The 5 Best Spinning Poles
This wiki has been updated 37 times since it was first published in April of 2015. Stripper poles are not just for gentlemen's clubs anymore. You can add an exotic touch to your workout regimen with one of these or just have a bit of bedroom fun. We've included those that set up fast to get you spinning in minutes and come down easily enough for taking on romantic vacations. Most let you choose between static and spinning modes for your convenience. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. MPO Pro-Fit
2. Lupit Classic G2
3. Zeny Removeable
Editor's Notes
June 25, 2021:
Many of the spinning poles available are exact copies of each other, so rather than flood our rankings with identical models, we dug deep to find the most dependable options overall. The Lamplighter Creations Professional is the top choice for durability, but as it's twice the price of many others, we don't recommend it for most users. Alternatively, the MPO Pro-Fit is the best in general because of its premium construction and mid-range price. The Zeny Removeable is the best budget-friendly choice, although it's not suitable for high-intensity workouts.
February 18, 2020:
Before discussing the top spinning poles, we'd like to note that newbies will want to ease into their new fitness regime cautiously. Unlike with simpler fitness tools, like, say, an exercise band, there's a very present risk of truly serious injury when moves are not performed correctly, so it's important to start slowly and build strength before trying anything too complicated. You'll also need to be doubly sure that the model you choose is secured according to all manufacturer regulations, especially before you test it with your weight.
With that said, the X-Pole Starter Package, despite its relatively high price, still comes out on top for most users. It was designed for stability, and unlike some, it's not confusing to put together and install. Plus, it comes with handy accessories. We've added the Lupit Classic G2 as a top choice, as well. Each is made to high quality standards in Europe and is fine even for use in an apartment. We removed the Pro-Fit Professional, however, over concerns about its long-term durability. If you're looking for a relatively budget-friendly option, consider the upgraded Pinty Spin and Static, instead. The pieces aren't labeled for assembly, but it includes a link to a video that should help with installation.
Special Honors
X-Pole Build-A-Pole When you can't find an option with the right dimensions, you'll want to consider the exceptionally secure X-Pole Build-A-Pole. It can be customized to your specifications, and is sure to hold up to even rigorous use, unlike some cheap pre-fabricated models. xpoleus.com
Lupit Studio Champion Brass You can't remove the Lupit Studio Champion Brass once it's installed, making it a good choice for professional pole dance studios but not so great for those living in apartments. You'll find plenty of ceiling heights to choose from, starting at those made for up to just over 10 feet, extending to those appropriate for 14 feet or more. lupitpoleusa.com
4. MegaBrand Exotic Fitness
5. Lamplighter Creations Professional
Surprising Health Benefits Of Pole Dancing
Becoming more flexible can even reduce one’s chances of spraining a muscle during daily activities.
Pole dancing is no longer reserved for gentlemen’s clubs and go-go dancing booths. It has become an esteemed type of workout, taught in top gyms around the world. There is no other exercise quite like it, which is why the fitness benefits it offers are so unique.
To properly spin on a pole, nearly all of the muscles in one’s entire body must be engaged at once. Pole dancing also requires continuous movement. These two elements make it both an isometric and cardiovascular workout. A person can burn up to 400 calories in one hour of beginner’s pole dancing, so it’s a smart option for those who needs to lose weight quickly.
Pole dancing can make a person much more limber, too, which can prevent issues linked to back pain and muscle soreness. Becoming more flexible can even reduce one’s chances of spraining a muscle during daily activities. Pole dancing has emotional and psychological benefits as well as physical ones. People under a lot of stress usually suffer from a buildup of adrenaline, which can lead to irritation and anxiety. Pole dancing helps the body use adrenaline so that it can begin producing endorphins.
Those who worry about developing osteoporosis can benefit from pole dancing because it can strengthen bones and connective tissues. It is also a low impact exercise as it puts minimal stress on the joints, making it extremely safe. Since the workout engages most of the muscles, it promotes blood flow, which is important for heart health.
It also improves kinesthetic sense and balance since pole dancers constantly need to be aware of the location and speed of their body in motion, in relation to objects around them. Women who plan on having children should consider taking pole dancing classes before becoming pregnant because it strengthens the abdominal muscles, making childbirth easier.
A History Of Pole Dancing
As early as the 12th century, circus performers would perform an act called Chinese Pole. In this form of the activity, individuals used poles that ranged from nine to thirty feet in length and were typically covered with a rubber material, allowing them to climb up and down, and flip themselves in the air. The performers wore full body costumes and executed moves some of which are still popular today, such as hanging straight out at a 90-degree angle to the pole using only the arm muscles as support.
Western pole dancing is usually affiliated with exotic dancing, so the history of one is just as important as that of the other.
Indians also have a history of using poles as a fitness tool. Indian wrestlers have trained on poles for over 800 years. In this culture, the activity is called Pole Mallakhamb, which translates to "wrestler of the pole." Indians used smooth wooden poles that were thick at the bottom and became thinner towards the top, which were covered in castor oil to minimize friction.
Western pole dancing is usually affiliated with exotic dancing, so the history of one is just as important as that of the other. The striptease originated in Sumer, the first urban civilization in Mesopotamia, which is now southern Iraq. According to ancient Sumerian myths, Inanna, the goddess of love, removed an item of clothing at each of the seven gates she passed on her way to find her lover Damouz.
The famous performances at Moulin Rouge in Paris are said to have been a major inspiration for modern-day exotic dancing, as well as the ancient Middle-Eastern practice of belly dancing. Hints of each of these can be seen in the first American pole dancers, which were performers who traveled with fairs during the great depression in the 1920s.
How To Choose A Pole
The first and arguably most important consideration you need to make with a dancing pole is location, location, location. The pole has to fit the ceiling, but if an individual hopes to move it around, they should look for a model with extension options, that does not need to be permanently installed. If a person owns their home and is interested in a long-lasting option, a permanent pole is ideal.
Spinning versus static poles is a much-debated topic in the world of pole dancing. Beginners should consider a pole that is a hybrid of the two. Static poles help a dancer develop the basic skills of the art, like supporting one’s entire weight using just the arms and legs, rotating around the pole without touching the floor, and maintaining balance during flips. Spinning poles become useful when an individual is ready to try tricks and turn the practice into a performance. Spinning poles allow for graceful movements and quicker rotations, but if the performer hasn’t mastered the basics of the activity, they can become dizzy.
One should never sacrifice safety in order to save money on their pole. When choosing a model, the performer should look for thicker metal, strong bearings, and quality chrome. Plastic poles should be avoided at all costs because their materials cannot support a fully-grown adult spinning on them with all of their body weight.
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