Pole Fitness vs Pole Dance

In my experience of doing Pole Fitness, I am frequently met with judgement. People automatically assume that if you do tricks on a pole, you are trying to be a stripper and a "pole dancer (in a derogatory way)".

Here we will have a brief discussion on the differences between stereotypical Pole Dance versus Pole Fitness.

The stereotypical Pole Dance is usually associated with strip clubs. The scene is usually of women wearing skimpy clothing with high heels doing risqué dancing around a pole to gain a reaction from the crowd. In return, the excited crowd offers them money as payment for an arousing show. It's basically considered as selling their bodies for money. In the eyes of the society, it is considered as derogatory and shameful.

Pole Fitness, on the other hand, takes elements from various sports, such as gymnastics, calisthenics, ballet, acrobatics and circus. It is more strength and flexibility intensive as the main goal is to execute a sequence of tricks and skills to impress a crowd.

Pole Fitness athletes wear revealing clothing, but not for the same reason as strip club pole dancers; they need the skin to stick on the pole. Without that, the athlete will simply slide and fall.

Pole Fitness is a Sport 

It is a fitness regimen requiring a high level of strength and flexibility. Much like other forms of workout, it also requires a certain amount of body control and awareness. We learn to use our body to create beautiful shapes. A Pole Fitness class usually consists of doing a series of stretches, strength exercises and drills. The class then proceeds to do cool tricks on the pole while listening to fun music. In a way, you can say that Pole Fitness is a rather holistic class!

Students build upper body strength as well as tone their muscles. They still retain their feminine figure while looking toned and strong!

Pole Fitness is an Art

It's not about being sexy and trying to be sleazy to get random people's attention. It is a form of exercise which helps you understand your body. Through tricks and transitions, you learn how to manoeuvre around the pole -- Flow. Through listening to various music and different forms of dance, you will discover which genre of dance you prefer to combine with the skills you have learnt. Eventually, you learn how to build your own routine and improvise on the techniques and be creative with all the skills you have learnt.


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Intentions

The main difference between Pole Dance and Pole Fitness is the intention. Not all women and men join Pole Fitness to be a strip dancer in a strip club. Most just want a channel to express their creativity and emotions. Others want a fun and challenging way to work out, and some want a second chance to be an athlete again. We consist of people from all walks of life -- Office workers, doctors, lawyers, students and even mothers. We never discriminate and shame; we accept, encourage and empower.

I usually emphasize heavily on a good foundational skills, both in strength and flexiblity. I also teach students in a progressional manner, allowing them to gradually build up to doing more advanced skills. In doing so, students will be able to execute tricks properly and safely. ©AllenAngPhotography

Pole Fitness isn't (just) about being sexy. It is about being a better version of yourself. It opens a new realm of possibilities you can challenge yourself with, and that is the beauty of it.

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Interested in trying Pole Fitness in Kuching?

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