How do you encourage 14-19 year old students to exercise? One school's solution on the other side of the pond is pole dancing. The reporters covering this story say that pole dancing is "apparently" a good cardio workout, and watching the woman on that clip move, I'd say so.
I've heard of pole dancing as an addition to workouts before, although not quite geared for impressionable high school students. I'm all for finding fun alternative ways to exercise. Anyone remember when Carmen Electra came out with her aerobic striptease workouts a few years ago? Four years ago fitness clubs across the country were offering pole dancing classes.
I can think of a handful of my adventurous girlfriends who would give that a try, but can't think of too many high school students that this class would be appropriate for.Strip aerobics routines are available on videos as well as in the gym, and Blacker said the poles can be part of a good workout. "You are doing regular aerobics mixed with the pole," he said. "The unique thing is, it's a sexy workout."
The majority of people in Doyle's class, about 99%, have never been this exposed in public but seemed to welcome the opportunity to unwind. The feeling is, "I just worked in a 9 to 5 job all day, and now I get to dance against a pole," he said
I think it's great this British school is taking a week to promote healthy behavior (although I doubt the progress that will be made within 5 days), this performance shows how little thought and care was put into this production.
The great think about exercising isn't just the physical benefits, but the mental and emotional lessons that come from fitness activities as well. Preschool and elementary school students are often encouraged to join little league teams to promote early movement, but also sharing, teamwork and to spark interests early on. High school gym classes and sports teams try to shape a sense of belonging, discipline and often introduction to a variety of sports older kids may be more capable of participating in. Pole dancing and striptease workouts can be a fun alternative for stable adults, possibly looking to express a confident body image while working out.
What do you think? What are or aren't appropriate workouts for different ages?
