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US Pole Dancing Competitions

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:00:00 -0700

I've taken an S-Factor Pole Dancing class, so I'll be the first to say that it is quite a workout. It requires strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, stamina, and did I say strength? I know many women are into pole dancing as a workout, and even celebs like Teri Hatcher and Kate Hudson have raved about it. Kendra Wilkinson has even created her own line of sports poles for home use. I had no idea, though, that pole dancing could be taken to a competitive level. Check out footage from the 2009 Pole Dancing Championships.

I've got to admit, I am quite impressed with the courage, self-confidence, grace, and amazing strength these ladies are clearly demonstrating. After seeing all their tricks, and how they can effortlessly hold up their own body weight in so many unique positions, it inspires me to want to take another class. How about you?

Kendra Wilkinson's "Sports Poles": Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Is the stripper workout here to stay? Former girl next door Kendra Wilkinson is banking on it. Hugh Hefner's sporty ex-girlfriend has created a proprietary line of stripping equipment that she's calling "sports poles." She's expressed her excitement for the product on her personal website:

As you know, I'm an outdoors girl, so it's hard to find fun ways to exercise in my house that keep me from getting bored. I'm like a little monkey and love to swing around on things - haha - so that's why I decided to create my own line of sports poles, which will be coming out soon!!!!!

Kendra assures apprehensive sports pole users that it's easier than it looks and added, "I can definitely see people like Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson and Scarlett Johansson loving my sports pole, not to mention that they would look soooooooo HOT doing it!"

The platinum, self-proclaimed "little monkey" thinks her pole is a fun (and sexy) way to work out. What do you think of the name of her product and the idea behind it - cool or not?

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A Bachelorette Party that Burns Calories, Not Brain Cells

FitSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Some bachelorette parties go a little something like this: Gather. Drink. Pile into limo. Stop at bar with penis straws and sashes saying things like "Miss Bride to Be". Male stripper does a dance. Random dude at the bar buys everyone shots. Pile back into the limo. Maid of honor to be tosses her cookies out the window while crying. Blackout. Wake up feeling like crap. The end.

I don't know about you, but this is not always my idea of a good time. How about trying something different for your (or your best friend's) bachelorette party. I'm thinking Sheila Kelley's S Factor...

Led by an instructor, an S Factor Bachelorette Party is a totally creative way to celebrate a bride-to-be. The two-hour party is designed with fun in mind, yet still provides the gentle, rigorous workout that the S Factor is famous for. The first part of the party consists of a luxurious warm-up that takes students through all S Factor movements and positions learned in the regular classes. Depending on the size of the party, everyone will learn the first part of a lap dance routine and a beginning pole trick or two. The best part is, the bride-to-be will learn a full-on lap dance routine that she will perform for her friends (and later her husband-to-be). The cost for an S Factor Bachelorette Party is $550 (for up to 10 women). For more information and to book a party, go to SFactor.com.

Fit's Tip: Party hardy after you've burned off some calories -- Especially since food or drink are not allowed and, due to safety regulations, alcoholic beverages should not be consumed before or during the party.

Vertical Workout Video - YES, It Involves a Pole

FitSugar — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I've been talking up the S Factor Workout and the free intro class, so I thought I would share this video I found. While it is not by Sheila Kelley, it is in the same vein. This is the UK version of the "S factor" (and the British accent makes it seem more classy and more naughty all at the same time). It is known as the "Vertical Dance." Now I know that the term "vertical dance" could imply standing and dancing (as opposed to the horizontal dance), but the word "vertical" stands for pole in this instance.

Check it out and watch the pole tricks...these are things you could learn taking the "S Factor" classes.

I do find it funny that "stripping" is never mentioned in this clip and I really can't think of another dance medium that uses poles. Maybe I'm being short sighted - you tell me.

Sheila Kelley's S-Factor

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 10:16:22 -0700

Have you heard all the buzz about Sheila Kelley's S Factor yet?

After seeing photos of Lindsay Lohan heading to S Factor class, hearing Oprah rave about Sheila Kelley and knowing that Kate Hudson and Teri Hatcher have expressed their love for this class, I had to see what the excitement was all about for myself. So, I bashfully made my way over to an intro class to see. Walking into the studio was terrifying, to say the least, as I saw the two shiny poles flickering in the red hue of the lights...

Want to read the rest of my experience at Sheila Kelley's S Factor? Then, read more.

Turns out, my preconceived notions that I would be doing crude things against a pole in a room full of oversexed women were totally wrong! The class has a high focus on getting warmed up, stretching the hips and chest and just getting used to moving slowly and sensually rather than jumping right into the whole 'stripper' thing. The lights are turned down low. It's dark enough that you don't feel like anyone can possibly be watching you, but light enough that you can eyeball the instructor to see what the heck she is doing. The movement is slow and controlled and you'd be surprised at how much you work your abs. The end of the class is 'pole tricks' time and by that point I was ready to swing around the pole, just to see if I had it in me... and I sure did!

