When embarking on a weight loss journey, pole dancing may not seem like an obvious choice of exercise. Many people view it as more of a hobby than a workout and quite frankly have a misconception of the sport. That being said, pole dancing is indeed great for weight loss and actually comes with many other health benefits which may just surprise you!

How does pole dancing help you to lose weight?

Pole dancing, or pole fitness as it is also called, requires strength and demands your body to be continuously moving from one position to another whether that be swinging, climbing, or lifting. The muscle power and continuous movement will result in burning calories and therefore reduce the amount of fat within your body. Because pole dancing is such a fun activity, many people find that it is a more enjoyable way of losing weight.

 Life is too short – Don’t waste it doing boring workouts!

Also, it’s not just during your pole fitness class that you will be burning those calories… By maintaining regular pole fitness sessions your basal metabolic rate (the number of calories your body burns when resting) will rise also, so the weight loss benefits are 24/7!

How much weight can I lose by pole dancing?

The strength and cardio aspect of pole dancing which we have discussed above is very effective for weight loss, but the amount of weight you lose will be dependent on the amount of time spent pole dancing and the pace at which you move. Research shows that you can burn around 441 calories in a typical 1-hour pole dance session! However, it is important to set realistic and healthy weight loss goals and to not overwork yourself.

It is also important to remember that pole fitness combines both cardio and strength exercise, so whilst you will lose fat you will also gain muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat therefore you should not measure your success in kilograms but instead strive towards an all-round healthier, stronger body.

Is pole dance good for post pregnancy weight loss?

Pole dancing uses a lot of core strength and movement so pole dancing is perfect for getting that tummy back after pregnancy. Always consult your doctor first, especially after a c-section. As a general guideline, most women who have an uncomplicated pregnancy and c-section are able to start returning to their pre-pregnancy fitness activities around 6 weeks post-partum. However, it's very important that you check with your doctor or midwife to ensure that your incision is healing as expected, and that there are no unexpected complications resulting from your cesarian birth.

In addition, you'll want to consider how you're feeling, not only in terms of physical healing, but with regards to your overall energy levels. 

What are the other health benefits of pole dancing?

Whilst weight loss may be the initial goal for some people who take up pole dancing, it doesn’t take long for new pole dancers to see and appreciate the many other health benefits, such as:

• Mental health
• Confidence
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Motivation
• Suppleness
• Bone and joint health
• Heart health
• Sleep

People tend to be surprised how pole fitness can have a positive impact on many different areas of their health and why many consider pole dance to be a ‘way of life’ as apposed to a sport or hobby.

Look out for our upcoming blog post where we explore exactly how pole dance achieves all of the above benefits!  

We hope that this article has demonstrated just how effective pole fitness can be for weight loss, but also highlighted that weight should not be the only measure of health and fitness success. We are so passionate about pole dancing due to its many benefits and yes you could say that we are a little bit addicted! Ok, a lottle bit addicted. So, what are you waiting for? Join our army of super-power pole dancers today and experience it for yourself!