Pole Dancing for Weight Loss
By Rio Beatty
On Left Rio 6 Years ago, on right is Rio now.
I get asked all the time if pole dancing is good for weight loss. I frequently stumble over my answers to this question, so I’m going to attempt to spell it out better.
Yes, pole fitness classes are a great way to get fit.
The key to weight loss is primarily healthy eating habits. Adding pole fitness to your weekly regimen will have you burning calories in class in a wickedly fun way. Pole dancing will also help you build muscle – which raises your resting metabolic rate so you actually burn more calories when you’re not even doing anything. So yes, combined with a full, balanced diet (meaning veggies, carbs, and protein – not just celery sticks), pole dancing is a great way to lose excess weight.
What I want to express about pole fitness is that it becomes much more than a tool for weight loss. There is something about standing in a room with strong, supportive women that makes you want to BE MORE. I feel like we are socially conditioned to feel the need to take up less space, to occupy fewer inches – but pole dancing teaches you the opposite.
In the pole world, more is better. Bigger is better. I am constantly inspired to climb higher, swing wider, and extend farther. Pole fitness empowers us to not only take up space, but to celebrate having earned every glorious inch.
We don’t celebrate alone, either. As classmates, we sweat together, learn from each other, and encourage each other – always. All progress is great progress, and is celebrated heavily. I love cheering for classmates who nail a move (and yes, I shout), and I love spotting a student attempting a move they’ve told me they can’t do (yes Cynthia, you NAILED that shouldermount!).
So yes, pole fitness classes can be great for weight loss, but it’s even better for building self-empowerment, creating friendships, and nourishing your soul. Come join me for my classes at Cherry Blossom Studio so we can start hitting your goals!
