Dancing With Dez

Pole fit/dance is a form of performing art, a combination of dance and gymnastics.

It involves dancing and performing acrobatic tricks with a vertical pole and is an increasingly popular form of fitness and dance, practiced by many enthusiasts in gyms or dance studios. Pole fit/dance requires significant strength, flexibility and endurance.  Pole dance is now regarded as a recognized form of exercise and can be used as both an aerobic and anaerobic workout. 

Pole fit/dance has been influenced by Chinese pole, a form of acrobatics that is performed in cabaret, circus and stage performances in a non-erotic environment. Pole Fit/dance in competitions is increasingly performed in a non-erotic way and is combined with a range of dance styles or gymnastics. Pole fit/dancing as an exercise is very similar to Mallakhamb, an Indian men's sport with no erotic component, but there is no evidence of a link. Pole fit/dance proper involves athletic moves such as climbs, spins, and body inversions using the limbs to grip. Upper body and core strength are required to attain proficiency, and rigorous training is necessary.

Pole fit/dancing has gained popularity as a form of exercise, with increased awareness of the benefits to general strength and fitness. This form of exercise increases core and general body strength by using the body itself as resistance, while toning the body as a whole. A typical exercise regimen in class typically begins with strength training, dance-based moves, and squats, push-ups, and sit-ups, and gradually works its way up to the climbs and inversions. Pole dancing is also generally reported by its schools to be empowering for women and to build confidence. A growing number of men are incorporating pole fit/dance into their fitness programs.