Actually, I have been intrigued by pole dancing for a few years. I guess it became part of the fitness underground, after women realised that Tae-Bo was just as annoying as jazzercise or other manifestations of that. But before pilates exploded. Billed as an alternative to pounding away at the treadmill and weight machines for hours in the gym with nothing but couch lust to get you through. Pole dancing offers a much more interesting way to work all of the muscle groups.
Flirty Girl Fitness of Toronto recently opened up a Chicago branch in the West Loop. And if you sign up for the newsletter, you get a free teaser class (otherwise $25). What I really liked is the fact that the studio is entirely staffed by women, with an emphasis on fun fitness rather than something less seemly. No spectators allowed. The studio is a gorgeous, well-lit loft-like space, with hot-pink accents and kitchy chandeliers. In addition to pole, they offer all sorts of classes like Video Vixen, Salsalicious, and such.
The class itself was one hour. And by the end, I was feeling appropriately worked out. And I'm still a little sore. The pneumatic instructor used words like "booty" and "chest", constantly cheering on the efforts. We learned 3 tricks, used the pole as support for stretches, and learned some choreography to a Prince song. It was me and about 9 other 20-something women in sweats and tank tops, mostly laughing as we skidded down the pole. I discovered that my dance training serves me well, but I can get dizzy easily. Using my hips felt very ballroom (she said rumba walk and I was all over it), but spinning around the pole was mildly reminiscent of playing on the playground.
I would totally do it again, if I could find the finances or a studio in Ohio. Oh well. Trapeze class next week!
(amusing the other ballroom folks on one of our NYC adventures,
junior year, I think.)
junior year, I think.)
on Pandora: "Rush Hour Soul" - Supergrass
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