When comedian Chris Rock’s daughter was born, he claimed that his primary goal as a dad was going to be “keeping her off the (stripper) pole.” And I certainly agree, to an extent. I mean, I think all of us who have daughters can agree that we are not aiming to raise happy and well-adjusted strippers.
But for me, long past my formative years and as a busy mother of 4, pole dancing has become a form of therapy. That’s right, I am admitting it. I have taken up pole dancing.
I can almost hear the sound of our customers freaking out right now. But bear with me. Pole dancing is a form of exercise. I take class at a studio called S-Factor in Manhattan, where I get my butt kicked for 2 hours every week. I am using muscles I never even knew I had, especially in my upper body where women traditionally do not have as much strength. And it is totally G-rated. Ok, maybe PG-13.
More importantly, these classes, which cater to women of all ages, shapes, and sizes, make me feel like the old me again. When I swing around that pole I feel sexy and free and powerful. Best of all, there are no men allowed, so you get to experience the freedom of dancing for yourself, not for anyone else. You choose whether you want to show your partner your moves (or not).
Taking pole class has been a life-changing experience, both physically and mentally. It’s a form of therapy because during those 2 hours, you forget about everything else and lose yourself in the dark room, pulsating music, and of course the dance moves. It’s meditative and active at the same time. It’s so much fun that you forget you are (literally) working your butt off. For me, it’s 2 of the best hours of my week.
What about you? Do you have a hobby or class that you lose yourself in? Please share with us!
A few notes:
- I am grateful to my friend Heidi for introducing me to S Factor.
- If you are interested in learning more about S-Factor, here is their web site.
- S Factor did not pay me to write this.
Yeahhh! I am so glad that you are taking classes! I agree completely with you – I take this class JUST FOR ME. Nobody else. It is liberating. It is empowering. It is meditative, clears my mind and that 2 hours a week is a gift that I give myself. Women’s bodies are round, curvy and organic – this workout was designed for all the S curves that a woman has. There is no hard pounding on your knees and you will rarely get an injury from this workout. It builds muscles you didn’t know you have. It makes me a better mama, a better wife, but more importantly, I do it for myself. Because mothers tend to slip into martyrdom where they do for everyone but themselves. Give yourselves all a treat and sign up for an intro class. Your life will never be the same, I promise you that! Let’s get more momAgenda moms up on the pole!
I am wondering if my blog post will be posted re my disgust in your ‘wall of shame’ post – I challenge you to walk the talk!
I have been wanting to take pole dancing lessons! Glad to hear that other moms are interested.