I have never really been to the gym, its not my sort of thing and going to one has never interested me. But lately I have wanted to tone up slightly and so I thought I would take up pole class.
I am on my third month of doing it now and I am starting to notice the difference. Firstly difference in my strength, my arms are a lot stronger and I have definetly got more core strength. One way I have noticed that my arms are getting stronger is because in stretch class we are learning to be able to do a bridge. We are doing back stretches that help be more flexible making the arch of your back in a bridge better. I am on my third week of doing back stretches now and the first week when I attempted a bridge, I couldn't even list my head from the floor. The second week I just about managed it, and last night on my third session I pushed myself up higher than ever before. I am super impressed with myself at how far I have come in 3 weeks.
I am hoping that next week I will be able to do an even better bridge than this week.
Below is a picture of week 2 doing a bridge and then last night which was week 3. You can see more arch in my back and that my arms are straighter.
Pole class I can also see some improvement. I am starting to be able to go upside down a lot easier now and also I have managed to hang on with just my legs and go backwards. This move is quite hard taking a lot of core strength.
Though the hardest part is getting back up when you get you upper part of your body backwards. So far not quite managed to do that yet and had to have help.
But I have noticed that I have toned quite well, my stomach is looking more defined and so are my legs and arms. I have also noticed I have lost weight on my hips which is what I wanted, but unfortunately that also means that my boobs have lost weight to, which I didn't want.
Usually during stretch and pole we also do mini work out sessions and that involved doing a good warm up doing jumping jacks and press ups. Then after the pole class we always do a 10-15 min core strength work out doing sit ups and legs raises. I actually really enjoy the core work out part of the session. I have started to do these at home too (when I don't forget) and this is also helping my stomach tone up.
Do you think you would give Pole Fitness a try?
Usually during stretch and pole we also do mini work out sessions and that involved doing a good warm up doing jumping jacks and press ups. Then after the pole class we always do a 10-15 min core strength work out doing sit ups and legs raises. I actually really enjoy the core work out part of the session. I have started to do these at home too (when I don't forget) and this is also helping my stomach tone up.
But as I mentioned in my last post. Pole hurts and I can definitely use the words no pain, no gain. I am always covered in bruises and last night doing a spin move I somehow managed to rip the skin from my hand. If your squeamish then turn away now...
But that does not put me off! I cant wait for each Monday for my sessions and I plan to keep it up for as long as I can.
Do you think you would give Pole Fitness a try?
No, pole dancing is not for me. Though I do think it can be beneficial to provide a wide range of physical activities :- In order to allow for, and encourage exercise, good health, etc.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
I'm in awe, well done! I have a friend that has taken it up in her 40s and really loves it
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how much pole fitness really does help your fitness, I think I would have enjoyed it if I didn't have my mobility issues.
ReplyDeleteYou look like you're doing so well with it, I bet it takes a lot of strength! xo
ReplyDeleteWow you're doing so well at pole and it's good that you're keeping it up as it definitely seems to be making a difference x
ReplyDeleteI've been doing my best to be fit again and the gym is definitely where I usually go. I've always thought about taking a class that I'll be interested in. I think this is something that I'll consider.
ReplyDeleteI love the progress pictures! I tried pole but I have zero upper body strength so I wasn't very good at it haha x
ReplyDeleteThere is certainly a significant difference with your body strength from when you first started. It sounds like you're doing great. Very good for improving body strength, and toning. The blisters do look painful though. Ouch!
ReplyDeleteOMG check you out! Pretty impressive stuff, I can only begin to imagine what I would like like on that pole. I bet this deffo keeps you fit for sure x
ReplyDeleteoh wow go you! no pain no gain though i suppose! lol
ReplyDeletePole fitness sounds like so much more fun than just boring running on a treadmill at the gym! And you've really taken to it too, you look great up there x
ReplyDeleteWow - years since i managed the crab - fear not i wont be joining you - hats off for your discipline and motivation
ReplyDeleteOMG you are so agile on the pole ...can't imagine myself doing it. With those moves I am sure you are getting a full body workout.
ReplyDeleteOoooowwwww your hand. I am seriously impressed by your achievements though, I am not sure I could do it
ReplyDeleteThere used to be pole fitness in our local areas and always fancied a try but the fact you need skimpy shorten put memoff
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you found an exercise that you really enjoy - that's half the battle! I can really tell the improvement in your before and after pictures too - well done!
ReplyDeleteOuch - that does look sore but good on you for not giving up!
ReplyDeleteYou certainly do seem to be toning up your body's muscles. Seems like a great workout :- given the stretches, exercises, etc that you are doing in class and practicing at home.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
This is very cool I would love to try it out x
ReplyDeleteOuch that injury looks a little painful! I would love to try pole dancing one day, but I have absolutely ZERO upper body strength!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to do something like this but I really don't have the confidence to. I hope your injury didn't cause you too much discomfort x
ReplyDeleteHope your hand has healed well.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
Looks good no way I could do that lol
ReplyDelete