Gyrating sensually around a metal pole is not limited to seedy bars. Pole dancing for fitness is gaining popularity among women and they are now incorporating it into their fitness regimen. Mumbai-based fitness trainer Shilpa Rane, who conducts ‘exotic’ dancing workshops explains, “Burlesque dance workouts are a combination of pole dance, lap dance and strip-tease, where we accentuate the groovy moves as a form of exercise.”
Exotic dances are always considered as promiscuous art forms, meant for skinny flirty women. “Women with any kind of body can try pole dancing. All you have to be is above the age of eighteen. It’s more of a feel-good exercise which makes you feel good about yourself and your body,” explains Shilpa.
The routine
The pole dance workouts are a mix of aerobic, gymnastics and dance. “We begin the session with 15 minutes of warm-up exercises that comprises of stretches and aerobic moves,” she says.
Then the class is made used to their prop, which is the pole. They are made to do the stretches and squats at the beginner level and then gymnastics is incorporated into it. “You don't have to be very flexible when you try pole dancing for the first time. Strength and flexibility gradually develops and also, it is suitable for people of any age and figure,” she further explains.
As the difficulty level progresses, the participants are made to do tougher steps wherein they graduate to easier malkhamb exercises.
The class ends with cool down stretches, which are not very intense and some fun group dancing which is basically to interact with the rest of the women.
As far as the music is considers, Shilpa says, “Music is secondary here as you dance for yourself and not to entertain anyone. Any music that has beats and makes you move is good enough.”
Works wonders
Pole dancing combined with aerobics is a complete body workout. Dance trainer Lourde Vijay explains, “It helps in burning up to 250-700 calories an hour depending on the intensity. It makes your body more agile, improves posture, flattens the abdomen and strengthens your muscles while you enjoy the dance moves.”
Since it involves a lot of stretching, it helps in toning and sculpting the body.
“It is more of a toning workout than a cardio session. After a week, you can see your arms, legs and abs toned. Your posture and movements improve and most importantly, you feel great about yourself,” explains Shilpa.