strength will come after practice.

Some people worry that they'll have to dance in their underwear but at the Pole Dancing Academy all dancers must wear at least shorts and an exercise top - similar to that worn for aerobic exercise and if you're worried about showing your legs you can wear leggings or jogging bottoms and just roll them up when you need to have skin contact with the pole. This contact prevents you from slipping down the pole!

It's also very important not to put any creams or lotions on your skin as this will also make you slip off the pole and can be very dangerous.

The traditional image of a pole dancer is a lady with high heel shoes but bare feet or trainers can be used just as successfully - you'll more than likely be aching from the exercise so why have to worry about blisters on your feet as well?

When you look for pole dancing lessons it might be a good idea to ask what type of pole the dance school uses. There are two types of pole - a static pole and a spinning pole. It's easier to use a spinning pole but most teachers prefer to teach on a static pole as although it's slightly more difficult you are then able to dance using both types. Some teachers will have a pole that can be changed from static to spinning by releasing a bolt.

Obviously, if you're a bit of an extrovert and find you have a natural talent for pole dancing you can always get a job as a professional pole dancer and every year there's a national UK competition with regional heats for both amateur and professional pole dancers.

If all this sounds like hard work don't worry it isn't, Pole dancing is done to great music and everyone has a fantastic time.

Serena Greenslade is a qualified elocution teacher and teaches people from the age of three how to communicate confidently and also runs in-house workshops around the UK for businesses. http://www.afraid-of-speaking-a-speech.com

Not only will you learn basic pole dancing moves, you will learn how to put them together into creative pole dancing routines!

This is a great introduction DVD program that shows you exotic dance moves, over 20 beginner spins, climbing and inverting techniques and choreographed combinations.

If you want to shed some pounds, boost your confidence and add some spice to your love life, this is the sport for you! Professional Exotic Dancer and former model Wendy Reardon gives you 150 photos demonstrating pole dancing moves and includes a 60-minute instructional DVD to make your learning experience fun and "easy" - don't forget it's a workout! Learning pole dancing couldn't be much easier.

Don't have a pole or don't want to use one? Here's a great sexy workout alternative - who said exercise was boring? These low-impact routines specifically targets and tones your hips, thighs, buns and abs. Set includes several dance routines on DVD that you can use conveniently at home (contains the original "Aerobic Striptease," "Fit To Strip", "Advanced Aerobic Striptease," and "The Lap Dance & Hip Hop).

Learn Pole Dancing: Pole Dancing Made Easy... at Home

Pole Dancing for Exercise

Learn Pole Dancing:
Pole Dancing Made Easy... at Home