WELLNESS STAYING FIT: FROM POLE TO POLE
As exotic as it may sound, pole dance or pole fitness, if learnt and practised correctly, can work wonders for your physical well-being. Learn all about it
Want to add a little bit of dance, drama and pizzazz to your workout regime? Pole dance or pole fitness may be the thing for you. Recently, Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez dabbled in the dance form to prep for a role and seemed smitten.
In addition to offering a full body workout, pole dancing also adds an element of fun to your exercise regime. It is an excellent form of aerobic activity. It not only strengthens your upper body and core but also improves flexibility. It burns a lot of calories, helps in coordination and balance.
Here, fitness expert Vicky Tulli and physiotherapist Dr Minakshi Fullara decode the art of pole dancing:
HOW IT WORKS
Pole dancing taxes the muscles in the entire body and you are always moving – making it a great isometric and cardiovascular exercise wrapped into one. You can burn as many calories in a 30-minute session as you would while doing aerobics and calisthenics. A class usually lasts anywhere between 60-90 minutes and you can burn up to 400-500 calories depending upon the intensity of your workout. It is a fun and physically demanding form of exercise that can make you fit and feel sexy at the same time.
WHICH BODY PARTS DOES IT TARGET
Pole dancing focuses on the legs, abdominals, arms and shoulders. The muscles in your upper and lower legs including your hip flexors, hamstrings, calves and quads tend to move while practising it. The form also builds strength and endurance in your triceps, biceps and forearms.
WHO CAN DO IT
Men and women can pick it up easily as their body is already flexible, which helps them to do the moves with relative ease. It is ideal for everyone, students from 18 years of age to 80 year olds and from size zero to 125 kilos can try their hands at this exotic workout regime. Students as young as 16 years may attend a session with signed permission from a parent or guardian and students as young as 14 years may attend sessions if accompanied by a parent or guardian, no exceptions.
CAN IT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER
Yes, it can be combined with any form of exercise. Strength training will help you to master pole dancing as it will strengthen your upper body quickly.
IS THERE ANY SPECIAL GEAR OR EQUIPMENT REQUIRED TO DO IT
A pole Pole cleaner A crash nut or thick pillows Training shoes Gloves and powder for grip Proper pole dance attire