Pole dancing isn't just for strippers anymore.
This summer, the management at VisionFit gym on Burbank Boulevard brought the provocative skill down to earth and out of the gentlemen's club with drop-in pole dancing classes.
Intro to Pole is part of a new set of exercises at the gym called Group X, which includes chaos cardio class, Anusara-style yoga and old-school calisthenics for men only.
The classes are all part of the gym's new effort to be more friendly to the exerciser who may not want a heavy regime of pumping iron, said Abbie Britton, a trainer at the gym.
"One of the reasons we brought pole [dancing] in here is the gym has a reputation for being a really serious training gym," Britton said.
Most of the people who frequent the barbell and treadmill side of VisionFit are looking to lift, run and squat their way into shape, not connect with their femininity or increase confidence.
The introductory and advanced pole dancing classes are tailor-made and taught by Antonia Crane, a 15-year veteran of exotic dancing, and Caryn Lindsey, a lifelong dancer and Crane's protégé.
Lindsey teaches the beginners.
"Those are my favorite students," Lindsey said. "Those are the ones who have never seen a pole or touched a pole."
The duo, deemed Team Redhead for their matching fiery manes, make it their business to get timid and inexperienced students familiar with their slim, silver dance partner right off the bat.
"It's really fun to get them over the fear," Crane said.
After getting comfortable with the pole, students can then begin working on swing, climbing, flipping and dancing on and around it, all in an effort to get tighter abs, trimmer arms and a stronger upper body altogether.
"You become more and more aware of your body," she said.
"Everyone is always amazed at how great they look."
Karen Kasubo has been taking pole dancing classes from Team Redhead for about a year and said it has improved her body, mind and spirit.
"They're really great," Kasubo said. "Because, for me, it's about expression, and they really give you so much freedom."
The workout aspect of pole dancing also appealed to Kasubo, who said it was like exercising without knowing it.
"You can take it as far as you want," she said.
"Climbing up the pole, flipping upside-down. I've noticed the difference from when I started. I think you can get a really great workout without really realizing."
