Not just entertainment for creepy old men
A Secondary Education student has launched a new and exciting pole fitness society.
Second year Lauren Atkinson, who’s club president, has brought Pole4Fitness on Spring Bank to the AU.
The club are offering four week courses in pole fitness, and are hoping to raise money so they can have their own poles installed on campus. Not sure where they’ll go though, Ferens?
Pole dancing can be associated with promiscuity, and may seem quite a taboo activity for some, but Georgia Carmichael, second year Psychology student and club treasurer, told The Tab: “I started pole for a confidence boost, and it worked a treat.
“It’s fairly trick based, so not what everyone stereotypically perceives pole to be.
“It’s a lot harder than it looks, we don’t and won’t be wearing heels EVER.”
It seems like the perfect method to work off the endless stream of takeaway pizza entering your body: you’re sure to get the hang of it in no time.
Pole4Fitness added: “Pole dancing is a fantastic way to get fit, lose weight and get rid of those wobbly bits.”
Sophie Lowe, first year Psychology, said: “It’s a great idea, it’s a sport which helps you acquire great fitness and strength, but is sometimes misinterpreted.”
Becki Duff, first year English Literature added: “I was actually thinking of starting a society like this, but worried people will be judgemental.”
Even guys can join the society.
Georgia confirmed: “Boys can join. It’s becoming really popular with boys recently, probably because of all the strength work – and as a bonus they’re with girls who aren’t wearing much.”
Not everyone’s a fan though.
Alice Morley, first year American Studies, said: “I appreciate it’s a great way to get fit, but you know what else is? Zumba, yoga, spinning.
“The thing that those classes have over Pole Fitness is that women don’t do it naked, in seedy bars for the entertainment of gross old men.
“I’m personally really anti-strip club, so I wouldn’t do it, and I wouldn’t want women to aspire to be good at it either.
“Yes, women can do anything, but I would argue that in England, where women really do have the freedom to do anything, why would we choose to use that freedom to do something that was created by pervy men, who want to sit in the dark and watch as young women dance around for their entertainment?”
Prices for the course are currently under negotiation, with a possible discount being arranged for students, meaning four weeks of pole fitness will cost you £28 instead of £34. Student loan well spent.