Wrap Yourself Around Pole Fitness

Jen, an instructor at Elemental Studios Photo: Sarah Oswald

You might not think of pole dancing as a workout, but it is. And just because it's called pole dancing doesn't mean it always happens late at night in strip joints. Let's just call it pole fitness. That's what Sarah Oswald, owner of Elemental Studios in Plantation, Fla., calls it -- it helps separate the exercise from the whole strip club thing, she says.

Oswald knows firsthand how powerful pole fitness can be. She stumbled upon an introductory class five years ago, and she quickly got hooked -- and fit. Now she witnesses regular women (like moms, teachers, lawyers, librarians and accountants) transform their bodies and minds in her studio, where two-hour classes are the norm, and flexibility, strong bodies and self-discovery are the goals.

If you're out for a workout that nurtures your soul, this might be the sport for you. "Our belief is that our students should always be treated as we would want to be treated," she Oswald. "That means celebrating birthdays and special events and being there for them when things are just not going right. Every week at the beginning of our warm ups, we go around the room to share the successes of the week and during our dancing, if the emotions become too overwhelming, the group gathers together to comfort and listen."

Photo: elementaldancestudios.com

Oswald wants her clients to feel sexy too, and she believes a little practice on the pole can help women embrace their sensuality and learn to appreciate, maybe for the first time, the beautiful curves of their bodies. "The healing power of sexy," she calls it, and everything from comfy couches to relaxing scents in her studio help set the tone for an emotional experience.

If you're tempted to give the pole a try, you'll want to do some research to find a studio that suits your needs -- do you simply want a workout, or do you like fitness plus a dose of serenity? You should also investigate classes to make sure they're based on a solid curriculum that puts safety first. You don't want a program that teaches advanced moves to beginning students, for example. And if you ever land in Florida, stop in at Elemental Studios, where you can join a $10 introductory class, or you can book a group experience with six or more of your friends.