Pole dancing for fitness: The physiological and metabolic demand of a 60-minute class

Joanna C Nicholas, Kirsty A McDonald, Peter Peeling, Ben Jackson, James A Dimmock, Jacqueline A Alderson, Cyril J Donnelly

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Little is understood about the acute physiological or metabolic demand of pole dancing classes. As such, the aims of this study were to quantify the demands of a standardized recreational pole dancing class, classifying outcomes according to American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) exercise-intensity guidelines, and to explore differences in physiological and metabolic measures between skill- and routine-based class components. Fourteen advanced-level amateur female pole dancers completed three 60-minute standardized pole dancing classes. In one class, participants were fitted with a portable metabolic analysis unit. Overall, classes were performed at a mean V[Combining Dot Above]O2 of 16.0 ml·kg·min, total energy cost (EC) of 281.6 kcal (4.7 kcal·min), metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs) of 4.6, heart rate of 131 b·min, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) of 6.3/10, and blood lactate of 3.1 mM. When comparing skill- and routine-based components of the class, EC per minute (4.4 vs. 5.3 kcal·min), peak V[Combining Dot Above]O2 (21.5 vs. 29.6 ml·kg·min), METs (4.3 vs. 5.2), and RPE (7.2 vs. 8.4) were all greater in the routine-based component (p < 0.01), indicating that classes with an increased focus on routine-based training, as compared to skill-based training, may benefit those seeking to exercise at a higher intensity level, resulting in greater caloric expenditure. In accordance with ASCM guidelines, an advanced-level 60-minute pole dancing class can be classified as a moderate-intensity cardiorespiratory exercise; when completed for ≥30 minutes, ≥5 days per week (total ≥150 minutes) satisfies the recommended level of exercise for improved health and cardiorespiratory fitness.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2704-2710
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Volume33
Issue number10
Early online date29 Nov 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2019

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