I had a fabulous time at my intro. I felt that my muscles got a workout and other women who were there for the same reasons as me, not because they were sexed up vixens looking to improve their skills, surrounded me. The whole thing was a lot of fun and boy, if I didn't know how to arch my back before I sure do now. S Factor is a great, and very unique workout for anyone looking to tone the muscles, firm the body, increase flexibility, promote weight loss and elevate energy levels.

The S Factor was designed by actress Sheila Kelley to achieve specific health benefits, including physical fitness and stress reduction, as well as to cultivate sensuality, self-confidence and a positive body image. Sheila Kelley describes the movement as:

“The S Factor is about women rediscovering their own shapes and their muscles, overtly, playfully and unabashedly. We’re teaching women a body language they’ve been told not to explore.”

Once you've completed the introduction you can start your explorations in a series of classes. Classes run in eight-week-long sessions and meet once a week for two hours. There are seven levels of S Factor, each level increasing in difficulty. You'll need to complete a session to move on to the next level. Each class in a session builds on the skills learned in the last class so students are encouraged to attend the classes in order.

Pop Quiz: From Pole Dancing to Lauren Conrad

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:15:00 -0700

Are you enjoying the last few days of Spring? Is the lovely weather distracting you? Did you catch all the info we covered this week here on FitSugar? Take this short quiz and see.

If you feel like you need a little review, all the answers can be found in this week's posts. Good luck!

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Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:00:49 -0700

Women's Health magazine workouts now for iPhone - Women's Health
Dakota Fanning jogs with her dad. How cute is that? - FitCeleb
Protect your knees. Land like a dancer - Social Workout
Pole dancing and the Olympics - Never Say Diet
Learn why feta is the best cheese for weight loss - Vitamin G
Whip your arms into shape with these move - Shape
The set of Julie & Julia was all about eating - That's Fit
Will vitamin D help you beat swine flu? - Daily Spark
A brief history of fitness equipment - Fresh Fitness Tips

Madonna's Tour Is Sticky and Sweaty

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Madonna, no stranger to sweating, has brought her high-fitness level to the stage of her tour Sticky and Sweet.

I have not seen the show myself, but it's pretty clear from the pictures that all her hard work at her gym is paying off. Madonna has a bit of pole dancing, jump roping, deep squats, and more during the show, all while she's singing, too - talk about the ultimate talk test. And you can bet this 50-year-old rock star is not letting a little world tour get in the way of staying healthy, People reports that:

"The harder Madonna works the happier she is," says Rosenberg, a longtime friend. "Because she was a dancer, that's why. It's practice, practice, practice."

On her opening night in Cardiff, Wales, "She had a massage and a facial – things are very quiet," says the rep.

Before each show, she spends an hour in hair and makeup then performs some vocal exercises. Next, she warms up with some form of exercise, "probably some free weights."

I've always been impressed with her dedication to fitness, but when she is on tour I am reminded of how fit she really is - not many women half her age could keep up with her on and off stage. Cheers Madonna, and happy touring.

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The Summer Games Move to the Track

FitSugar — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Swimming has definitely dominated the first week of the Olympics. Doubtless because all kinds of records are being broken in the pool and on the medal podium. All us landlubbers can give a big cheer because the Track and Field events began yesterday. Runners all around the world will be taking time away from their own training to watch the elite international competitors of track and field.

There are many events in this discipline testing speed and endurance, plus all those things to throw: shot put, javelin, discus and hammer. Don't forget the jumping events, both high and long, and the dance-like triple jump. And yes, steeplechase is a track and field event, not an equestrian one.

There are many qualifying heats all day long, but to see a list of upcoming final events read more.

Saturday 8/16
Men's 100m at 10:30 p.m.

Sunday 8/17
Women's Marathon at 7:30 a.m.
Women's 100m at 10:30 p.m.

Monday 8/19
Women's Pole Vault 7:20 p.m.
Men's Long Jump 8:10 p.m.

Shalane Flanagan got the Track and Field medal count going for Team USA. She won a bronze medal in the 10,000 meter race - the opening night race. Yay Shalane!

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Do You Take Group Exercise Classes Regularly?

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 03:30:00 -0800

I like to take a group exercise class when I feel myself hitting the inevitable fitness wall. When I just can't imagine one more step on the treadmill then I'll sign myself up for a new class such as cardio kick boxing or pole dancing. I always have a blast but sometimes I just can't seem to fit them in my weekly schedule.

What about you guys, do you take group exercise classes regularly?

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