Some students looking for an unconventional workout left their weights at the ARC and brought their courage and sass to Illini Pole Fitness, where they learn how to climb a pole like the pros.

Miranda Dashut, senior in LAS, turned her home into a pole-fitness studio last August with a new RSO in mind. Illini Pole Fitness gives students a mental and physical boost that no average workout equipment can provide.

Dashut’s studio apartment includes two tension poles and enough space for eight members to get their groove on during each practice.

About 25 women take part in the club, and they are taking turns on the poles until a larger practice space is obtained. Each practice is a little over an hour and begins with a 25-minute stretching and strengthening routine, which is followed by pole work.

“Beginner tricks start with spins and floor work where you aren’t very high up off of the ground,” Dashut said.

Because only three members have previous pole experience, most of the group is starting with the simple “fireman spin,” which involves lifting up off of the ground and spinning around the pole. Soon, they will learn the “cheerleader.” 

“As you do it each week, you build up muscle, and the tricks are taught in a progression so they build on each other,” Dashut said.

Beginner spins are followed by learning to climb the pole, and eventually members will learn to invert, or flip, themselves.

“I never expected to be able to have the strength to flip myself upside down, but I’ve learned a lot since then, and I know of these crazy tricks,” Dashut said.

With 3 ½ years of pole experience and a certification in pole-dancing instruction, Dashut plans to bring students not only a workout, but also a way to grow mentally. 

“Pole fitness in general gives a huge boost in confidence,” she said.

Dashut said she was an extremely shy person before learning to spin, climb and invert on the pole. People are often surprised when they find out she has advanced skills in pole fitness.

Dashut receives mixed reactions when her peers first learn about her hobby, and some even ask if she’s teaching women to be strippers.

“I haven’t ever been to a strip club or anything like that,” Dashut laughed.

The club focuses on the fitness of pole dancing, though students are allowed to add in dance and flair where they see fit. Members recognize that many view pole fitness with a negative mindset, but they hope to break that stereotype by focusing on building muscle.

“For some people there is still a taboo, and there really shouldn’t be because pole dancing stemmed from dance and gymnastics,” said Cassie Landry, Ph.D. student in educational psychology.

Landry was thrilled to hear about Dashut’s club after struggling to fit pole work into her routine on a regular basis. She said that she has never felt stronger than she does now.

“I feel insanely powerful whenever I do it, and afterward I feel like I can conquer the world,” Landry said.

Landry began working out with a pole after she spent a girls’ weekend in Chicago, learning a pole routine from professionals.

“I was completely blown away because those women are so athletic and strong, and immediately I wanted all of it,” Landry explained.

She was quickly enticed to buy her own pole and attempted to work on pole tricks at least twice a week. With an extensive background in ballet and a newfound passion for pole fitness, Landry picked up skills very quickly.

“After sitting at a desk in a lab all day, flipping upside down feels great,” she said.

Like Landry, Jasmine Jones, senior in LAS, was first introduced to pole fitness during a girls’ trip to the city. She entered the club with no significant experience, but plans on advancing past the fireman’s spin and hopes to eventually invert.

“It doesn’t feel like a workout because it’s so fun,” Jones said.

Dashut creates a relaxed environment by playing music by Britney Spears and The Pussycat Dolls during workouts.

“It is a really good workout, and Miranda makes sure it’s a really safe space,” Jones said.

Dashut looks to add new elements to the club, like workshops with professionals and routine showcases within the group. She has big plans for the future and hopes to open her own studio after graduation.

Illini Pole Fitness encourages both male and female students to look to them for a combination of mental and physical growth that cannot be found without a pole and a stereo.

“During my first few times, I couldn’t wrap my brain around letting my body hang in my hands, and now my hands are calloused,” Landry said.

Becky can be reached at [email protected].