Variations of “dirty-dancing” that can help you get fit

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Photo by Dark_Mephi’s

I’m sure you must certainly have followed one of the last four seasons of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ or one of the three seasons of ‘So you think you can Dance’. There is no doubt that dancing is a really fun way of getting in shape.

Many stars from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ have admitted to shedding a lot of weight from all the cha-cha-cha and foxtrot moves.

But ballroom-type dancing does require a partner and it’s not for everyone.

What if you’re looking for something that’s a little spicier than some of the moves that fall 2007 runner-up Melanie Brown (Scary Spice) had to offer? What are your options to staying fit via dancing while making things a little spicier … without having to rely on a dance partner?

What about exotic dancing?
While a few years ago, it would be simply wrong for most women to partake in exotic dancing classes as an after-work activity (unless this was their profession), it’s now one very popular way of staying in shape while having fun and learning a few spicy moves.
Across North America, move and more couples are installing poles in their homes and as a result they are staying home a little more often.

In most major cities in North America, you’ll find dancing schools that offer exotic dancing, pole dancing, striptease dancing and chair dancing.

It only takes one class to quickly understand why most professional exotic dancers have very fit bodies … all that pole swinging is really hard work and it forces many muscles to come to play in order to keep you suspended in mid-air. Be careful because these classes look for easier than they are, but if you stick to them … you won’t believe how much they will transform your body.

Here’s a description of some of the more popular classes of exotic dancing:

Pole dancing: Pole dancing will teach you how to build the strength and flexibility needed to do pole tricks. Don’t be fooled… this class will be hard work and be prepared to be quite soar the next day. This is a serious upper body workout that will work every single muscle in your back and your abs. On the bright side, you’ll learn how to spin, turn and climb a poll.

Exotic dancing: Think Demi Moore in the 1996 movie: Striptease. Exotic dancing classes teaches you how to execute some of the more basic moves all the way to some more complex standing, floor (you might need to bring a pair of knee pads for the first few classes) and wall moves. You’ll be working your core strength (abs), you’ll increase your flexibility and you’ll have fun. Another great reason why this workout is pretty intense is because you are executing all the moves while wearing a pair of high heels. Those Christian Louboutin or Jimmy Choo shoes will get the workout of their lives.

Chair Dancing Class: Once you’ve done a chair dancing class, you’ll never look at any chair in your home in the same way. Not only are you going to use the chair as a prop during your workout, but you’ll also learn how to dance on top of the chair. Chair dancing will help with your overall body conditioning and flexibility. If you have sensitive knees, you might need to bring a pair of knee pads for the floor work.

Striptease dancing: Think of Elizabeth (played by Kim Basinger) doing a striptease to the tune of “You can leave your hat” (performed by Joe Cocker) for John (played by Mike Rourke) in the 1986 smash movie: “9 ½ weeks”. Striptease dancing is very similar to exotic dancing, but some striptease dancing classes focus strictly on floor and wall moves.

Many of these dances are definitely a little more daring than your average hi/low aerobic class and you might feel a bit intimidated at first. If you stick to the workout, you’ll discover a whole new dimension to your body and your confidence level will simply skyrocket. You’ll walk differently and there is no doubt that your significant other will notice these changes.

Many women over 35 (and many women in their 50s) who have tried these types of dance class feel that they are far more physically challenging than they expected. The training has toned and firmed their bodies and it has given them a huge boost of self-assurance about the way they see themselves.