Fargo's Pole Body gets to the core of fitness

FARGO — Those who associate pole dancing with exotic dancers in G-strings and teetering heels might want to check out Pole Body in Fargo. The pole fitness studio serves clients of different ages, fitness levels and backgrounds. A case in point: Erik Lopez, a 28-year-old nontraditional student at Concordia College. At 6 foot 2 and 290 pounds, he grew up participating in football, basketball, lacrosse, roller hockey, swimming and whatever other sport interested him. But after a serious car accident, Lopez had to undergo a long, painful recovery process that required a concussion protocol and hours of physical therapy. Something as simple as carrying a backpack across campus caused pain at every step. While looking for a way to strengthen his body and ease pain without high-impact exercise, he discovered Pole Body, a Fargo studio that specializes in pole fitness. Lopez soon realized this workout could simultaneously boost core stability, flexibility and strength.