Yoga does wonders for Pole Dancers!

Ok, so I wasn’t all that into Yoga until recently. I thought Yoga was boring and that I needed a workout that was really going to keep me excited. I took a private session with just myself and a pole buddy with the intent of learning some new stretches that would help with flexibility and thought – OMG! Why was I not doing this sooner? I loved it. It was relaxing; it made me focus on nothing else but in tune with my own body. My Yogi helped with our hip and body positioning/placement. It worked everything from my balance, to my stamina and of course, my flexibility. Granted our Yogi, did not start us off at the beginner level, but I was able to place my feet together, bend down and have my entire palm of my hand on the floor too - something that I don’t ever recall being able to do. I was amazed at what I had done. The breathing and executing various asanas in a specific order help me to achieve what I thought was impossible. I kept saying, “oh my body just doesn’t do that, my muscle structure isn’t built that way.” Only you can limit yourself from accomplishing the “impossible”. So now, I’m thinking… If I was able to do what I did in one session, there must be hope for my hip flexors! A center split has never come naturally to me. But, I believe that with more Yoga, I can get there.
Think about it, take a handstand for instance - if you are not a trained gymnast or professional dancer, then odds are you may not have the best balance. You might practice those handstands in pole class, but what if you did them in pole class and yoga class? Think how much better you would become! Hate cardio? Think how much endurance and stamina you would gain after attending yoga classes every week. Holding asanas (although not the easiest thing in the world) is great way to test your muscles. You may feel fatigued from holding one position for just 30 seconds, but imagine conditioning your body to hold for much longer than that. Can you see how holding positions on the pole would also become easier over time?
I sincerely believe that every pole dancer wanting to take things to next level needs to get into Yoga. Find a yogi you like, someone who educates on why you are doing what you are doing. You should understand what muscles you are working and how that will help you. You will get to know your own body and discover its strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to prevent injuries and keep you in overall better working condition. Us pole dancers gotta go the distance, so make yourself stronger inside and out.
~ Jennifer D'Ovidio