Edgy Exercise
December 2, 2009
A new fitness routine that is taking the exercise world by storm involves high heels, loud music and a 16-foot long metal pole. Gyms and fitness centers across south Florida are offering pole fitness classes for women as a sexy alternative to traditional exercise. And if done correctly, it can burn more calories than a typical round in the gym.
“You definitely gain some muscle very, very quickly. You burn a lot of calories,” said Amber Stoothoff, 25, a pole fitness enthusiast.
The attributes of pole fitness have been featured on television programming on CNN, VH1 and MTV and it is now exploding into the south Florida scene with classes at The Pole Fitness Studio in Miami, Crunch gym on South Beach and Mind Body Connection in Cooper City, among a number of other locations.
“Here at Mind Body we’ve been offering pole fitness for 3 years and it’s really just starting to escalate because it’s real hot right now,” bragged Carla Guzman, 23, pole fitness instructor.
The risqué exercise regimen promises to transform even the shyest performers into toned and sultry vixens by building their upper body and core strength, coordination, and balance.
Once on the pole, women become one with the pole.
“You feel the different muscles working that you don’t normally feel, we’ve done Rumba, yoga, we’ve done Pilates together. But there’s different aspects of it,” said Aubrey McCuthen, 28, a pole fitness student.
A typical hour-long class consists of stretching and strength building exercises. It includes forms of calisthenics, yoga and Pilates, as well as elements of gymnastics and dance moves from ballet, salsa, hip-hop and jazz. Next comes the pole work.
Women are encouraged to release their inhibitions by hopping on the pole and using their own body weight to tone muscles and build confidence.
“Climbing within itself is upper body. It’s working your biceps and triceps,” said Guzman.
According to professionals, pole fitness is an excellent cardiovascular workout that increases the heart rate, burns fat and tones sagging muscles. The exercise not only tones the body but also liberates a woman’s mind and increases her sexual energy.
“Besides the basic spins and moves, there are also a lot of tricks, spins, and holds ladies can master. All which they can bring back home and stun their husbands or boyfriends with,” said Guzman.
Several women who are enrolled in a pole fitness class have noticed a change in core muscle as well confidence in their daily lives.
“I have an X-Pole, got it for my husband’s 40th birthday. And it’s just t exercise and have fun,” said Tracy Parker, a pole fitness student.
