Pole dancing is having a boom in Philadelphia, with bachelorettes and fitness enthusiasts flocking to pole fitness classes so quickly that many studios have wait lists. What’s so appealing about this unique workout? I talked to several women who frequent Philly’s pole studios to find out.
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1. It makes you love your body
Even in sweats and an old T-shirt, pole is guaranteed to make you feel sexy. Melissa, 29, from New Hope, experienced this at her first class. “I’ve always been self-conscious about my body, but it made me realize that you can own your sexuality no matter what size or shape you are. Any woman looks ridiculously sexy on the pole.”
2. It’s a serious workout
Pole engages all your muscles, using your core and upper body to lift, climb, and spin (often in 6-inch heels). Ashley, 27, from the Philadelphia suburbs, hits the gym regularly, yet remembers, “After my first class, I realized I wasn’t working out certain muscle groups.” Erica, 33, from North Philadelphia added, “It will kill your abs, arms, legs, and bootie in all good ways!”
3. You feel like you’re in Cirque du Soleil
Classes start with “floor work,” which combines body-weight exercises with sensual dance moves. Then, you advance to the pole, where you climb, spin, swing, and even hang upside down like an aerialist. Once you get the basic techniques, “it feels like you’re flying” describes Amanda, 28, from South Philadelphia.
4. It puts you in awe
“I didn’t realize bodies could move in such beautiful, coordinated ways. It’s inspiring to watch!” Lauren, 26, from Philadelphia, notes. Even if you’ll never be a professional, it’s amazing to witness the strength and grace it takes to work the pole. Melissa says, “I left with a lot of respect for people who do this professionally. Those women are athletes.”
5. It sparks sexy confidence
“I walked out feeling confident and seductive. It was one of the first times I’ve felt that happy with my body” Ashley remembers. You don’t even need a pole to try many of the moves at home. “Even the floor work helped me release my inner sex kitten” Erica adds.
6. It's perfect to celebrate a bachelorette or birthday
Melissa tried pole for the first time at her bachelorette party. She remembers, “It was intimidating at first, but it was the perfect activity to do with my bridesmaids. It was so fun to just let loose, especially after a few mimosas.” As Erica perfectly states, “feeling edgy and sexy with friends never goes out of style.”
Just do it
Pole dancing is the only workout with a sensual twist, and it’s guaranteed to change your body, boost your confidence, and spark your sex appeal. Ashley encourages anyone to take a pole dancing class, “even men!” There’s no better time than now to grab a friend and get to one of Philly’s pole fitness studios.
Lorrae Bradbury is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer with a passion for covering edgy stories. Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Playboy, Maxim, Thrillist, and a few places she doesn’t tell her parents about. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @Lorraejo
