Isn’t it fantastic how mainstream pole fitness is becoming?! It is now one of the fastest growing phenomenons within the fitness industry. New studios are increasingly opening up around the world. Competitions are being held in the US and abroad showcasing the technical prowess involved in this artistic sport. Magazines, solely focused on pole fitness, are being published. The International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF), was created, which is an organization dedicated to getting pole dancing in the Olympics. New people from all backgrounds get hooked daily to this innovative, challenging and rewarding form of expressive exercise. We even have a mobile device application called Pocket Pole Studio. This fantastic app allows you to access pole moves and techniques from anywhere you and your technology go. Click the picture below to visit pocketpolestudio.com.

Yet another testament of how far we’ve come is the fact that I will be doing a SOLO pole performance in the latest Cirque Du Soleil tour de force, Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour. It is no secret Cirque performers are awe inspiring and to be a part of this show is simply wonderful for our sport. To read more about me and Cirque, please see the attached press release. To be connected to the Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour website, click the picture below.

If you have noticed pole fitness in mainstream fashion and have an interesting story, please feel free to share with us

Felix Cane – Cirque Du Soleil Press Release

People are always asking me about the history and roots of modern day pole dance fitness. There is no denying that we use the same apparatus as can be found in modern day gentleman’s establishments, but take a look at this article from our friends at OC Pole Fitness! They did a terrific comparison of the Indian art and sport of Mallakhamb dating way back to the 1800s and today’s athletic moves/poses we do on our modern day pole. And, I love how it has always been called “The Perfect Form of Exercise”!

The origins of pole and aerial arts may go back further than you think. Mallakhamb is a traditional Indian sport ironically dominated by men, incorporating yoga, gymnastics and a wooden pole, dating back to 1800! The word Mallakhamb is composed of "malla", which means gymnast or man of strength, and "khamb", which means pole. Currently there are three main types of Mallakhamb: Pole Mallakhamb, Hanging Mallakhamb and Rope Mallakhamb. These three types have numerous similarities to our modern Pole , Hoop and Tissu practices respectively.

Take a look at these AMAZING videos and see how many OC Pole Fitness movements you recognize . . . 

1. Pole Mallakhamb
2. Hanging Mallakhamb
3. Rope Mallakhamb
   

Mallakhamb, A PERFECT FORM OF EXERCISE!

During a Mallakhamb practice, one turns, twists, lifts, flips, hooks, grips, hangs, poses, stretches and balances on a pole or rope while maintaining grace, agility and a sense of timing. Hmm… sound familiar? Mallakhamb has been said to be the most efficient form of exercise as it provides optimal engagement of ALL muscles in the least amount of time, producing perfectly toned bodies. In addition to working and developing the muscles, Mallakhamb also massages the body, enhances the function of all internal organs and systems(joints, nerves, spinal column, etc) AND improves mental faculties . . .resulting in overall physical and mental wellness.

Benefits of Mallakhamb . . . and by association, modern Pole and Aerial Fitness

• Improves muscular endurance of EVERY muscle in the body
• Enhances overall strength, power and stamina
• Improves balance, coordination, agility and flexibility – Increases cardio vascular fitness
• Develops patience and concentration
• Stimulates the mind and facilitates a tranquil state of being
• Prevents disease of mind and body by enhancing overall wellness

Examples of Mallakhamb Poses We Use Today

Starfish	Horizontal Pencil
Aysha	Brass Monkey
Inverted Elbow Hold	Starfish Knee Hold
Yoga Warrior 3

For all you polers out there I’m sure you’re wondering “How can I stop bruising and keep poling?” Here are a few ways that you can limit the bruising and continue taking your pole tricks to the next level. Bruises are caused from harsh or abrupt contact between your skin and another object (your pole!) causing the blood vessels to damage and/or break completely. The most important thing to help prevent bruising is control. By controlling our movement our contact to the pole is much softer than when we uncontrollably slam into the pole. Control is also is the key to gain the full affect of the exercise, you also gain style points by working with your control on the pole. The second most important thing is keeping our circulatory system in shape and healthy by doing activities that keeps your heart rate up, resulting in tougher blood vessels! There are also foods you can eat as well to help the bruising.  Foods that are high in bioflavonoid such as oranges, grapes, grapefruit, cherries, lemons, green tea, etc. will help out your circulatory system. Sometimes we bruise easy because we lack vitamin K; a few of the foods that are rich in vitamin K are broccoli, cabbage, and spinach.  So don’t worry ladies now you can keep on poling and show off the sexy arms and legs you have worked so hard for!

TIP: Spread crushed parsley leaves directly on the bruise, should fade within two to three days.

So excited! Our new iPhone Application, Pocket Pole Studio, has been released and has received brilliant reviews!  It’s art, it’s sport, and it’s pole….and it is now on the iTunes store with a top 5 Star rating.  Even more, it was featured under “What’s Hot” in the Fitness and Health section of iTunes! You can see my featured videos under the PFA Expert Tab. We are so proud of all the hard work everyone put in to create such an amazing, leading edge product for our growing pole community. Learn more by reading the official press release.  This is an application every pole-ster should have!