Pole Dancing: A Fitness Adventure

When planning my recent trip to Miami, my initial research involved looking for a zumba class. Since I am such a zumba fanatic, and zumba started in Miami, I knew that I had to experience at least one class. I found a reasonably priced class that was within walking distance of my hotel, and it was located in a pole dance studio. I thought that this was curious, and called before my trip to make certain that there was indeed a zumba class there. The receptionist verified that there was. I then decided to try a pole dance class and a zumba class.

When I arrived at the studio, I was told that either a basic pole class, or a pole fitness class would be appropriate for a beginner like myself. I decided on the pole fitness, but thought that I might come back later in the day for the basic pole, followed by the zumba class. The pole dance studio was pretty much what I expected - poles, mirrors, and dimmed lighting. Interestingly, there was a sign posted that said that inappropriate clothing would not be tolerated! Their website had said that participants should wear short shorts and a tank top. I had gone to a cheap beachwear store and purchased those. But after reading the sign about inappropriate clothing, I worried that perhaps staff would think that mini shorts and a tank top would be indecent clothing for a 64 year old woman!

The instructor introduced herself as Svetlana, and she was a young, petite woman with a Russian accent. Class participants were 3 twenty-somethings, all in incredible shape. I was definitely the "elder" in the class, but honestly did not feel that Svetlana held this against me. In fact, I think that she saw me as a challenge, and would try to help me with various moves. I began to realize pretty soon that pole dancing requires excellent core strength. We started out by doing a number of planks, push-ups, and crunches. Fortunately, I go to a regular core class, or I would have probably collapsed after the first five minutes. But I will admit that I was pretty winded. Squats are apparently another fitness necessity for pole dancers, and we must have done at least a hundred of them - seriously! These were done while holding onto the pole, and squatting as low as possible. My inner thighs were beginning to burn, but I did survive. We also used the pole to hold onto while we did side stretches for the waist.

I was feeling pretty good at this point because I managed to do everything asked of me. But then Svetlana threw in a move that I knew I wasn't going to like: a headstand with legs wrapped around the pole. Headstands are one thing that I avoid in life - I always skip those in my yoga class. It is a fear I will injure my neck and be incapacitated. I told Svetlana that I didn't think my doing a headstand  was a good idea but she insisted that she would help me. She did, and there I was, on my head with my legs around the pole! But then panic set in: how was I going to get down without breaking my neck? Fortunately, Svetlana sensed my panic and helped me get down. But then she wanted me to do another one! She insisted that I was strong enough, but I told her I would skip the second. At the end of the class, I was pretty exhausted, and decided to skip the basic pole and instead go to brunch for bacon and waffles! I did however, return later in the day for the zumba class that I was searching for to begin with. It was a great, energetic class led by a young man named Alex, and it lived up to my expectation of a class in the city where zumba was born.

I will say that I am very glad that I did the pole dance class, for several reasons. For one thing, it was challenging but fun! Secondly, it made me appreciate the intense conditioning that pole dancers go though in order to do their jobs! Finally, I was forced to accept the stern reality that pole dancing would not be my retirement career! I will say that if I ever have the opportunity to see a pole dancer standing on her head with her legs around the pole, I will give her a $20 bill!

Solo in South Beach

Last week I took a trip to South Beach, Miami. This trip was significant for me, as I had wanted to return to Miami beach since Rich and I had traveled there 6 years ago. (I actually traveled through Miami as a teenager with my family, but we didn't get out of the car). Miami was amazing to me, filled with color, excitement, and tall buildings. I had never taken a trip alone, and this was the perfect opportunity, since Rich was going skiing  with his buddies. I was hoping to take in the beach, enjoy the culinary treats, do some dancing, and take a zumba class. So after a little online research and planning, off I went on my three day solo excursion!

One thing that I learned from my last Miami trip was that I wanted to stay in the Art Deco District. Hotels in this are known for their striking pastel colors, and lobbies with cool antique furniture. Most of the hotels in this area were built in the twenties through the forties. The Hotel Viscay, where I stayed, was in the heart of the Deco district, with a short stroll to the beach, and equally short walk to the restaurants and nightclubs. There were a lot of people mixed with a lot of cars, but I was pleasantly surprised at how pedestrian friendly the traffic was, compared to other American cities. Cars really did stop at the crosswalks!

I was looking forward to eating some good food in Miami, including Cuban fare, seafood, and desserts. As soon as I arrived, I stopped at a little Cuban cafe called Puerto Sagua, that I had read about on Trip Adviser. Just about 3 blocks from my hotel, this place lived up to its 4 plus rating, with traditional shredded beef and fried plantains. Diners and servers were primarily Spanish speaking locals, who were enjoying the authentic fare. Breakfast and brunch are favorites for me when I am on vacation, so I devoured Belgian waffles and eggs at the Orange Blossom Cafe. Brunch seems to be popular in South Beach, with a number of restaurants serving all day breakfast. Finally, for my dessert craving, I decided to look for a Key Lime pie. I read that Grillfish on Collins Ave. had one of the best in town, so I stopped here at tea time (3:00 pm) for a slice of key lime pie and tea. The pie was wonderful, and the portion generous, so that I was able to take part of it back to my room to enjoy later!

Even though the temperatures were a little cooler than normal, walking on the beach was still a pleasure. The sunshine and blue skies of South Beach made it seem warmer than the 66 degree thermometer reading. The bright and funky lifeguard stands still fascinate me and added to the ambience of the peaceful beach atmosphere. An alternative to the beach walk is a paved path where walkers, bicyclists, and skateboarders abound.

One of my must do's for my trip was to find a good place to participate in salsa dancing. I did online research, and thought that I had found a couple of places. But alas, this was one disappointment in South Beach. There were places to listen to DJ pop playlists at bars, but no places I saw where people were actually dancing. I did enjoy Latin music and professional performers at Mango, right in the heart of Ocean Blvd. I listened to the music, liked the dance numbers and sipped my margarita. And who can criticize a nightclub where men on stage take off their shirts and where a Michael Jackson impersonator does an awesome routine? On my next trip, I will venture into the city to Little Havana, as my cab driver on my departure told me there is definitely salsa dancing there!

My first trip alone had several standout activities. One was my first pole dancing class, which will be discussed on another day in this blog. Another was watching Super Bowl at the Shelley Hotel lounge. I had considered watching the big game alone, as I was rather tired after my first day of walking and exploring. But I am glad that I decided to watch the game at the Shelley. The bartender was great, giving us free Kahlua shots in the second half. The bar patrons were mostly Panthers fans, which was fortunate for me, even though the game's outcome was disappointing. But the best part was the cultural diversity here, with Latinos, African Americans, and Asians all watching the game together. And they were young. (except for me, of course). The youth and energy of South Beach are probably what I appreciate the most. I will be back!!