The Body Blog: Pole Dancing Classes – A Workout?!?!

December 8, 2008 Posted in Body

[Exercise, health and fitness are an important part of every woman’s life. But how do you know if you’re doing it right? And what new findings, tips and advice will help you reach your health fitness goals? Kelly, our fitness guru, will keep you updated every Monday with the latest and most beneficial news and advice for your health and body. Even if it involves some...er...alternative workouts.]

Now, I know what you may be thinking: I’m the same lady who, a few months ago, wrote a blog about how I felt about the ladies of the pole. You know – strippers. Now, while I voiced my opinion on how I felt about my boyfriend visiting them, I did not (and made it a point not to) bash strippers for what they were doing (their job).

So, when my girlfriend called me up a few weeks ago and asked me if I’d like to try a new workout class, which happened to be Introductory Pole Dancing, I was game. Hey, if nothing else I could get a feel for what it’s all about and maybe learn a thing or two… Plus, I had heard it was great exercise.

So, for $15 bucks, I signed up for my 90 minute (very long class!) workout around the pole.

When the class began, my girlfriends and I went into the studio and did about 30-45 minutes of intense stretching and warm-ups. Now, coming from an individual who barely stretches when she works out, this was something I wasn’t used to; I was using muscles that I didn’t think I even had! I cramped up quite a bit during the warm up, and I hadn’t even gotten near a pole yet.

Once we finally approached the pole, we started learning how to walk around it, were taught one trick, then eventually built up to a sequence combining sexy walking, the pole trick, and moving our bodies around the pole. It was different; I will admit I started cracking up a few times as the instructor told me to run my fingers through my hair. However, I felt like I got the hang of the simple moves and started to really get into it. After 90 minutes, I was bummed the class was over and anxious to sign up for more.

I enrolled in the six week Level 1 program.

This class is not as I pictured; I imagined lots of raunchy stripper moves, stripper heels and stripper hair. And it’s not. The Pole Dancing class was about strengthening your core muscles and your body, and learning how to connect with yourself as a female. It’s invigorating and empowering…and one hell of a workout!

Not only that – the class was fun! There is no better way to get a workout than in an environment that doesn’t feel like work (until you feel the aches and pains the next morning), and this class was definitely more fun than a 45 minute trip to the weight room.

Pole dancing may not be for you – though I do think everyone should try it! – but some alternative and new form of exercising will be. This class taught me to open up and incorporate something new into my workout routine, and you should too. Hip hop dance? Bike riding? Trampoline classes? Try something different. You (and your body) will not regret it.

(Photo courtesy of newsday.com)

1711018 Comments2008-12-08+15%3A00%3A51Kelly+-+UMass on "The Body Blog: Pole Dancing Classes – A Workout?!?!"

Dili says:
Mon, 8th Dec 20086:40 am

I tried it with one of my girlfriends. But honestly we laughed and giggled through the whole thing since we couldn't take it seriously. It was kind of awkward doing all that with my girlfriend, And I felt like we are the only one there who didn't have a rethem. If you can do it then good for you, but its not for me.

Kelly M. - UMass says:
Mon, 8th Dec 20087:04 am

See, I liked it because it was so different than my usual running fast-paced routine. Who knows how I'll feel without my girlfriends there to back me up tho, we'll see…my next class is Wednesday!

C says:
Mon, 8th Dec 20087:29 am

you can host pole dancing parties too where you hire someone and they actually bring a pole to your place and whoever you invite learns to pole dance for a couple hours and it is SOOO fun! As long as you get the right people and i think the key is NOT taking it seriously. People who take it seriously get self conscious and defensive and can't have fun (understandably so) so you need people who just wanna laugh.

bunny says:
Mon, 8th Dec 200811:05 am

I learned it a few years ago and recently took the liberty of buying myself an X-pole (

bunny says:
Mon, 8th Dec 200811:07 am

- which is amazing!

I went from over 120 to under 98lbs in roughly a year. granted, try not to shout it around girls (i made the mistake of telling a total bitch about it) – they tend ta think you're a slag :/

xox

Aislinn says:
Mon, 8th Dec 200812:27 pm

Where are you taking the class?!?! I've been looking everywhere for one in or around boston.

Anna says:
Mon, 8th Dec 20081:13 pm

heyy – i'm from Boston & I've never taken a class but I saw a sign on Boylston that said "Pole Dancing Classes." Not very helpful haha but maybe you will be able to figure it out from that! Let me know if you find one because me & my friends are definitely interested!

Kelly M. - Umass says:
Mon, 8th Dec 20083:05 pm

Hey ladies,

The place I take lessons is called Positive Energy Dance for Women in Connecticut. The owner of the studio I go to was on Good Morning America about having pole dancing classes at your house. It's SUCH a great workout – try it!!!

E says:
Mon, 8th Dec 20083:20 pm

old news.

Anna says:
Mon, 8th Dec 20086:15 pm

Figured it out – I just googled it and it’s called Gypsy Rose.

Lydia says:
Tue, 9th Dec 200812:59 am

interesting.. they had some classes at my local gym!!!

BarbaraBaker says:
Tue, 9th Dec 20085:23 am

Great article…yeah, it is pretty fun. Try taking the whole 90 minutes with heels on…whoah!!!! You won't be able to sit down properly for weeks to come.

I actually enjoyed my class. They have them here in Texas and it is so much fun…but, yeah, you mustn't forget taking a friend with you.

How long were you hurting after a class? I dealt with the pains of new muscle's for a good two weeks or so.

-barbara

Jenn says:
Tue, 9th Dec 20086:52 pm

Umm yeah, suburban women in their 30's and 40's are doing this, thinking its racy…why is this on a site for young women?

Steph says:
Wed, 10th Dec 20081:46 pm

I've always wanted to do this! Well, not be a stripper, just take the aerobic pole classes. You understand. Anyway, I wish they had some in my area (middle of no where USA.) Thanks for the article, the more hype it gets, the more likely I'll find a gym willing to try it!

Kelly M. - UMass says:
Thu, 11th Dec 20088:54 am

Hey Debby downer Jenn,

Lots of women and young women take pole dancing classes. Not JUST women in their 30's and 40's. Try it, you'll see what the hype's about.

Hot Girls says:
Sun, 25th Jan 200911:52 am

http://www.myspacemobi.com hot girls

nouhmubycoorm says:
Tue, 22nd Dec 20097:48 pm

Successfully I was checking the internet today and I totally freaked out. I really initiate my ex-girlfriend pictures on the internet. I have no idea when she did this but my ex-girlfriend was making out like a light with some other teen.

Does anyone have any info on this ex-girlfriend site?

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