It’s no secret that the pole dance community is diving headfirst into the world of home work outs right now, and in all honesty I think it’s bloody fantastic. For folk like me who are about as flexible as a lamp post, the amount of online stretch classes emerging left, right and centre is an absolute godsend. However, whilst getting as flexible as a very warm Felix Cane on a hot summers day will help your pole abilities no end, it’s time to take the hard to swallow pill (a pill that I definitely could do with swallowing!) that you’ve got to work on your strength too if you want to up your pole game big time. For me, getting a strong and sturdy as fuck handspring and Aerial Shoulder Mount in my hefty Pleasers is as important (if not more so) than nailing a flat Jade.
Enter into the ring the awesomeness that is Pole Strong– a website choc full of both strength and flexibility programs from professional coaches, designed to get you smashing your pole goals into oblivion. I caught up with one of the four experts behind Pole Strong Daisy, to chat all about her dance background and how Pole Strong is transforming the pole dance abilities of it’s members.
What made you want to start pole strong?
“So I’d be doing pole a good six years and still couldn’t get the big strength moves like my Ayesha and Brass Monkey deadlifts. I decided to go and try PT but with proper coaches. I did PT with a company called AOD. Ten points if you guess what it stands for. AOD are now the Pole Strong team Harry, Adam and Mike! They looked at pole videos and my goals and tried to structure my sessions around them. I did about six months and noticed huge progress in my stamina and strength. I got both my Brass Monkey deadlift and Ayesha deadlift during this time. I really wanted to share with people that if you put in the work you can achieve these big moves, so me and AOD teamed up and Pole Strong was born. We use my pole knowledge and their strength and conditioning knowledge to work together to create programs for pole dancers.”
Who can sign up? Is it suitable for complete beginners?
“Anyone can sign up… and get a cheeky discount if they use my code: PSDAISY50! We have programs to suit different levels, but we recommend everybody starts with our fundamentals program which is twelve weeks long. We’ve had people sign up who have only been poling a few months, so it really is suitable for all.”
How long has Pole Strong been running?
“Not that long actually. We’re just approaching six months of being open.”
How long have you been pole dancing for?
“This year I think is my seventh year but it’s hard to keep track as when I started, as I had huge gaps due to injury.”
Disclosure: The link above is an affiliate link, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn commission if you click through and make a purchase.
What is your dance/movement background?
“I’ve trained with the Royal Academy of ballet from age three and I stopped at twenty. I’m very grateful for the skills I learnt there.”
What can people expect from pole strong?
“Expect to see BIG results. I really mean it. I haven’t seen one person on the program who hasn’t excelled at pole since being on it. People have been hitting chopper and shoulder mount deadlifts left, right and centre, losing weight and toning up if those are their targets and even achieving non pole goals like being able to do their first strict pull up.
When you sign up, you’ll need to download an app. On the app you’ll get your own login and two workouts a week dependent on your program. Each workout has full video tutorials so you don’t get confused and you can always ask us if you have any questions!”
Do you need a pole at home to benefit from pole strong?
“Not at all. Each workout has variations so you can use a pole if you have one. If you do not, we recommend you invest in a pull up bar.”
Who do you work with on pole strong (ie who are the other instructors)?
“Mike has a Bachelors degree in Physics and Sports Science and Crossfit, Weightlifting and Nutrition qualifications. He enjoys all things fitness and has a passion for improving his understanding of movement and nutrition to help others flourish.
Adam has a Physics and Sport Science degree from Loughborough university and since graduating has traveled the world developing his knowledge and expertise in strength and conditioning. He has a passion for helping people reach their full potential and currently owns a gym in South Worcester.
Harry has a Bachelor of Science degree also from Loughborough University, qualifying in Strength and Conditioning with its application to a multitude of sports. He also has a deep interest in human movement and strength development.”
Will Pole Strong be having any guest instructors at any point?
“To be honest it’s not something we use. We do have ambassadors though. At the moment the lovely @pheebspolefit is an ambassador for us and we will probably be looking to expand and have some more people on board in the future.”
Pole strong offers so many different workshop areas, ranging from strength exercises right through to mobility and flexibility- what one is your favourite go train?
“I think for me my favourite exercises are always the body weight ones. Maybe it’s because I find them slightly easier as Pole is a body weight sport! My least favourite is cardio. I loathe it!”
Well if you’re interested in taking your pole game to the next level and becoming a god damn pole dance machine, you know where to sign up!
Disclosure: The link above is an affiliate link, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn commission if you click through and make a purchase.
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