If you’re feeling a little cooped up during quarantine, right now might be the perfect time to channel those J. Lo Super Bowl halftime show vibes—especially when it comes to your workout. We’re talking about killer dance routine, rock-solid abs, and yes, sexy AF pole-inspired moves. Sound a little scandalous?  Trust us, (virtual) pole fitness classes are a social distancing game changer.  

Pole fitness can turn your at-home workout routine upside down, from a sweating inducing, confidence-boosting, muscle-burning perspective. Incorporating elements of dance, cardio, HIIT, and strength (just to name a few), pole fitness can help you work on everything from toning your triceps to feel-good flexibility. But do I need a pole to get started? What should I expect? And what will my S/O (or roommates) think of my new workout?  We’ve got all your pole dancing insight so you’re prepared to slay the day—and your next virtual class. 

 
It’s a fun full-body workout. 

Whether it’s a twirl or a curl, a crawl or a crunch, pole fitness taps into every muscle group. I mean you’ve seen J. Lo’s banging body, right?  By blending elements of dance, acrobatics and athleticism, pole fitness offers a total body weight, cardio blasting workout, with or without a pole—because most of us don’t have one hanging in our home. Studios have pivoted their virtual classes to fit your equipment, your experience, and your routine. Through a variety of exciting coordinated movements versus isolated exercises, your body is working together as one. Plus, pole fitness is supposed to be fun and it’s suitable for all fitness levels, so you might just find yourself streaming a class with your momma in Montana.  

 
You don’t need a pole (or dance experience). 

Do you have two left feet? Worried you don’t own a pole? Girl, you can do these workouts, anywhere. Pole fitness is all about inclusivity, acceptance and a kickass challenge, no matter how you move and groove or what gear you own. If you’re looking to book a virtual pole fitness class, keep in mind most instructors have modified their routines to focus on floor moves that you’ll need a yoga mat, socks, and heels (optional) for. You’ll want to wear pants to cover your knees and whatever else has you feeling comfortable (and even a little risqué, because why not have fun with it?). Remember to read class descriptions before you book, though—some virtual workouts still do require poles. You could say a lot of studios are thinking outside the pole when it comes to shoulder rolling, twerking and twirling from the comfort of your hone.   
 

Studios everywhere are turning up that sweaty sex appeal. 

Since we are practicing social distancing, traditional pole fitness studios are taking their classes online— and getting creative how we traditionally define a pole-dancing workout. On Mindbody, you can discover hundreds of virtual pole fitness classes around the world. From Syndey to LA, London to NYC, you can punch that travel ticket by streaming some of the best virtual pole workouts from top instructors. TIP: Change your location to anywhere you'd like to explore! Not sure what studio you want to start with? Here are a few of our favorite studios (and go-to classes) that are offering virtual workouts right now. So, are you ready to spin, tone, and smile?  

 
Altitude Fitness
Class: Work the Floor (Home Edition)
Try wearing heels for a little extra "lift” as you tighten and tone your legs and abs.   
 
Rockstar Pole Fitness  
Class: Floor Flow All Levels 
Glide across (your) floor as you learn new techniques that will have you feeling extra fine.   
 
Beehive Pole Studio
Class: Sensual Conditioning  
A more mindful take on movement as you strengthen and lengthen.  
 
ATX Pole Fitness  
Class: Tone and Twerk 
A cardio explosion where you’ll learn twerk techniques and a mini routine (that you can download!).    
 
Ecole de Pole London
Class: Online Tricks (Beginner to Elementary) 
Learn fun tricks for all levels, including flirty floorwork sequences that will have you feeling strong.  
 
Positive Spin Pole Dance Fitness
Class: Freestyle and Flow 
Pole-free movements are taught in a very small class setting of four people (max). 
 
Sydney Pole
Class: Legs & Core Workout 
Blast that booty and burn out your core as you focus on flexibility.  

Turn up the Cardi B., because you’re not about to be bored. 

The best thing about pole fitness? It’s so much more than just classes to help you climb and glide a physical pole (even though that’s one hell of a workout). From learning new dance moves to finally nailing that split, pole fitness is a general term used to search a plethora of body confident classes. You’ll find yourself working harder than you might have expected as you move, stretch and flex to the beat. There’s also something empowering about bonding with other individuals (even virtually) as you learn to work your body in new ways. PS: Don’t forget to invite your friends! It’s about time you channeled your inner vixen, because it is about to go full-on Queen Bey during quarantine *as I flip my hair.*  
 

You’ll become more coordinated and confident.  

It’s natural to feel nervous or intimidated before trying a new workout. Good thing pole fitness instructors are some of the best in the biz when it comes to welcoming all shapes, sizes and fitness levels. Whether you’re learning to glide, bend, grind, flip, flex, crawl—every move in pole fitness is created to challenge your coordination and focus, both mentally and physically. There’s no doubt that you’ll feel a new sense of accomplishment after your first class. Learning to love your body more is another amazing side effect of pole fitness. You’ll discover a sense of empowerment and pride for what your body is capable of, one J. Lo-inspired move at a time.  

Staying connected to fitness during social distancing? Taking your first pole fitness class? Show us your new moves! Tag @mindbody so we can see how you’re powering your well-being, one shoulder roll, one fierce flip at a time!