Taster Class
Attended my Taster Class tonight, along with five other ladies, so six of us newbies in total.
Met Karla our gorgeous blonde, strong, instructor and owner of the studio. She took us through a rundown of what the different types of classes were, the term dates, and costs. A tour of the facilities followed and then we got stuck in to it.
18 Shiny new brass poles
A quick warm up followed by instructions on how to do a basic climb on to the pole. Arms up holding the pole then hooking the outside of the foot on one side of the pole while the inside of the knee of the same leg latches on to the other side of the pole and then lift... and then lift... and then lift. Yeah, no. This move did not happen for me at first. It hit me like a brick to the face... I have no upper body strength whatsoever. I thought I did, I was convinced I did but no I don't. I don't know what bold faced lies I've been telling myself but they must've been pretty darn good. I can do push ups no problems, I can lift heavyweights no problems, but I struggled to haul my arse up that pole.
By the third attempt I got it. While Karla's, our instructor's foot, was a good one meter from the floor, suspended, holding on to the pole with her thighs only, looking all goddess and strong and glamorous like. I managed hmmmm, maybe ten centimetres from the floor, squishing my thighs together for all their worth, still clutching onto the pole desperately with both hands trying not to plummet that ten centimetres back to the ground. I'm grateful for small mercies though, I didn't stick my tongue out and I didn't swear.
Yeah, ouch!
This climb was then performed with the left leg. I was a bit better this side and managed to pull off a very obvious beginner lift on to the pole, but a lift on nonetheless. Victory to me, one move achieved and that will improve over time.
A brief routine followed, which was quite easy to pick up, and just naughty enough to be enjoyable and not intimidating. Being a dancer I could do that no problem and remember the choreography just fine too.
The heels came out and we had a go at the routine with them. Not my normal high heel height, these were stripper heel height. I made sure I sat at the base of my pole to put mine on so I could teeter up on them clutching the pole to not tip over. Routine was performed successfully, not sure very sexily, but a sense of achievement settled over me.
All too soon it was over and a cool down and stretch followed. I stayed on for the next Trix class and attempted a few different climbs and lifts, different ways of gliding about the pole, and met our other instructor a gorgeous brunette called Renee.
So my first introductory class is over. The instructors were very supportive and encouraging. Not once did I feel inadequate, intimidated, or question what the hell I was doing there. These ladies gave tips and hints and did some more complicated moves for inspiration and motivation. There was talk of the bumps and marks we can expect in the coming weeks and the improvements that will happen quickly. That is the part I'm looking forward to the most. Seeing my body get stronger, my upper body in particular, and being able to lift myself easier for starters.
I have quickly typed this up tonight after class because I'm not sure my biceps and triceps will be functioning tomorrow. I will have the use of my forearms and shoulders, but that upper arm function may be gone completely. I may have to throw my arms about from my shoulders to get my hands to do anything. I already have pre-blisters forming on my fingers and palms, and a pretty decent burn down the front of my left shin. Won't take pictures unless they get really cool and brag worthy, for now they are just princess marks until I toughen up a bit more.
I cannot wait until I can go back. I think I'll do the flex class on Thursday night. Bring on August when my Level One course starts.
Wore my shorty shorts under my long pants, not ready to leg reveal yet
