This may come as a complete shock.
You know those pole dance fitness classes? Not everyone is there purely to get in shape.
I know this because the co-owner and instructor explicitly tells me so. And because I’m not there purely to get in shape.
“I don’t think anyone does it just for fitness,” says Maureen Metzger, the co-owner of Blush who is leading me in hip and butt stretches using the dancer’s pole. “You could just go to the gym if that’s all you wanted.”
“There is a mystique and fantasy aspect,” adds DJ Hamilton, the other co-owner and instructor. “And we don’t even know we’re exercising. That’s the best part.”
Both emphasized that women of all shapes, sizes and ages come in for their classes “for fun and fitness.” But does it actually provide a workout? Is it more than just a fad? I couldn’t look myself in the (wall-to-wall) mirror until I answered those questions for myself.
For obvious reasons, guys wouldn’t normally be allowed to sign up for Blush’s four-week class. Though DJ and Maureen say men ask to take the class from time to time, it’s strictly for the gals.
“You’re going to leave here feeling so feminine and sexy,” Maureen tells me.
After squats, stretching and push-ups on the pole, I’m given instructions to practice my sexy walk. This is something I’ve never attempted before. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and I look like a constipated duck.
“Maybe he’s not ready to be a pole dancer,” Maureen says, looking rather mortified.
Next up is a series of twists, twirls and pirouettes. I arch my back, thrust out my chest, wiggle my butt and generally attempt to channel my seductive side. Using correct form, of course.
Do they really have full classes of women practicing exotic dancer moves? Do they get embarrassed? Like I am right now?
“We do hear a lot of giggles,” Maureen says. “But you’re too busy focusing on what you’re doing to worry about anyone else.”
“We get a lot of ladies night groups who come here before going out,” DJ says.
Without a doubt, pole dancing provides a workout for whatever your comfort level. I try a few advanced moves like The Fireman, which requires good core and upper body strength. I definitely feel it in my arms and abs the next day. You can see my attempts at picking up a few moves here.
Maybe I should have saved this column for Valentine’s Day. But there’s even a better reason to learn about this class right now: October is breast cancer awareness month.
DJ and Maureen are both cancer survivors. DJ beat melanoma in 2001 and Maureen had a double mastectomy last year while overcoming breast cancer. They know firsthand that fighting such an illness can not only drain all your physical, mental and emotional reserves, it can steal your feeling of sexiness.
More than anything, that is what they want to give back to their students.
“I realized that sexiness doesn’t come from your body,” Maureen said. “It comes from your attitude.”
Blush will be offering a free pole dance class at Sprecher Brewery’s Ladies Night on Monday, Oct. 27, from 6-7 p.m. For more information about the classes visit www.letmemakeyoublush.com.
