The POLEFIT Difference

🧠 SCIENTIFIC & MEDICAL BASIS FOR POLE FITNESS AS PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE

Being POLEFIT is more than a practice!

Pole fitness is a holistic preventative activity that strengthens the body anatomically, regulates key physical systems, and supports mental and emotional wellness. With proper documentation, it can be considered a medically eligible expense under FSA/HSA in New York, especially when used for weight loss, mental health, or chronic pain management. 

🩻 ANATOMICAL & PHYSICAL BENEFITS

1. Musculoskeletal Health

• Increases bone density: Weight-bearing movements (e.g., climbs, holds) combat osteoporosis.
  
  

• Improves joint stability: Through strength and mobility training, especially in shoulders, hips, and spine.
  
  

• Enhances posture and alignment: Counteracts effects of sedentary lifestyle and tech neck.
  
  

2. Neuromuscular Coordination

• Boosts proprioception (body awareness) and balance, reducing fall risk, especially in aging populations.
  
  

• Develops fine motor control and gross motor skills, improving daily functional movements.
  
  

3. Core and Pelvic Floor Health

• Engages deep core musculature and transverse abdominis, supporting spinal health.
  
  

• Improves pelvic floor function, which aids in bladder control, postpartum recovery, and sexual health.
  
  

4. Flexibility & Mobility

• Enhances functional flexibility in hamstrings, hip flexors, shoulders, and back.
  
  

• Promotes joint mobility and range of motion, which are essential in injury prevention.
  
  

5. Cardiovascular Endurance

• Pole routines elevate heart rate, improving cardiovascular health similarly to dance or HIIT workouts.
  
  

🧪 SCIENTIFIC REASONING & HEALTH PREVENTION

1. Weight Management

• High-calorie-burning activity (up to 300–600 kcal/hour) supports healthy weight, reducing risk for:
  
  

  • Type 2 diabetes
    
    

  • Heart disease
    
    

  • Stroke
    
    

  • Metabolic syndrome
    
    

2. Mental Health

• Decreases cortisol levels and improves mood through physical exertion and endorphin release.
  
  

• Builds self-efficacy and body image satisfaction, supporting mental wellness and reducing anxiety/depression symptoms.
  
  

3. Chronic Disease Prevention

• Regular participation may prevent:
  
  

  • Hypertension
    
    

  • Insulin resistance
    
    

  • Depression & anxiety disorders
    
    

  • Certain musculoskeletal disorders
    
    

4. Neuroplasticity & Aging

• Complex choreographed movements and inverted poses stimulate brain function and cognitive flexibility.
  
  

• Helps maintain mental sharpness and coordination in older adults.
  
  

5. Rehabilitation & Injury Prevention

• Structured pole programs can be used for:
  
  

  • Physical therapy alternatives for back, shoulder, and hip stability
    
    

  • Corrective exercise for scoliosis, muscular imbalances, and hypermobility (when guided properly)
    
    

Did you know?! 

Your pole dance training with UAF has multiple benefits, including eligible gym membership reimbursement under FSA/ HSA and Health Insurance guidelines!!

💳 POLE FITNESS UNDER FSA/HSA IN NEW YORK

✅ ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS

Under IRS Publication 502 and guidance used by Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) providers:

Pole Fitness may be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for the following:

1. Preventative Care or Treatment

• If prescribed for:
  
  

  • Weight management
    
    

  • Mental health support (e.g., anxiety/depression)
    
    

  • Rehabilitation (injury recovery, posture correction)
    
    

  • Strength and conditioning for chronic pain prevention
    
    

2. Fitness as Therapy

• Pole dance with UAF may qualify if the LMN specifies:
  
  

  • The patient requires structured fitness to manage a diagnosed condition (e.g., arthritis, ADHD, anxiety, back pain)
    
    

  • No alternative methods are equally accessible or appropriate
    
    

3. Membership Structure

• Your UAF Membership is part of a gym or studio membership, and the portion of the membership used for medical purposes (i.e., pole classes under prescription) can be reimbursed.
  
  

🔍 Specific New York Considerations

• NY follows federal IRS guidelines for FSA/HSA.
  
  

• Many major FSA/HSA providers (Fidelity, HealthEquity, Optum) accept LMNs from NY healthcare providers for fitness-related expenses.
  
  

• Pole studios may need to itemize class receipts or provide documentation confirming the medical use.
  
  

📄 RECOMMENDATION FOR STUDIOS

To support FSA/HSA eligibility:

• Offer receipts or invoices specifying "Pole Fitness Gym Membership"
  
  

• Provide clients with templates for Letters of Medical Necessity - which we have available here!
  
  

• Partner with licensed professionals (PTs, MDs, Psychologists) who refer patients for structured movement therapy
  
  

Sign up for a POLEFIT Workshop today!