Pole dancing is the latest craze for keeping fit

Mar 14 2008 By Samantha Castle

POLE dancing is the exercise craze for 2008 and Llandudno dance studio Break ’n’ Spin is one of the first in the area to support the new fitness regime.

Long gone are the leg warmers, head bands and Lycra of aerobics, now all women need to get fit is a pole to dance round!

Even a national supermarket is selling the Peekaboo pole dancing kit alongside trampolines and skipping ropes on its website.

Not only are more women visiting pole dancing clubs, many are also doing it themselves. If actress and fashion designer Sadie Frost and model Kate Moss can do it, then so can I, so I jumped at the chance to enrol on one of Zara Groves’ six- week beginner courses.

Break ’n’ Spin is a dance studio offering classes to those looking to either build confidence, tone up, spice up their private lives or just satisfy a curiosity.

Arriving at the secluded Bridge Street venue, half expecting to find a bar full of super-toned leggy models, I was pleasantly surprised to find a whole range of friendly faces of varying shapes, sizes and ages buzzing off a collective air of giggly excitement and fear of the unknown.

After just half an hour the atmosphere had warmed up considerably and after being taught the basic combinations, we took it in turns to try them out.

Fitness instructor Zara Groves is determined to change all preconceived ideas and her classes are going down a storm.

She said: "What people tend not to realise is that it’s a fantastic form of exercise, it strengthens every muscle in the body and improves flexibility.

"It’s a form of art like ballet and gymnastics. Another benefit is that it teaches the person to be more graceful and confident. It’s a lot more difficult than people realise. Professionals make it look simple but you can get quite bruised by all the clinging you do," said Zara.

After just one session of bumping and grinding, my thighs and arms were begging for forgiveness (a feeling akin to an intense strength workout down the gym). With my new-found skills and confidence, I was harbouring thoughts of moonlighting as a professional!

Approachable, well-trained instructors with a great sense of humour and down-to- earth quality, combined with a friendly "up for it" group, all added to a fun experience and one worth repeating. Advanced lessons are also available.

All I need to do now is persuade my landlord to let me erect a pole in my living room!

To book a course contact Zara at Break ’n’ Spin on 01492 868665 or mail info@BreaknSpin.com

Read Samantha Castle’s Penny Pinching blog at www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/blogs