I Do Pole Fitness
I do pole fitness.
For those who don’t know (and I’ll assume that’s most of you) pole fitness is pole dancing for the purpose of keeping fit and having fun. So throw away your previous assumptions – poles aren’t just for strippers!
Pole fitness is a workout. I’ll admit it’s a little different, but it works. And it’s a good laugh. I went to my first pole fitness class after picking up a pamphlet from Vicky’s in January (back when it was still Vicky’s). I was curious (who wouldn’t be?) so I convinced my friend to come with me for the first class. That first class was taken at Santa Fe with an instructor who was working there part-time to fund her Law degree. She could also speak five languages, proof that being a stripper does not mean you have to be a bimbo. She was so encouraging and professional that our initial self-consciousness soon melded into enthusiasm and from then on we became pole fitness regulars.
Though the classes are popular, pole fitness is still relatively underground in New Zealand when compared to Europe, the UK and Australia. Are we prudish about the fact that classes are held at a strip club? If so, then in the words of bad Otago University ads: ‘Oh, get over it’. To clarify what pole fitness is (and isn’t), read on.
It would be fair to say that misassumptions of pole fitness are generally based on deep seated beliefs that pole dancing is ‘dirty’ and probably involves stripping. It doesn’t. It also does not involve:
• Rubbing one’s crotch against the pole
• Learning how to give lap dances
• Extreme strength or flexibility (although to be honest, it helps)
• A strip club
Most people assume that pole fitness (or pole dancing, I use the terms interchangeably myself) requires one, if not all, of the above. This is a false assumption probably based on the obvious relationship between pole dancing and strip clubs. The truth is that pole dancing is common in, but not restricted to, the context of strip clubs. When performed outside of this context, i.e when you take away the nakedness, the alcohol factor and the male audience, you get a very different concept. Here is my interpretation of pole fitness:
• A workout which involves both cardio and strength training
• A performance similar to dance, involving a pole, that can be sexy without being overly provocative
• A way to build confidence through performance in a safe and comfortable environment
Like any form of performance, it’s all about the style of presentation. The effect that pole dancing will have depends on a person’s own particular style and the way they present themselves. Pole dancing has potential to be seductive, impressive, graceful and powerful, but everyone develops a unique style. A stripper can choose to be provocative or seductive in her dancing. I’ve done years of ballet dancing, so my style tends to be graceful. Others in the class can put more power and strength behind the moves than I can. Pole fitness is essentially a strength-based workout. Strength will improve as you go, and core strength is a must for the more advanced moves. It’s an awesome way to get fit and tone up. You know how strippers have good bodies? That’s ‘cos they get a serious workout every time they get up on stage. You do sweat. You do get sore the next day. You do get some mammoth bruises when you start up (which is unfortunately unavoidable), but you also learn some killer moves. Each hourlong class involves stretching, instruction, practise and ‘freestyle’ self-choreography, usually done in pairs. Pole moves usually involve spinning (forwards, backwards and upside-down) but there is also a bit of floorwork, cage dancing and ‘in-between’ moves. Pole moves have names like theair spin, the backwards knee spin, the ‘V’ spin, and the superman. Pole fitness classes in Wellington are based at Santa Fe and run from 6-7 (Advanced) and 7-8 (Beginners) on Tuesday and Thursday nights. The poles are wiped regularly with an alcohol-based solution, both for hygiene reasons and to help prevent slipping –and you need a serious hold on that sucker, especially while upside-down, or we’re looking at injuries! Participants usually wear short-shorts as all the pole moves require skin-to-pole contact. Heels are optional, but recommended. The Santa Fe classes are women only, with female instructors. That said, there are some places which hold all-male classes, but there’s not so much of a market.
So know the facts before you judge. Even let your curiosity get the better of you and have a go. It’s only a matter of time before the rest of New Zealand catches on. It may take some getting used to, but pole fitness keeps you looking and feeling good. And it’s a whole heap of fun.
126 Comments
13 Feb, 2008 at 11:53 am
Hey Nicola. I am interested in your pole fitness lessons. I also have four other friends from East Auckland interested.
When you have a free moment please send or txt me details.
Where you are based? Times and days? And also prices?
terri_jade@hotmail.com
021 141 9567
19 Feb, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Hi all
Just wondering if there are any classes running in wellington at the moment, if so where and when?
Thanks :)
20 Feb, 2008 at 4:24 am
I want to join a class. I live in Baton Rouge, LA. Do you have any suggestions of local classes I could attend or any thing?
