Thursday 02 / May / 2024
Hundreds of years ago, long wooden poles were used to aid performers in their acrobatic dance acts in both China and in India, and in the 1920s, European circus acts employed them as part of their entertaining routines. In America, in the late 1960s, these performances moved indoors where female dancers used fixed steel or brass poles for their routines to entertain a primarily male audience. The sport took a seedy turn over the following decades, but by the 1990s instructors had started teaching the acrobatic dance as a recreational sport, and by the early 2000s, the classes had become wildly popular as the fun activity was found to be a sensational way to tone and strengthen the body. Many women also found the feminine moves to be a great boost to their self-esteem and confidence. Nowadays, celebrities from Madonna to Korean pop groups have incorporated pole routines into their performances, semi-professional international competitions take place around the world, and the International Pole Sport Federation is campaigning to have pole dancing added to the Olympic Games as an official sport.The fitness craze has been popular in Dubai for years, with pole studios scattered all over the city, but it took a bit longer to catch-on here in Oman. Thanks to pioneer instructors like Muscat-native, Nusaiba Al Maskari, the trend is now taking the Sultanate by storm.
While men have started taking up the sport in other countries, in Oman, pole fitness is a ladies-only affair with classes offered at ladies’ gyms in Al Khoud and Qurum, as well as in a small group training setting at Nusa’s private studio in Bousher. The classes begin with some stretching, a few pushups and sit-ups and some light jogging-in-place to warm up the body. Then it’s time to approach the pole. During beginner classes, the instructor goes over safety and teaches a few basic moves, like walking around the pole, “sitting” on the pole, climbing, and spins, all of which are far more challenging than they sound. The time flies as participants spin, sometimes awkwardly, and laugh. It is an encouraging, non-competitive environment, and at the end of the session, be sure your arms and core will be burning. Bruises and some chaffing are normal battle wounds for beginning spinners, as it takes time to get the technique down. And skin-to-pole contact is a must to prevent slipping and sliding, so shorts and a tank-top are the recommended attire. The more advanced classes cover things like the famed “inversion” for which the athlete turns herself upside-down on the pole.
After taking the mandatory introductory class or classes, pole sessions are available on a drop-in basis, so you can pay for classes as you go rather than signing up for a membership. Pole is a great way to break-up a tired workout routine, start getting fit for the first time, or just spend an evening doing something entirely different with the girls. Toned arms and sassy post-class swagger come standard. — [email protected]
Try Pole Fitness in Oman
1. Rock & Rhythm
Nusa’s Private Studio, Bousher
+968 9857 7728 (whatsapp)
Introduction to pole (three classes), OMR12
Pay-per-class, OMR5
Unlimited monthly, OMR40
Unlimited 3 months, OMR120
Unlimited 6 months, OMR180
Current Schedule
Wednesday, 5:30-6:00pm Intro to Pole Series
Monday, 5pm-6pm Beginner/ Intermediate
Thursday 6pm-7pm Beginner/ Intermediate
2. Pole Fit Muscat
facebook.com/polefitmuscat
Pay-per-class, OMR7
3. Wijdan Fitness Studio
Al Khoud
+968 9787 9997, 9766 3377
@Wijdan.om
Current Schedule
Monday, 7pm-8pm Beginner Pole Class
Tuesday, 7pm-8pm Introduction Class
Wednesday, 7pm-8pm Beginner Pole Class
4. Innerchi Centre
Qurum, +968 9617 3181
@innerchi_centre
Current Schedule:
Sunday, 8pm-9pm Introduction Class
Thursday, 8pm-9pm Beginner Class
