woman climbing the pole

Mastering Pole Fitness to Build Muscle

July 22, 20243 min read

Introduction

Imagine effortlessly lifting your body, executing stunning aerial tricks, and gracefully transitioning between moves. That’s the magic of pole dance and pole fitness—a unique blend of strength, flexibility, and artistry. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the best ways to build strength specifically through pole dance and pole fitness, transforming your body into a powerhouse of elegance and muscle.

1. Climbing: Elevate Your Strength

Climbing the pole is one of the most effective ways to build upper body and core strength. This move requires you to lift your entire body weight using your arms and core, engaging multiple muscle groups.

Practical Tip: Practice basic pole climbs regularly. Start with three sets of climbs, resting in between. As you get stronger, increase the number of climbs and reduce rest time.

“Climbing the pole is like weightlifting for your entire body,” says professional pole dancer, Cleo the Hurricane. “It’s a full-body workout that builds incredible strength.”

2. Inversions: Upside-Down Power

Inversions, such as the basic invert or chopper, are fantastic for building strength. These moves require you to flip your body upside down, engaging your core, back, and upper body muscles.

Practical Tip: Begin with assisted inversions, using a spotter or crash mat for safety. Gradually progress to unassisted inversions as your strength and confidence increase.

“Inversions are a game-changer,” explains pole fitness champion, Jenyne Butterfly. “They challenge your muscles in new ways, leading to significant strength gains.”

3. Pole Holds: Mastering Static Strength

Pole holds, such as the pole sit or pole stand, are excellent for building static strength. These moves require you to hold a position using your leg, core, and arm muscles, increasing muscular endurance and stability.

Practical Tip: Hold each position for 30 seconds to a minute, aiming to increase your hold time gradually. Consistent practice will enhance your muscular endurance and control.

“Static holds test and improve your endurance,” says pole dance instructor, Marlo Fisken. “They build the strength needed for more advanced moves.”

4. Spins: Dynamic Strength and Control

Spins like the fireman spin or chair spin are not only beautiful but also great for building dynamic strength. These moves engage your arms, core, and legs, requiring control and coordination to execute smoothly.

Practical Tip: Practice spins on both sides to ensure balanced muscle development. Start with basic spins and progress to more complex variations as your strength improves.

“Spins combine strength and elegance,” says fitness expert, Michelle Shimmy. “They help develop the control needed for a polished performance.”

5. Transitions: Fluid Strength Building

Transitions between moves, such as moving from a climb to an invert, help build fluid strength. These sequences require continuous engagement of your muscles, promoting overall strength and flexibility.

Practical Tip: Create short sequences incorporating climbs, holds, and spins. Practice these sequences to improve your fluidity and strength.

“Transitions are the glue that holds your routine together,” says pole fitness coach, Alethea Austin. “They develop the seamless strength needed for a captivating performance.”


Building strength through pole dance and pole fitness is a transformative journey. By focusing on climbs, inversions, pole holds, spins, and transitions, you’ll develop the muscle power needed to perform awe-inspiring moves with confidence and grace.

Remember, each pole session brings you closer to mastering the art of pole dance. Stay dedicated, enjoy the process, and watch as your strength and elegance reach new heights.

“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t,” said fitness icon Rikki Rogers. Embrace the challenge, push your limits, and let pole dance and fitness unlock your true potential.

Arloa has been teaching pole dancing since 2011 and certifying pole fitness instructors since 2014

Arloa Reston

Arloa has been teaching pole dancing since 2011 and certifying pole fitness instructors since 2014

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