Thank you for your time.
23 Feb, 2008 at 12:54 pm
is there any classes in Palmerston North Nz?…
Ive got a large number of girls interested.
26 Feb, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I am looking for a class in Baton Rouge, LA and have not had any luck finding one. If you know of one please let me know. Do you think it would be hard for me to learn by watching a video? Thanks for your help!
2 Mar, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Hey there,
I was woundering if you knew of any pole fitness classes in Plamerston North, where, when and how much?
Thanx, Julz.
8 Apr, 2008 at 11:43 am
hi nicolla
my friend and i are very interested in taking this form of fitness.we live in hamilton and would like details of classes in this area.
please contact me on 0274599190
thanks.
8 Apr, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I find it absolutely hilarious that ONE AND A HALF YEARS after this was published, people as far as Louisiana are still leaving messages about Nicola finding/teaching classes, even tho she doesn’t even teach them. Do people not read anymore??
10 Apr, 2008 at 3:34 pm
You’re right Jasmine, it is really quite amazing. I’m flattered at all the comments, but slightly offended that most of the people obviously haven’t read the article. Great PR for any pole fitness studio, maybe I should have started one myself..
If anyone wants to find out about pole fitness classes, PLEASE read the other comments before calling me. There is actually a lot of information on this page about the different providers around NZ. If that fails, try googling ‘pole fitness’. Believe it or not, I don’t know much more than you! In saying that, I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Good luck!
15 Apr, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Another great pole dancing Studio, and they are bringing Jamilla Deville over, check them out, Kiwi Pole Fitness. They do classes every night monday to Friday and dont have any more than 1 person to a pole, they are really kind and are very talented!
15 Apr, 2008 at 12:07 pm
ooops nearly forgot, they are based in Lower Hutt, but will be opening another place to pole in Wellington real soon :)
29 Apr, 2008 at 10:42 am
Hi CHCH ladies – http://www.polasize.co.nz – most competitive rates and friendly atmosphere – hens and workparties most welcome too… text ‘pole’ to 0274 880 698 to find out more. Give it a go and come hang out with us!!
14 May, 2008 at 8:53 am
Hi Girls!!
Hey i was wondering if anyone knows of any pole fitness classes in Tauranga?
Thanks :)
29 May, 2008 at 9:16 pm
FOR TAURANGA AREA:
There is a Pole Fitness studio called PoleFX in Greerton, run by Gabi. She’s very lovely and has loads of experience. Contact her on 027 504 8926… :)
29 May, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Hi all!
I run a Pole Fitness studio in Central Wellington and I’m keen to keep in touch with Pole studios all over New Zealand. I have quite a few students who travel, or end up moving away from the Welllington area, and they would like to carry on with their training. It would be great to get a good Pole school database going – I’ve started a small one just based on the comments left here after Nicola’s wonderful article! So, please – keep ‘em coming! :)
Many thanks,
Lisa
http://www.polefitness.co.nz
24 Jun, 2008 at 10:39 pm
any luck with a class in palmerston north? me and my freinds are so keen to do it!!
1 Jul, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Can anyone help me on where one can take lessons in Christchurch.
5 Jul, 2008 at 12:02 pm
HI i was really keen on doing pole classes somewhere on the north shore or hibiscus coast does anyone know of any???
8 Jul, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Please advise on prices, timetables, and locations.
Thanks,
Emma :-)
8 Jul, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Hi there to those looking for pole fitness I have a studio in central Christchurch goto http://www.ipole.co.nz or text pole to 0274 880 698
Love & Light
V
16 Jul, 2008 at 11:33 am
would like to do pole fitness classes in auckland, anyone know if this is possible?
24 Jul, 2008 at 10:41 pm
hey! my tutor was telling me about this today!
Is their a class in hamilton?
I really want to give it a go Im pretty flexible have been doing pilates but i want to do sumthing new now. wheres abouts is are the classes held? and how much is it? (I a student)
15 Aug, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Hi,
I am wondering if there are any pole Fitness classes on the North Shore of Auckland?
26 Aug, 2008 at 10:36 am
Hi
i was just wondering if there are still classes happening in TAUPO and if there are could you give me a website or something
thankyou
16 Sep, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Why do people keep thinking this is a fucking sign up sheet for pole dancing lessons?
16 Sep, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Thanks for all the interest, but the chances are that if you found this page you are capable of using Google. Commenting has now been turned off.
Thanks for the interest!