So I proudly present my first new workout experience....
The Set Up:
When we (no way I was doing this class alone so of course my friend Liana came with me) entered the location we were greeted at the front desk and asked to sign a waiver (they are not responsible for stripper heel related injuries). We were then directed to one of the dance studios. There were 12 poles all strategically placed around the room so that you would not bump into anyone while you did your "fireman spin" (yea it happened). The instructor walked in and was very nice and bubbly and away we went...
We started off by doing some stretching using the pole for balance. Trust me this stretching is a must. After we were taught a basic routine broken down into 5 easy steps that we eventually put all together at the end. Starting with a very basic leg lift while turning around the pole, to a fireman spin, to some crazy sideways spinning move that I cannot remember the name to that our instuctor called, "our grande finale". There was floor crawling, body rolling, hair flipping and body feeling going on everywhere too (hands were kept to ourselves...perv).
Once we had learned the routine in pieces, it was time to put it all together. Our instructor then proceeded to turn off the lights and the disco ball that was hanging above the middle of the floor turned on and we were transported to a strip club stage in an instant.
The class was a ton of fun. This may or may not also be because Liana and I had a margarita before hand, but I think that it only added to it. The women who were in there were of all ages, shapes and sizes wearing skimpy little shorts, tops and high heels. They all fought for spots right in front so they could see themselves do the moves. You could tell that it was super empowering for them, and you know what, more power to them! I was probably the smallest person in the class and came in looking like a nun compared to these women in long spandex pants (which were rolled up to help with grip of the pole), a long sleeve shirt, and socks. I also stood directly behind the instructor where I could barely see myself. But there were no judgements. They all knew that I was new to the class and cheered me on when I did things right and helped me when I had issues.
The class was an hour long which was the perfect length, and I really did get a great sweat in! I came home and my arms had already started to feel the pain from class. It hurt to put on my pajama bottoms! I am definitely feeling it today too, and in places that I don't normally target. (I have to add I just sneezed and realized my chest and upper abdominals hurt too) I honestly have an appreciation for what pole dancers do now, not really what they do while they dance, but the athleticism they have to have and strength.
The aftermath. I think this comes with being a newbie, but I literally look like I was thrown down some stairs, at least when it comes to my left shin. I have about 4 bruises/lumps as you can see that I had to immediately ice when I came home. The back of my right leg is bruised from all the pole wrapping and my wrists have rug burns on them. Let me just say, that this should not deter you from trying out this kind of class. I did most of the damage to my left leg doing one of the spins wrong and once I did it right, ta da! No bumping into the pole. As for my wrists, same thing I was gripping the pole wrong. It all will get better with practice.
When I texted my mom this picture it went something like this:
Mom: What the H@## did you do?
Me: Umm tried to pole dance.
Mom: OMG!! lol Don't quit your day job :)
Me: I will never be able to be a stripper, so you can rest easy
Mom: I will be able to sleep tonight with that new found knowledge. Thanks sweetie! Keep icing...
Overall, I definitely recommend you try this out, especially with some good girl friends! Thanks for coming with me Liana!