Pole dancing * Edited to add pictures

Back on this FOTD post, I mentioned that I took a pole dancing class, and now it's time to talk a little about it.

So first let me say - wow! What a workout! Seriously. I took the class Friday night, and my legs didn't completely stop hurting until Saturday night. Pathetic, right? I know. But really, I don't ever exercise. And that's not an exaggeration. I really don't ever exercise. The last purposeful thing I did for fitness was a a hike several months ago. Before that... I honestly couldn't tell you, but it's been a long time.




The class was at 8:30, but we had to be there at 8:15 to sign waivers and pay the final balance. We decided to get some liquid courage, and met up at the bar in Applebee's around 7:20. After the drinks and people getting acquainted (not everyone knew each other), we headed over to iCandy and got suited up... Or should I say shoed up? These are the uniform shoes for this pole dancing class.




Once everyone was there and ready, we got started by doing some warm up stretches. I think I should have put more effort into this part. I did what was told, but I could have done more. I should have done more. And then we got to the dancing!




They played hip, danceable music. The kind you'd hear in a hip hop/pop based club, really. Britney Spears, Timbaland, and the like. The lights were on at some points, and really low at others. While watching the instructor and going through the steps slowly, lights were up and music was down if not off. Then while we were having a few go rounds on our own, lights were dimmed and music was raised. It was definitely a good set up, I think. We were able to concentrate on learning at the appropriate time, and really let go without worrying about embarrassment at all.




It took about an hour to go through the whole routine - which is really the point. You pay for an hour class (or additional time if desired), and you learn the routine in that time. Periodically we'd take a little break from the dance we were learning, to learn a different move or take pictures, or just cool down. It was in a warehouse type place, and with all the movement in that space, we were getting pretty hot at times.




It was hot and sweaty, and I was sore at times (and for days after lol) but it was seriously fun. Probably one of the funnest bits of exercise I've ever gotten, and hello at learning something sexy that can maybe be utilized in another area of life ;) I would totally recommend this to ANYONE. They aren't kidding when they say it's for all shapes and sizes. I'm a big girl and had no problems. I will definitely be signing up for the weekly class shortly, and then they're also starting a chair routine class that I'd like to partake in as well.




If you're looking for a fun, yet good workout and one where you're actually learning something (potentially) useful, I would seriously consider this type of class or program.

For those in the Bay Area who might be interested in the class check out icandysonoma.com for information. If you're not, just try Googling "pole dancing class" and include your area.




If you're feeling a little shy and would prefer not to do something so sexy in front of a stranger, check out flirtygirlfit.com - a DVD workout program teaching provacative dances. Some with chairs, some with a pole, and some without any props. I haven't tried them myself, but if they're anything like the class I sampled, it's got to be great.