Have you ever heard of pole dancing? Although there are still some misconceptions about the practice, which some people consider vulgar, it is an activity that can contribute greatly to health and well-being . This is because it works on physical conditioning through dance.
The exercises are quite difficult, as they involve jumps, spins, descents and acrobatics with descents. However, despite their complexity, with regular practice, strength, dedication and a good teacher, they can be performed by people of any age , as long as their limitations are respected. Want to know what the benefits of pole dancing are? Then keep reading!
What are the benefits of pole dancing?
This practice can provide a series of advantages that will directly influence the individual’s quality of life. Discover the main ones!
1. Improves motor coordination
Pole dancing requires effort to support the body on the pole, as well as balance, coordination and understanding of the movements performed during the classes. By using the body and mind during the exercises, it also helps to develop motor coordination.
This factor is very advantageous in the long term, as it helps to delay aging, makes movements more natural and helps to increase body awareness.
2. Strengthens muscles
Performing activities using nothing more than your own body and the pole is not an easy task. Thus, pole dancing works not only the upper muscles, responsible for most of the movements, but also strengthens the abdomen and tones the legs.
Therefore, it is an interesting practice for those looking for an option other than weight training, but that is just as efficient. After all, it mixes anaerobic and aerobic physical effort , generating quite satisfactory results.
3. Helps control body weight
Pole dancing is a very complete exercise, as it requires working out several parts of the body. In this case, many calories can be burned in a single class. The combination of dance moves, the ability to lift your body weight using only a bar for support and balance make this practice a useful alternative for those looking for a dynamic way to lose weight.
4. Improves the cardiovascular system
All the exercises performed help in the circulations of blood through all the veins and arteries, hence strengthening the heart and, consequently, the cardiovascular system in general.
5. Increases flexibility
Increased flexibility is among the advantages of this activity. After a short period of practice, one can differentiate the range of motion and the smooth stretch ability of the body. This is because many of the postures are similar to those used in Pilates and yoga.
6. Develops balance
Pole dancing develops your body’s ability to identify exactly where it is in space in relation to other objects. Then, through meticulously calculated movements, it helps to strengthen this awareness through balance.
7. Promotes self-esteem
One point that should be highlighted is how pole dancers see themselves after class. Because it is an empowering sport that aims to enhance the body, the activity contributes to a considerable improvement in self-esteem.
The movements, music, clothes and other elements all contribute to creating a sense of well-being within oneself. Furthermore, classes can also make all the difference in the way an individual sees themselves and deals with their own body.
8. Strengthens bones
Practicing this activity also helps to strengthen bones and joints , increasing the resistance and mobility of both. Because it involves slower movements, it is ideal for improving connective tissue and avoiding problems such as injuries common in other physical exercises. As a result, diseases such as osteoporosis tend to appear much more rarely.
9. Reduces stress
The accumulation of adrenaline in the body can cause anxiety and stress. Pole dancing burns off this excess and causes the body to produce endorphins, the happiness hormone. This makes you feel calmer and more relaxed to face the challenges of everyday life.
10. Improves sleep
Some people often have trouble sleeping, such as insomnia, and physical activity can be a great ally in regulating the sleep cycle. Pole dancing will make the practitioner tired and cause muscle relaxation, helping the person to sleep better.
Who can do pole dancing?
Nowadays, this practice is performed by a greater number of women. However, men and people of any age can also perform it . However, to avoid problems, it is important to follow some guidelines, such as:
- start the exercises in a suitable place for practice and with the help of a qualified professional;
- respect all the teacher’s recommendations;
- do not exceed the limits of your body;
- always warm up before starting movements and stretch at the end;
- If you identify any problem, suspend classes and seek medical help.