Pole Exercises

Pole dancing is tons of fun...we all know that! But did you know that you can use your dance pole as a vertical home gym to help build the sport-specific strength you'll need to safely do all those spins lifts and inversions?

Discover Pole Finds
The latest deals and newest products from all your favorite pole brands,
delivered direct to your inbox—it's free!

* Sales, deals & discounts
* The latest polewear drops
* New product releases

Subscribe to Pole Finds today!

Pole dancers demonstrating a split grip hold

It's true! In addition to giving you the strength you need to do the tricks you want, building up your pole dancing muscles will also help reduce your chances of injury. Having strong muscles mean you're going to be more in control on your pole. And being in control means you'll be much less likely to resort to momentum, which can be a dangerous thing if you rely on it instead of on your muscle strength. 

So let's get you started with a few sample pole exercises so you can get a feel for just how useful that vertical piece of steel can be.

Just tap or click on any of the photos shown below to see full instructions, more demo photos and safety tips.

(The exercises shown below are generally safe for most people in reasonable physical condition. However, for those who haven't packed their common sense on their pole journey, please read this disclaimer.)

Let's Get Pole Strong!

1 - Sitting Pole-Up Exercise

This exercise is a great way to start safely building the strength needed for lifts, holds and spins. While upper body strength is important for these types of moves, core control is equally critical. The sitting pole-up exercise - done correctly - helps you build both.

Once you can do a few sets of these, you can graduate to the kneeling and standing versions for more challenge.

See full instructions for the Sitting Pole-Up exercise here

2 - Pole Knee Lift Exercise

Like the sitting pole-up, this pole exercise builds both upper body and core strength, something you'll need a lot of as you start to learn some of the more difficult tricks and lifts.

You'll also be able to work on your split grip with this exercise. The split grip is commonly used for many intermediate and advanced moves, so it's a good idea to start working it into your practice sessions fairly early on. That way, you'll be strong enough to start learning all the moves that use this grip once you're ready for them.

See full instructions for the Pole Knee Lift exercise here

3 - Pole Lunge Exercise

This is an excellent exercise for toning your butt. As a matter of fact, if you don't feel this one the next day, something is definitely wrong!

While many people think of upper body strength when it comes to pole dancing, let's not forget about all those inverted leg grips, lay backs, and other advanced moves that require lower body strength. And then there's the tight buns factor. If you want some of that, this is the exercise for you!

See full instructions for the Pole Lunge exercise here

Disclaimer

As with any fitness program, please be reasonable and know your limits. Start slowly and build gradually to avoid injury. And if you have any questions or concerns about whether these exercises are right for you, please check with your doctor, health care practitioner, personal trainer, or other professional who is familiar with your physical condition, abilities and any limitations or contraindications.

copyscape-banner-white-200x25.png

You might like these pages too...

  • Help New Students Feel Welcome

    Check out these tips to help new students feel welcome at your studio and in your pole dancing classes. Build loyalty, referrals and repeat business!

  • Pole Dancing For Weight Loss - Can It Work for Me?

    Pole dancing for weight loss is definitely trendy, but does it work? Learn what it really takes to lose weight with pole dancing...it's not what you might think!

  • Is Pole Dancing High Impact?

    Is pole dancing high impact and is this a safe activity for me? If you're asking yourself the same question, you'll find some great information here to help you decide if this is the right exercise for you.

What's New?

  1. Exotic Pole Dance Songs for Heels Flow & Sensual Movement

    Apr 13, 26 05:25 PM

    Discover exotic pole dance songs perfect for heels flow and sensual movement. Press play to bring confidence & attitude to your pole dance choreography.

    Read More

  2. Power Pole Dance Songs | Playlists for Spins, Tricks & Dynamic Combos

    Apr 13, 26 05:23 PM

    Explore power pole dance songs ideal for tricks and dynamic combos. High-energy music with strong beats for training and performance. Press play and train hard.

    Read More

  3. Slow Pole Dancing Songs for Sensual Flow & Floorwork

    Apr 10, 26 10:40 PM

    Explore the best slow pole dancing songs for flow, expression, and floorwork. Press play and start moving with control and confidence.

    Read More

  4. Pole Dancing - Get Fit, Have Fun & Feel Sexy

    Apr 08, 26 05:27 PM

    Looking for pole dancing help? Your Pole Pal brings you deals on pole gear, answers to all your questions, a worldwide studio directory and more!

    Read More

  5. Pole Dancing Videos — Watch, Learn and Be Amazed

    Apr 06, 26 09:52 PM

    male-pole-videos-cover.jpg
    Explore curated pole dancing videos featuring male pole artists, plus size dancers, instructional clips, doubles routines, standout performers and more.

    Read More

Your Pole Pal loves to have fun, but she also has to earn a living, right? That's why you'll see ads on this site. She may also earn commissions on some of the products you'll see here, but there's never any cost to you since the advertisers pay for these.

The income generated through these means helps ensure Your Pole Pal can devote the time to providing you with all the free and fabulous information & resources you'll find on this website.

Want to learn more? Your Pole Pal invites to you read her full advertising disclosure. You know...in case you haven't read enough legalese lately.