Answers (7)
2
Sorry to be so blunt, but I think what's "standing in the way" of more poles being installed in clubs is the image of the stripper with money on her person, and men watching in awe or just a drunken stupor. Let me state this upfront: I have nothing against strip clubs or the women that dance in them and earn a living for themselves. However, there are so many socio-economic and psychological issues attached to that scenario that it's difficult to make the female empowerment/free will case, let alone the exercise benefits.
The location and/or target demographic of a club plays a key role in its programming: is it a family club, a university club, or one dedicated to the general population? Obviously in all three cases there can be objections to having a pole class, given the associations with strip clubs. I know a program director that when asked if she would ever consider incorporating pole dancing into her facility she replied, "Over my dead body" (despite the growing popularity and chance for financial profit).
Second, and really this is all somewhat related...is the message being sent to girls and women, and the men in their lives or the ones that may have access to watching. Again, you can't get away from the strip club image and the objectification of women. Sure it may take a lot of strength, flexibility, etc.. to navigate your way 'round the pole, but the tone and appearance of the action is still sexual or sensual (this could be a semantic debate). Either way, it's objectionable and/or uncomfortable for many people. And I'm not sure that's that people are uncomfortable with their own sexuality and its expression (which is their problem), or if it's that they truly feel a pole presence constitutes a NIMBY-like protest.
I don't know how to remedy this situation. Personally, I'm all for personal choice and free will, in exercise and life; but consideration of others still must be considered in the context of a health club. Sorry I can't be more specific than that.
The location and/or target demographic of a club plays a key role in its programming: is it a family club, a university club, or one dedicated to the general population? Obviously in all three cases there can be objections to having a pole class, given the associations with strip clubs. I know a program director that when asked if she would ever consider incorporating pole dancing into her facility she replied, "Over my dead body" (despite the growing popularity and chance for financial profit).
Second, and really this is all somewhat related...is the message being sent to girls and women, and the men in their lives or the ones that may have access to watching. Again, you can't get away from the strip club image and the objectification of women. Sure it may take a lot of strength, flexibility, etc.. to navigate your way 'round the pole, but the tone and appearance of the action is still sexual or sensual (this could be a semantic debate). Either way, it's objectionable and/or uncomfortable for many people. And I'm not sure that's that people are uncomfortable with their own sexuality and its expression (which is their problem), or if it's that they truly feel a pole presence constitutes a NIMBY-like protest.
I don't know how to remedy this situation. Personally, I'm all for personal choice and free will, in exercise and life; but consideration of others still must be considered in the context of a health club. Sorry I can't be more specific than that.
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Rebekah, I think it is basically the perception that comes with it. Sadly, many people still think "stripper" when they hear "pole". That is quickly changing though, so I hope that you are considering offering it. My studio is actually over a pole fitness studio and I have taken classes with the instructors. It's absolutely amazing and extremely athletic and challenging. We must spread the word.
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Room for them?
Do they go with the feel of the gym?
Are they utillized enough?
Fitness poles are not transportable so I think logistically it could be a tough one to figure out unless you have a fit pole room for classes?
Do they go with the feel of the gym?
Are they utillized enough?
Fitness poles are not transportable so I think logistically it could be a tough one to figure out unless you have a fit pole room for classes?
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Hi Rebeka. I think that perhaps the first thing standing in the way is liability concerns by the gym management or ownership. Second I would think would be finding the free open space to make a pole class a viable class option. Many gyms are constantly looking to squeeze more utility out of the space that they have available, so if they perceive a pole class as taking up valuable space they may not be too likely to allow it.
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
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/Agree with above posts, but for different reasons.
In a small studio or room you may able to get the privacy to teach people this class. Its great for a niche market of people between 15-40 who are fit and looking to learn something new.
The problem with most gyms is the other clients. Some gyms dont allow the weights to be dropped hard, grunting, or other natural gym occurrences.
As long as you're able to get the group alone it should be a great way to increase your client base.
In a small studio or room you may able to get the privacy to teach people this class. Its great for a niche market of people between 15-40 who are fit and looking to learn something new.
The problem with most gyms is the other clients. Some gyms dont allow the weights to be dropped hard, grunting, or other natural gym occurrences.
As long as you're able to get the group alone it should be a great way to increase your client base.
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I agree with Bryant this should be in a small studio. You need to secure the pole for one so you would lose some flexibilty with square footage in a large fitness club. There is a story of a woman dying in pole class in England. She was upside down lost her grip on the pole and landed on her head. The flooring was cement underneath. You need to not only consider the pole structure but the floor underneath. A small studio is best for pole work where you can specialize and focus on saftey.
At a large club if people want to get sexy they have Zumba. I have seen some pretty sexy ab intensive Zumba classes.
At a large club if people want to get sexy they have Zumba. I have seen some pretty sexy ab intensive Zumba classes.
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I never gave it much thought. Many valid points here. Maybe you could come up with a new name that doesn't have the negative baggage. Of course, you can't please everyone.
And I would definitely use some sort of safety harness equipment. Just like rock walls, there is risk in any hanging exercise. I even saw someone sprain their ankle dropping down from a pull up bar. Definitely get it added to your insurance coverage.
And I would definitely use some sort of safety harness equipment. Just like rock walls, there is risk in any hanging exercise. I even saw someone sprain their ankle dropping down from a pull up bar. Definitely get it added to your insurance coverage.
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