Pole Dancing
Gone are the days when pole dancing was restricted to seedy strip clubs. Nowadays you’ll find classy gyms and even dance studios offering pole dancing as an exciting and fun fitness routine.And why not? Take out the sleaze factor associated with it and it becomes an excellent workout for the whole body.
In fact pole dancing is not something new to India-most Indians are familiar with a very respectable ancient Indian sport called “Mallakhamb” (malla=gymnast, khamb=pole).
Mallakhamb has been around in India since the 12th century and was revived in the 19th century by the fitness instructor of PeshwaBajirao. Mallakhamb can be done both on vertical fixed poles and vertical ropes. Interestingly, unlike pole dancing, mallakhamb was predominantly a male sport done by wrestlers as a part of their fitness routine. Indians can probably claim to be the pioneers of pole dancing!
Fitness experts agree that pole dancing has itsbenefits and can help in both toning and building muscles. When done regularly (and correctly), it can build upper body strength, and also strengthen the stomach muscles while toning the muscles in the arms, thighs and the butt.Pole dancing can also increase stamina, core strength and stability while also developing mobility, power and endurance.
Most people who join are bored with gym workouts or aerobics and find pole dancing to be not just fun but also exhilarating and exotic. Whatever the reason, the end result is a workout that everyone seems to enjoy.
With the trend catching on, it won’t be long before mallakhamb trainers from India will be ‘in demand’ in the West!
*As with any fitness routine, please consult your physician to see whether you are fit enough to exercise.
SwetaUchil-Purohit
Dietitian,
Desidieter
