There’s just something so sexy and mesmerising about pole dance . . . Unfortunately, because of those vulgar associations with stripping and such, we become a little ashamed to admit this, let alone give it a whirl 😉 . It stops seeming sexy and flips on over to slutty. Well, that’s unfair because there is so much more to pole dancing than what little we know or see in music videos. The stripping/exotic dance is just one part of it. There is pole dance art and then there is pole dance fitness, which is what my girl Marjolein Blokland, a fitness and Muay Thai instructor, does.
Mar started teaching pole dance fitness about 2 years ago. Wanting to provide an alternative form of exercise that is both fun and effective, challenging and enriching in more than just physical ways, she found pole dance fitness. She herself is an autodidact in this, and is always learning new techniques and tricks to teach her clients. I’ve watched Mar grow this from a musing into a popular fitness pursuit for quite a few women and even some men. You can always tell how liberated and exhilarated the person on the pole feels when you watch them perform/practice. Some empowerment is evident. Pole dance fitness is all about grace, strength and sensuality. Some even claim to find a mental/emotional healing.
Most people who’ve tried it confess pole dance fitness gives them a confidence boost and makes them feel beautiful both inside and out. Why? Because it becomes about so much more than what the body looks like: what it can do. Mar herself says she loves it for the way it has improved her strength, confidence and flexibility and has helped her in “overcoming a lot of mental blocks and fears by challenging my body through the spins and lifts.” What a va va voom way to keep fit and fab!
Give it a go just for funsies, are looking for a new hobby or want to build your control, strength, flexibility and confidence in a creative and fun way. Mar’s studio is at The Colosseum Gym in Adams Arcade, Nairobi. At the very least, you will have tried something new. Enjoy!
XO
Funniest thing Oshin! I’ve always been fascinated by pole dancing but never knew such classes existed. Will definitely pass thru Mar’s studio for some fun. Thanks!
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They’ve been on! You should definitely have a go. Mar is a lovely instructor! Thanks for the love.
This kind of reminds me of the time when we were little and we would swing around on the poles in school!
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omG yes! and the bruised wrists! lol.
Interesting… I wish I was this flexible man!
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It builds flexibility. Give it a go. To some Rihanna lol.
Def will check this out too cool.
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😉
Because she motivates me like crazy doing something in a country wea its not the norm, and being so successful at it.. Mad respect.. I need to meet at Ms.Blokland.. Please pick me 🙁
Because she motivates me like crazy doing something in a country where it’s not the norm, and being so successful at it.. Mad respect..I also love the idea of pole dancing for fitness :-)Please pick me..
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Great answer Winfred! Thank you and keep your fingers crossed, you could be spinning soon 🙂 Thank you.
I have always had a fantasy to own such a place however i shy from my thoughts from the fact of how society for years has viewed this as an ‘evil’… This is great ladies keep it up!!…Blackbird
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Hi Blackbird. I feel on you on the common thoughts on pole dance . . . hence I had to stress this is for fitness. And it really is beautiful how uplifting it is. Change comes from us. If you shy away, who will build your dreams? Be bold like your name!
Super like this article! Been doing Pole with Marjolein for quite a few months now and and I love it, she is a great instructor (and a very patient one too) …She has taught me to take “controlled” risks,overcome pain, and enjoy every spin and every move, all while getting fit and having fun. Everyone should try it regardless of age and body shape, I’m 39 mother of 2 and I’m so glad I got into Pole Dancing under the guidance of Marjolein; Much much recommended
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Now that’s amazing Isabel! Most of us are too scared or think we’re too unfit/old for it I guess, but you’ve really boosted esteem with teh comment. Thank you so much for sharing :-* And thank you for reading 🙂