Find a Pole Dancing Instructor You Can Trust... or Suffer the Injuries

Can your pole dancing instructor protect you from the most common fitness injuries prevalent today?  Does she know how to modify her classes for a woman with diabetes or a knee injury?

Pole dancing is a recent addition to the US fitness industry but there have already been numerous sport specific injuries.  Just type “pole dancing accident” into any YouTube or Google browser.

Greg Welch M.S, a physiologist and the owner of Specifit, believes that the most likely injuries from pole dancing can occur at the rotator cuff, a group of small muscles that surround and protect the shoulder ball and cuff socket.

Overuse is the #1 reason for injury.  Physical performance… requires training to prevent injury — Greg Welch

Here’s my Sensual Girls Guide to the six questions you should ask your instructor to ensure she is up to date about pole dancing fitness and safety.

1. Does she have a current Fitness Certification?

Although it’s not a requirement in every US state, a group fitness or personal training certification is essential for any fitness instructor.  American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) are two of the most common US fitness organizations.  They require certified instructors to prove their fitness knowledge with written and demonstrative testing. All US certifications also require the instructor to maintain an understanding of current fitness research, and trends, through continuing education.
Benefit to you: Your instructor will help you avoid common fitness injuries with a proper warm-up, muscle specific stretching, and knowledge of first aid techniques.

2.  Does she have a Pole Dancing Certification or License?

Besides a fitness certification, your instructor should have a pole dancing certification or License.   Many pole specific licensing programs include the basic pole dancing spins and safety techniques.  Some also include 100 mentoring hours with a master instructor to ensure the new teacher learns successful training methods.  There are multiple pole dancing workshops available that are supported by current fitness organizations.  Both AFAA and ACE offer Pole Dancing Fitness and Safety continuing education for instructors.I am a Licensed Level 1 & 2 PoleCat Power Method instructor which includes the AFAA recognized workshops for Pole Dance Skills and Injury Prevention.
Benefit to you: Your pole dancing classes will be taught using a proven method that has worked safely and effectively for hundred of students.

3. Does she have a strong safety focus?

Pole dancing is based on spinning around a pole with your feet off the ground.  That makes it an aerial art form with all the beauty and possible injuries from falling.  Your instructor should understand aerial dance and pole spotting techniques as well as have alternative modifications for students with a wide variety of fitness levels. She should also use proper safety equipment, such as pole mats and grip aids.
Benefit to you: Your instructor will provide a safe environment, quality equipment, and be able to adjust or fully support your weight during a difficult trick.

4.  Does she know poles?

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