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Pole Dancing Is A Workout That Boosts Fitness And Confidence In One

Read all about about our first time joining the challenging yet fun class! 

Article (news)

Mariel Abanes

<p>I’ve been loyal to yoga and modern dance for a long time, considering only these two things as the workouts that I’ll be willing to do in the long run. In those attempts of keeping fit during the pandemic, these go-to activities allowed me to stretch and move my body regularly without leaving the safety and comfort of my home. These are perfect matches, I thought.</p><div><br/></div><p>But as the world opens up again and welcomes us back, the thought of embarking on new and challenging things comes into the picture. For instance, trying my hands (literally) on <strong>pole dancing</strong>.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/15992c65-f218-4cdd-9c0f-2d7cdd179ada_img_8358.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><p><strong>Cetaphil</strong>, which recently launched their new <strong>Ultra Protect Cleansing Bar</strong>, invited us for an afternoon of swinging and grooving around poles at Polecats Manila. As a rule of thumb, not wearing lotion prior to the class is essential for us to avoid slipping down; good thing the bar is moisturizing enough to keep skin at tip top condition!</p><div><br/></div><p>It was a mix of excitement and nervousness as we started our class. To be honest, a lot of things ran through my head—will I be able to carry my weight on the pole? Will I really not slide down? What if I&#x27;m not capable of doing this? Will I be able to keep up? It’s kind of nerve-wracking in the beginning—however, I later learned that, more than anything, pole dancing will equip you with a kind of confidence that lasts beyond your first class.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/wellness/fitness/julia-barretto-fitness-workout-abs/33525" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This Is How Julia Barretto Works Hard For Her Abs</a></div><p>Once we finished warming up, we went straight ahead with the basics of the pole. It wasn’t easy during those first few attempts; I wasn’t sure if I was just weak or insecure, but it’s perhaps the latter. When I got the hang of the basic spins, though, it felt like I could manage to do anything—I’m in love with the fact that my arms and legs can totally support my body!</p><div><br/></div><p>The session also proved to be both challenging yet laidback, as learning pole dancing doesn’t require fast action or instant results. It’s a fun journey that allows you to discover new things about yourself—things that you thought you couldn’t but totally could!—as well as bond with your classmates who cheer and offer support to one another.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/2126842d-40cb-493d-8dc6-3255027997fe_img_9410.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><p>And if you’re still conscious about COVID, pole dancing requires space—lots of it—so social distancing won’t be a problem. It’s just you and your pole, and your instructor assisting you every step of the way.</p><div><br/></div><p>It ended on a high note, with everyone all smiles as we concluded the class with a whole dance routine. We didn’t sweat much, which is perfect for people on-the-go, but the pains you gain will haunt you the next day. It didn’t matter, though—feeling the sore parts in my arms and legs, as well as my core, proved that while it’s quite easy, it’s also rewarding. As I left the studio, I took home not just a fitness boost, but also an increase in confidence.</p><div><br/></div><p>Will I try pole dancing again? Definitely! It’s a workout that doesn’t seem like one, and is perfect for both active and non-active individuals. Doing it alone is fine, but bringing over friends could make classes even much more enjoyable. But for sure, I’ll return to more rounds of spinning more sure of myself and my strengths.</p><div><br/></div><div><em>Photo by <a href=" https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-black-sports-bra-balancing-in-a-pole-between-legs-6100288/" target="_blank">Konstantin Mishchenko on Pexels</a></em></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/wellness/fitness/aira-franco-jump-rope-coach-jump-rope-workout/32842" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This Coach Wants You To Finally Give Jumping Rope A Try!</a></div>