Here's Why Pole Dancing Is The Only Workout You'll Ever Need!

Instagram is flooded with people trying out different fitness fads but one video that caught my attention was that of Jacqueline Fernandez twirling her perfectly toned body. In this specific video, what I couldn't stop looking at was her sculpted physique.

Pole dancing is not treated just as an exotic, sensual form of dancing but a sport. For the uninitiated, pole work is an incredibly skilled sport that requires equal amounts of strength and grace. It's a killer workout that promises to burn 300-400 calories and tones, builds your core and gives your upper body immense strength. Most importantly, the confidence you experience after one hour of pole work is unparalleled.

"I have been practicing yoga for five years now and pole work for a year. And while I can't say one is better than the other, a major difference for me has been, how you leave a yoga class relaxed but the adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment after a pole lesson is better. I mean you are literally flying on a pole and that's a pretty solid high," says Myra Khanna, a 25-year-old, diving Instructor based in Andaman.

And for those who are wondering if pole dancing is a sport, well, the recognition is long due but it's finally coming. In 2017, the Global Association of International Sports Federations granted ¡°observer status¡± to pole work worldwide ¡ªa stepping step on the path to official sport recognition.

"I train like an athlete. So why shouldn't pole dancing be treated as a sport? You really do need strength to maneuver your body around a stable apparatus. When I started pole work, bruises and chafing were visible throughout my body, but accompanied by a growing sense of achievement," explains pole work student, 24-year-old Aashna Malik who is based in New Delhi.

While a sense of achievement from a pole work session is common, what most people forget is that pole fitness is a form of empowerment. Especially, for women who want to feel sexy, feminine and want to fall in love with themselves. "I urge everyone to take a pole dancing class. Boy or girl. It's going to make you respect yourself and I don't think we can say that about any other fitness regime," adds Khanna.

All images: Instagram