Everything You Need to Pole Dance Your Way to Fitness

Dance poles are popping up in living rooms, bedrooms, and even health clubs across the country. Because pole dancing requires a great deal of upper body strength, energy, and coordination, it is an excellent workout program.

Pole dancing classes are popping up in health clubs across the country. If you aren't comfortable with the idea of dancing in public, don't lose hope. A few inexpensive pieces of equipment are all you need to start pole dancing your way to fitness.

Finding a Pole Dancing Class

Health clubs are beginning to see the benefits of pole dance workouts and some have begun adding dance poles and offering classes.

Can't find a pole dance class in your area? Ask your health club to offer one.

Pole Dancing in Your Home

If you are unable to find a class or are too shy to pole dance in a room full of people, you can still pole dance your way to fitness. All you need is a pole, some instruction and you will be on your way to a lean, sexy body.

For Beginners

'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Exotic and Pole Dancing Illustrated' by Wendy Reardon, owner of the Gypsy Rose Exotic & Pole Dancing Studio in Boston.

This book is a great resource for beginning pole dancers. It includes a 60-minute instructional DVD that shows the moves described in the book. The book also includes other forms of exotic dancing that you can do without a dance pole.

Dance Pole

Dance poles come in two main styles-permanent and removable. Permanent dance poles are poles that are installed and stay in place all the time. These poles are generally used in dance clubs.

For home use, a removable pole is a better option because you can move it out of the way or hide it in the closet. 'My Sexy Little Pole' by Island Dogs is an excellent choice.

This stainless steel dance pole installs quickly and easily. This dance pole works for rooms with a ceiling between 7'5" to 8'5" high. There is a ceiling mount for added stability and safety. You can remove the dance pole and disassemble it for easy storage. There is a 200-pound weight limit.

'My Sexy Little Pole' also includes an instructional DVD with a complete beginner to intermediate routine.

Pole Dance DVD

'Pole Katz: Step By Step Pole Dancing Tricks,' available at Amazon.com for $34.95, offers intermediate level pole dancing instruction. It is 40 minutes long and includes basic, intermediate, and advanced spins and inverts. This DVD is not for beginners, but is a good follow-up to the DVDs included with the 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Exotic and Pole Dancing Illustrated' and 'My Sexy Little Pole.'

Clothing

Clothing choice for pole dancing is a matter of personal preference. Whether you choose shorts and a T-shirt, your workout gear, or something a little sexier, the main thing you need to keep in mind is that your arms and legs should be bare so that you can grip the pole without slipping.

A leotard, such as the Ladies Capezio Princess Seamtank Leotard, available at the Dancers Warehouse for $20.50, is a great outfit for pole dancing.

Footwear

Barefoot, stilettos, or boots-the choice is yours. If you want to add spice to your workout, slip on some stilettos.

Ellie shoes has a huge assortment of sexy stilettos and boots, such as the CLAIRE 5.5" Heel Sandal, available at Amazon for $32.80 or the DIANA 6" Pointed Stiletto Ankle Boot With Inner Zipper in 4 Colors, available at Amazon for $42.20.

Safety

Whether you workout at a health club or at home, pay close attention to all safety tips and instruction. Remember to do warm-up exercises and cool-down exercises to avoid injury.

Do not try to skip the basics. The spins and inverts may seem more appealing than the basic routines, but can lead to injury if you are not properly trained or strong enough. Learn the basics and you will be doing spins and inverts in no time.

Finally

Have fun pole dancing your way to a leaner, stronger body.