It’s only in recent years that people have begun to appreciate that pole dance is not just something found in gentlemen’s clubs but is also a respectable hobby and way of keeping fit.

Domi @thedomcsa wearing Zeus Shorts in black, bespoke yellow and sea breeze. Photography by @aerial_arts_photos

Introducing the term - pole fitness!

Whilst it is great that society now recognises the fitness benefits of pole dance, there are still many other pole dancing health benefits that are less well known. You may find it surprising just how many other aspects of your health and wellbeing can be positively impacted by pole dance.

In this article we will share with you 8 unexpected benefits of pole fitness…

1. Stress & anxiety

No matter what the cause, stress causes our bodies to produce and harbour excess adrenalin. This then causes feelings of anxiety and frustration which can be extremely unpleasant. Like most exercises, pole dancing is a great way or releasing this built-up adrenaline. Whilst pole dancing, you will also produce hormones called endorphins which are associated with the feeling of happiness. The combination of the two will leave you feeling less stressed and anxious before you know it. Some people find it helpful to pole dance after work as a way of unwinding and relaxing for the evening ahead.

2. Confidence

Achieving a desirable figure tends to be the most popular course of action when aiming to boost self-confidence. Once you get into the swing of things (excuse the pun) you will quickly notice loss of body fat and increased muscle tone which most people are more than pleased about. Aside from this, there are other aspects of pole dance which will contribute to increased self-confidence including learning a new skill and increased social interaction.

3. Mental Health

Research shows that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England. Whilst every individual is different, it is proven that as a whole exercise can have a positive impact on mental health. After exercise, people report that their mood is boosted, which, when combined with the combination of reduced stress and increased confidence over time can do wonders for mental health.

4. Suppleness

As we get older, we naturally lose a lot of our suppleness and even more so through lack of exercise. Exercise of most kinds will help you to regain some of that suppleness, but pole fitness in particular is great for this. The moves involved in pole dance require a certain degree of flexibility which you will gain without even noticing through regular practice. This suppleness will make your daily activities easier and mean you are less susceptible to injury. Win win!

5. Bone & joint health

Bone and joint conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis are extremely common conditions which effect a large proportion of people as they age. Whilst some sports like running can be quite harsh on the joints, pole fitness offers a gentler approach to strengthen joints and bones to help keep such conditions at bay.

6. Heart health

Looking after our heart tends to be easily overlooked, even though it’s what keeps us alive! The cardio aspect of pole fitness will really get your heart pumping, keeping it strong, healthy, and less likely to experience medical problems. This will also improve blood flow throughout the body keeping all of our other organs healthier too!

7. Sleep

It is recommended that we all get 8 hours of sleep per night but realistically not many of us do. For some of us that may be due to a busy schedule but for others it is simply because we struggle to fall asleep at night. Regular pole dance exercise will burn some of that extra energy that may be keeping you awake, whilst the mental health benefits will also help with that racing mind. Combine these two things and you are certainly more likely to get into a better sleep routine. 

8. Motivation

Feeling and seeing the combination of physical and mental benefits of pole dancing is all the fuel and motivation you will need to continue pole dancing or even doing more! This motivation can also filter into other areas of your life, and you may find that you have more energy and enthusiasm for other hobbies and even work. Yes, work!

 If you are already a keen pole dancer then congratulations! You are already making the most of these benefits of pole dancing. If you are considering whether or not to take up pole dance, then we hope that this article has given that extra push you needed to come on board!