Breaking down stigma of pole fit classes

Passion Fitness and Dance Studio opened on Sept. 3 and in only three weeks pole fit clients, Tamara Brandt and Tammy Hunt, have literally seen their fitness level climb.

Brandt and Hunt have tried every type of workout and said they were looking for a different approach to fitness. They thought the pole fit classes offered at Passion looked interesting.

“It is hard-core work,” said Hunt.

“When I first started, I couldn’t get up the pole. It was like being in Grade 9 and trying to climb the ropes again,” said Brandt. “But now I’m climbing to the top.”

Owner/operator and instructor at the fitness/dance studio, Muriel Maguire, said a lot of people have the wrong impression about pole fitness.

“There’s a stigma attached to it, but it offers a full body workout and really works the core, arms and upper back,” she said.

“The pole is a tool to workout. Some people use dumbbells, we use the pole,” said Brandt.

Pole fit is one of three classes offered at the studio that involves pole. The other two are erotica and dance.

Maguire said erotica focuses on building confidence and getting women who may not feel comfortable with their bodies to accept themselves as they are.

“Your fitness level doesn’t matter. We will meet you where you are.”

Pole dance offers the technical spins, climbs, tricks and transitions. Maguire said they require a lot more muscle strength to execute and pole fitness is a good introduction to this class.

Maguire is hoping that once women find out about the classes they will want to come out and try it for themselves.

“We have a Recruit class where you can try a half hour of each pole class to see which one you like best. People will realize it’s not what they thought.”

And if pole really isn’t your thing, said Maguire, the studio offers a complete fitness regimen that includes everything from yoga to line dancing taught by fully certified instructors.

For more information visit on these classes visit www.passionfitness.ca or call 705 566-1234.