Pole dancing: pole dancing provides a high-intensity workout while teaching a few tricks for the bedroom

"It's challenging," Comana says of pole dancing. "Think about it. If you are not in good shape and you're trying to sustain a position upside down, you could hurt yourself. Some people are doing this in bikinis and high heels, which can be dangerous. It should be done in workout clothing, preferably shorts, which allows skin to contact the pole and gives it some traction to prevent you from slipping and falling."

If women want to try something sexy, the American Council on Exercise recommends Urban Striptease, a low-impact sexy workout, Comana says. "It's sexy, but you don't run the risk of injuring yourself. Pole dancing is good for people in good shape. It requires a lot of muscle strength and endurance to hold certain positions."

Knee and Kyhill both contend that their classes are geared toward fitness and ease women into the so-called tricks of the trade. Both studios encourage women to workout in exercise clothes.

"At S Factor, there are no mirrors," Kyhill says. "Women dance by candlelight. The enthusiasm is palpable. It's an awesome environment that you don't find in other regular exercise classes. We have fun, and we really work out."

tricks of the trade

* Do not try this without the supervision of an instructor.

[] Descending Goddess

Stand with your left hand on the pole. Place your left foot in front of the right, on "Barbie Feet"--tiptoes--which will help your posture and strengthen your calves, Slide your hand down the pole as you sit, reaching your rear end as if sitting on a chair. Move slowly to work your quads, making sure to keep your knees and feet aligned. When your legs have reached a 90-degree angle, throw your head back to arch your back. Then use your chest muscles to rise back up, lifting your head last.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

works you:

[check] quads

[check] glutes

[check] chest

[check] back

Pole dancing is not the only sexy workout class. Check out these Flirty Girl Fitness classes too:

* Lap dancing

* Video vixen

* Hottie body boxing

* Burlesque

* Chair striptease

* For more information about pole dancing and classes in your area, check out these Web sites:

flirtygirlfitness.com sfactor.com urbanstriptease.com

* For books and a DVD, check out:

* The Complete Idiot's Guide to Exotic and Pole Dancing Illustrated (Complete Idiots Guide to) by Wendy Reardon, (Alpha, $24.95)

* Carmen Electra s Aerobic Striptease-In the Bedroom (Paramount Studio, $16.99)

* The S Factor: Strip Workouts for Every Woman by Sheila Kelly (Workman, $15,95)

Available at www.Amazon.com

COPYRIGHT 2008 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning