For those of you who are not interested in how my free pole dancing lessons at Break'n'Spin dance studio are going please look away now. And for those of you who are keen for an update- read on....
Long gone are the leg-warmers, head-bands and Lycra of aerobics, now all women need to get fit is a pole to dance around.
Pole dancing is the exercise craze for 2008 and Llandudno based dance studio Break’n’Spin, is one of the first in the area to support the new fitness regime.
Even Tesco is selling the Peekaboo pole-dancing kit alongside trampolines and skipping ropes on its website.
Not only are more women visiting pole-dancing clubs, but 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 enrolled on one of Zara Groves six-week beginner pole-dancing courses.
As I rummaged through my wardrobe, bravely discarding the baggy track suit bottoms in favour of the Lycra hot pants (that hadn't seen the light of day since Ibiza 1995 Jemma!), I wondered if it was wise to be seen again in public sporting such unforgiving clothing after such a long time.
Break’n’Spin is a professionally run 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, and 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 pole-dancing 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 so simple but in fact you can get quite bruised by all the clinging you do to the pole.
“One of the biggest benefits I’ve noticed in my classes is how much more confident the women get,� 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 and using the extra cash to pay off my debts.
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 one in the living room.
To book a pole-dancing course contact Zara at Break’n’Spin on: 01492 868665 or email: info@BreaknSpin.com

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