Fitness instructor Fawnia Mondey: Is pole dancing really a workout?
Editor’s Note: Our sincere thanks to the guest columnists who stood in for Robin Leach during his two months of annual summer travels. As he prepares for his return to Las Vegas, Robin has interviews with Paralympics host Amy Purdy in Rio de Janeiro and Las Vegas magician Franz Harary in Macau in Friday Neon of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Then in the RJ’s Sunday Life, we’ll have his story of the 100 new restaurants and vineyards that have sprung up north of Ensenada in Mexico. We’ll continue with our guest columnists until Robin’s return. Today, let’s meet Fawnia Mondey. With 22 years of teaching experience, Fawnia is one of the world’s first pole dancing instructors. She lives here, runs Pole Fitness Studio and organizes the annual Pole Expo (PoleFitnessStudio.com and PoleExpo.com).
Our other guest column is by STEVE WYNN’S SHOWSTOPPERS at Wynn Las Vegas French horn player Jenni Lee Kearns, who tells us her determination to start her own music group with the spotlight on the French horn. Fawnia is up first:
By Fawnia Mondey
Unless you’ve been living under a rock with the Geico caveman and your calendar still says 1993, you’ve probably heard that pole dancing is a good form of exercise. You may have even tried a class or know someone who pole dances for fitness. I’m here to tell you that this isn’t your grandfather’s pole dancing anymore.
Pole dancing has rightfully earned the name pole fitness and has flooded virtually every major city in North America. Pole fitness is vastly growing in popularity around the world and is a fun and effective way to build muscle, burn calories and improve flexibility.
Before I began practicing pole dancing, I couldn’t do 10 pull-ups, 10 push-ups or even a 60-second plank. After more than 20 years in the industry training on a vertical pole, I can now do all three, hold my body sideways like a flag, hang 10 feet in the air and use more of only my core. Using our bodyweight on a pole is an effective way to build and maintain muscle. It’s fun, challenging and always rewarding when you see yourself getting stronger every class.
When we use our muscles rhythmically, we increase our heart rate that improves cardiovascular function, leading to a handful of health benefits. Pole fitness’s routines are extremely effective as each dance may last one song and, performed both right and left handed, expand your body’s range of motion. You will be burning calories, sweating and loving every minute of it.
I’ve struggled, as many women do, with weight loss. Ever since I’ve introduced pole fitness as an everyday routine in my life, I’ve lost more than 40 pounds and have been able to keep it off. Pole fitness has truly transformed me.
Another added benefit of pole fitness that many people overlook is flexibility. Flexibility helps us lengthen and stretch muscles to prevent injuries and improve balance. In reality, most people can hardly touch their toes and may be nervous about trying a class after seeing incredible and inspiring Olympic pole dancing videos online.
What’s a regular Jane or Joe to do? It’s easy. Start taking pole fitness classes. Expect to begin your class with light cardio, a dynamic stretching workout, stretching between moves and cooling down with stretches focused on developing flexibility. Eventually, you’ll be hitting the floor in splits you never thought possible!
Students are encouraged to be themselves, dress in comfortable fitness attire and just try. Stepping outside of a comfort zone can be the hardest part about attending. One of our missions at Pole Fitness Studio is that individuality is celebrated and laughter is present every day. I motivate you to cultivate your fitness goals, try us out, and, no matter what, have a great workout that’s fun!
Be sure to check out our other guest column from STEVE WYNN’S SHOWSTOPPERS at Wynn Las Vegas French horn player Jenni Lee Kearns, who is launching her own group, Electra Brass. Robin has wrapped up his interviews in Macau with Franz Harary and Rio de Janeiro with Amy Purdy for stories from the Asian gaming capital and Summer Paralympics, respectively, that we’ll have in Friday Neon of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
