Spin Yourself Fit

Pole Fitness offers a fun and fabulous way to get in shape

You can expect raised eyebrows if you tell anyone that you are going to a pole dancing class. Unlike aerobics or spinning, pole dancing is a fitness activity that has a reputation for being more sexy than sporty. Generally associated with the late night world of gentlemen’s clubs, pole dancing is not an activity I thought I would try - and certainly not for work. But here I am, in the Pole Fitness studio at the Active4Less gym on Newmarket Road, Cambridge, ready to learn some tricks that are usually associated with the lapdancing trade. 

A few minutes before the class, I meet professional dancer Amy Peachey, who set up Pole Fitness in February 2007. An extremely experienced dancer, Amy began dance training at the age of five and started pole dancing seven years ago. “I want to change the perceptions people have of pole dancing,” says Amy. “Our classes are all about keeping fit, learning something new and most importantly, having fun.”

The 90-minute Pole Fitness class begins with a warm-up session, including sit-ups and press-ups, which I just about manage. Next, instructor Haley gives us a demonstration of the ‘swan spin’, which looks just as elegant and graceful as it sounds - when Haley does it. I soon realise that pole dancing is a lot harder than it looks. Firstly, it requires a basic level of co-ordination and some semblance of upper body strength, which makes me wish I had put in a bit more effort at the gym. My first few attempts at the ‘swan spin’ look more like an elephant falling out of a tree. 

Fortunately, Amy and Haley have endless amounts of patience and are still smiling after my tenth attempt to master the ‘backwards’ bit of the ‘backwards spin’. “We’re not trying to train professional dancers,” says Amy. “We just want to help people gain in confidence and enjoy themselves while improving their fitness at the same time.” 

Since 2007, Pole Fitness has become hugely popular among women (and men) of all different ages and fitness levels in Cambridge. Amy now offers six classes a week at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, allowing you to progress at your own pace. Each course lasts for eight weeks and there are new courses starting all the time, so you will never have to wait more than a few weeks to start. “Pole dancing is a great activity for toning and flexibility,” says Amy. “It will make a big difference to your shoulders, upper arms, chest, stomach, glutes and inner thighs.”

Once you have progressed to week four of the beginner’s course, you can also take part in the new Saturday afternoon ‘tricks workshops’; these give you a chance to practice any tricks and spins you have been struggling with in the classes.  The tricks workshops are also an opportunity to get a more intense workout and learn how to put your moves together as part of a calorie-burning routine. If you’re planning a hen party or birthday party this summer, you might be interested to hear that Pole Fitness offers pole parties for groups of up to 15 people on Saturdays. “A pole dancing class is a great activity for a hen weekend or birthday party,” says Amy. “By the end of the class, you will have learnt a fun, flirty routine which will get you in the mood for a great night out.”

At the end of the class, I leave the studio feeling a little battered and bruised, but I’ve had a good time. I’ve got seven weeks to go, so who knows, I might be able to master the swan spin as it is supposed to be. It may not be easy, but pole dancing is a lot more fun than any other fitness class I’ve been to, and hey, a girl can never have too many strings to her bow. Pole Fitness also offers taster sessions for just £10, which is refundable when you book a course. 

For more information, call Amy Peachey on 07810 863253. 

 

Course Timetable

All courses last 8 weeks and cost £150

Mondays 8.15pm-9.45pm Intermediate/advanced*

Tuesdays  8pm-8.30pm Beginners

Wednesdays 8pm-9.30pm Beginners

Thursdays 8pm-9.30pm Beginners

Fridays 6.30pm-8.00pm Intermediate/advanced*

Saturdays 1pm-2.30pm Private bookings (eg hen parties, birthday parties)

Saturdays 3pm-4.30pm Tricks workshop

*Alternating 8-week courses