Pole Sphinx: Helps You Get Fit and Master Pole Dancing

Before having a studio of his own, Pole Sphinx owner and general manager Phil Simon Infantado used to be a pole dance instructor for an international fitness center chain. He was also one of the first students to enroll in pole dancing classes in the said gym. While employed there, he noticed that many students wanted to try it. And so he asked if the fitness chain would allow a separate pole dancing studio to be opened under their name. But after learning that using the name of the chain entailed a huge expense, he decided to open his own studio instead.

After three years of teaching pole dancing, he is glad to note the positive changes he sees in this field. “The community for pole dancing in Cebu has grown bigger,” says Phil. In fact, after Jessy’s portrayal of a pole dancer aired on TV, he got many inquiries about his classes.

The pole dancing classes at Pole Sphinx are divided into beginners, intermediate to advanced, and all levels. Aside from pole dancing classes, they also offer flexibility, yogilates, aerial silks, sexy heels, and ballet workout. Walk-in rates are at PhP350 while package rates range from PhP2,700 to PhP7,500.

Pole dancing classes are limited to six students per class only, as instructors have to monitor their students closely. Teachers hold XPERT Pole & Aerial Fitness certification, which means they have undergone intense training for this type of activity. The studio is equipped with aerial hoops and aerial silks, in addition to the customary poles.

As with most fitness programs, classes start with a warm-up, which usually consist of strengthening exercises. This is followed by pole routines. The one-hour class wraps up with cool-down exercises.

Since dancing on poles, Pole Sphinx students Gigi Gemora and Jen Veigel have said that they have gained more self-confidence and energy.

Gigi, a 39-year-old employee at a casino, said she has started pole dancing as an outlet for her loneliness. She initially saw Ciara Sotto do this on a morning news program. This piqued her interest to try out this exercise. She has been dancing for about a year now, and goes to Pole Sphinx two to three times a week, depending on her schedule.

Gigi credits pole dancing as the reason behind her new-found confidence with her body. She enjoys pole dancing because of the variety of the moves and tricks taught in each class. “Every time I can perform a certain trick which I just dreamed about performing before or which I think I cannot do because of my age, that’s when I get challenged,” Gigi shares.

On the other hand, Jen Veigel, a DJ, has been pole dancing for just about a month. She says that unlike other fitness classes she has joined before, pole dancing never gets boring. “It’s actually fun because there’s music and it’s upbeat,” she said.

Despite being a newbie, the work she has done on the poles has started to show results. “I’m more energetic and have more upper body strength. My legs are getting toned compared to before. There was a time in my life when I really did not exercise but when I took up pole dancing, I just started doing everything again. I kept waking up early, and everything follows,” she added.

Gigi and Jen share that it takes a certain amount of dedication and endurance to learn the various moves on the pole.

Phil adds that patience and consistency is also key. “The trick in pole dancing, as in all exercises, is consistency. You cannot see results at the first session, it takes time,” he advises.

In terms of physical preparation, students are advised not to eat two hours before their scheduled workout. They should also avoid applying lotion the whole day since this can make their bodies too slippery for the pole. Lotion can be applied after the workout.

Staying fit need not mean grudgingly working out at the gym. Choosing an activity you enjoy makes you more likely to stay with your fitness regimen. And with fun, unique workouts like pole dancing, you might just dance your way to your fitness goals this 2017.

For more fitness studios in Cebu, please check the Beauty, Health, & Wellness category of the ShoppersGuide Directory.

Pole Sphinx is located at the third floor of CRJS Building, IT Park, Apas, Lahug Cebu City. They are open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Mondays to Wednesdays; 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Thursdays; 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Fridays; and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Saturdays. No classes on Sundays.