POLE DANCING

Put your preconceptions aside – pole dancing is fun, not necessarily sleazy. Your body confidence can be at an all-time low post-pregnancy, and Natasha Williams of Bodymind Studios believes that pole dancing is the ideal way to get in touch with, and love, your body again. “It’s quite a workout, but because you’re having so much fun you don’t really notice it,” says Natasha.

WHAT DOES A CLASS LOOK LIKE?

Each 45-minute class starts with an aerobic warm up, and then an instructor teaches a few moves, ending the class by putting the moves together to form a routine around a pole. “At the end of each class you are able to perform a routine to the music,” says Williams.

THE BENEFITS

Classes target your core and upper body strength. “While it builds strength, it’s also a great cardio workout. Because you are building muscle so fast, you burn fat quicker. At the gym you may be lifting a 2kg bar – but at pole dancing you are lifting your entire body weight,” says Natasha. While losing weight and toning might be your initial goal, Natasha says regaining body confidence – and feeling sexy again – is even more exciting. “It’s about learning to stand up straight and move gracefully and sensually,” she says.

NEED TO KNOW

You can bring your baby along to the class, “but most moms choose to use it as me-time,” says Natasha. Start off slowly with two classes a week (R490 per month) or jump right in with four classes (R610 a month). Email natasha@bodymind.co.za for details. There are studios in Boskruin, Rivonia and Fairlands in Gauteng.