The idea of a woman pole dancing has long been thought of as something dirty. Something that you do behind closed doors. This idea is rapidly changing. Pole dancing is starting to become a liberating exercise across much of North America. The pole is something that is moving from the strip clubs to the gyms and to the homes of families. This type of exercise does not discriminate against any body-type or against any background. Anybody can do it, as long as they are able to rap their minds around the fact that it is not dirty or degrading. It’s actually fun.

I recently finished the first level at a local studio. I went with a couple of my friends. We had been batting around the idea for quite a while because of the sexual connotations behind it. I started the process and we went and did it.

We walked into the first class not knowing what to expect. The atmosphere was inviting, even though the walls were covered in mirrors. There was a positive energy in the studio. Everybody was smiling and having a good time. Then a women in knee high “hooker” boots hung upside down from the pole, using just her ankles for support. Wow. I want to be able to do that.

Then class actually started. The first move you learn is how to do a hip circle. (Kick your hip out to the right, swing around back while breathing in, move left to right across the front while breathing out, repeat slowly.) The next thing that needs to happen is for your hands to wonder on your own body. This was the weirdest part. Society says that we shouldn’t touch ourselves like that. It felt so awkward. After 6 weeks, it felt perfectly natural. You would be amazed at what this one move can do for your self confidence.

Then there are variations on push-ups, all meant to work different muscles in your upper body. Ab work. Leg work. A lot of stretching. After 6 weeks, I have muscle definition, some stamina, and I can easily reach my own toes.

Then comes the pole. You can just dance, using the pole as a prop (something to lean on or rest your hand on) or to do spins. Everybody wants to do spins but learning to dance around it is half the challenge as well. It building grace and body awareness. Without these factors, the spins would be impossible.

After our last class was finished at the end of November, I was so sad that I was going to have to wait till the beginning of January before I could start the next level. But I’m looking forward to it and can’t wait. By level 3 I get to get my own pair of “hooker” boots.

Every women should try pole dancing. It’s fun. It’s liberating. You can do it at any age and at any shape. You’ll be impressed by how much you loose, how much you tone your muscles, and how much you increase your flexibility. You will also be surprised at how addictive it is. Plus, you can always use it as a secret weapon against the men in your life. Pull out a few moves and he’ll just about beg to do the chores.