Pole Dancer Stretch

By Susan Peach

The pole dancer stretch helps to open up your hips and shoulders, while providing an excellent stretch for your hamstrings. It can also help improve your balance and core control while pole dancing.

This stretch is based on the "Dancer" yoga pose, so if you're familiar with that pose (or asana) just follow along and keep your dance pole handy!

To begin, stand 2-3 feet away from your dance pole, and grasp it lightly with your right hand for balance.

Lift your left foot behind you, and grasp your ankle with your left hand, palm out.

Next, straighten your right knee and kick your left foot back into your left hand.

Hinge at the hips to bring your upper body towards the floor, and slide your right hand down the pole.

The hand that's on the pole will help provide balance if this stretch is new to you and you feel unsteady.

Keep kicking back into your hand, and keep that right leg straight for a good hamstring stretch.

Once your upper body is parallel to the floor, or when you've come forward as much as you can, you can try releasing your grip on the pole so that you're balancing on your own, even if just for a second. Your neck should be in a neutral position, with your head in line with with your spine.

Keep your right arm stretched out towards the pole, and if you feel like you're going to fall just hold on again. Gradually your balance and core strength will improve and you'll be able to do this stretch without any support.

There's a lot happening during the Pole Dancer stretch, so take it step by step and you'll get it! Just keep kicking back and reaching forward. Your right leg will get a deep hamstring stretch, while your left shoulder and hip will be opening nicely. You'll also be working on core strength as you stabilize yourself.

Once you're feeling a comfortably deep stretch and you've had a chance to practice balancing, it's time to change sides. Come out of the stretch slowly, trying to hold onto that same balance and control. Then change sides and repeat with the other leg.

Using your dance pole to perform this challenging stretch allows you to have support while you develop balance. Many people find this stretch especially challenging, so having extra support can make it do-able, and give you a starting point from which you can progress.

Pole Dancer Stretch - Reminders

• Remember, there's a lot going on here! Take it step by step, move slowly and with control, and focus on balancing from your core.


• If you feel like you're losing balance, try kicking back into your hand a little more, as this will provide counter-balance to your body moving forward and down.


• Do maintain a neutral spine by keeping your head and neck relaxed and not arched.


• Remember to fold at the hips (not the waist) and keep the standing leg straight. This will give you a fantastic hamstring stretch, but it will also help with balance.


• If you fall out of the stretch, try again on that same side before giving up. Practice makes perfect!


• If you're more flexible, aim to get your upper body parallel to the floor. If you're less flexible, just go for the stretch.

More Pole Stretches & Exercises

• Wide Leg Pole Stretch - for inner thigh, hamstring and lower back

• Pole Lunge Exercise - this one kicks butt!

• Pole Shoulder Stretch

Susan Peach was an early pioneer in pole fitness and is now the voice behind Your Pole Pal, a long-running resource for the pole community. With more than 30 years of experience teaching pole, dance, and fitness, she helps newcomers navigate the world of pole with confidence.

ShareFacebookXPinterestTumblrRedditWhatsApp

What's New?

• 
• 
• 

1. How Old Do You Have to Be to Take Pole Dance Classes?

   Sep 06, 26 04:12 PM

   
   Get clear on minimum age limits for pole dance classes, and why waivers, studio policies, and parental consent all matter.

   Read More

2. How Hard is Pole Dancing? A Beginner's Reality Check

   Aug 30, 26 05:42 PM

   
   Pole dancing is hard, but beginners can start at any fitness level. See what to expect, why technique matters, and how progress gets easier with practice.

   Read More

3. Pole Dancing for Beginners - What to Expect and FAQs

   Aug 23, 26 08:35 PM

   
   Learn what to expect as you begin your pole dancing adventure, including answers to the most common questions from new pole dancers.

   Read More

4. London Pole Studios & More | Pole Dancing in England

   Aug 21, 26 06:12 PM

   Discover top pole studios in London as well as pole dancing classes throughout England. Find local studios near you to start your pole dancing adventure today.

   Read More

5. Getting Started with Pole Dancing: A Beginner's Guide

   Aug 02, 26 11:02 PM

   
   New to pole dancing? Learn about home vs studio options, pole parties, safety basics and more so you can plan your pole dancing journey right, from the start.

   Read More