Pole dancing and aqua aerobics combine as NZ's first aquapole classes start

February 23, 2019

The new fitness class mixes aqua aerobics and pole dancing.

It's a mix of pole dancing and aqua aerobics, and New Zealand's first aquapole lessons have started in an Auckland swimming pool.

New Zealand's first aquapole teacher has begun classes at a YMCA pool, TVNZ1's Seven Sharp reports.

The teacher, Ben Taylor, said he fell in love with aquapole as a form of fitness the first time he tried it in 2015.

"I stumbled upon this in 2015 when Aquapole Australia came to New Zealand for Austswim Aqua Summit. And I went to one of their classes on one of the days and fell in love with it," he said.

"And then I found out it wasn't in New Zealand."

Seizing the opportunity, he saved up - each pole is worth $1500 - and has just started running the Auckland classes.

Ben is a competitive pole dancer, and says aquapole helps with strength.

"The strengthening aspect typically comes through your upper body - so all through your wrist, your elbow and your shoulders." 

Breakdancing has just come a step closer to becoming an Olympic sport, with the Paris Games organisers proposing adding it as a medal event in 2024.

But there's no word yet on auqapole being touted for inclusion in the Olympics.

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