Sexy Workouts?

Cardio striptease, Cardio Go-Go, and Pole Dance classes are only a few offerings becoming mainstays at gyms around New York City and around the country. To see if it lived up to the hype (and because I hoped that sexy, sculpted arms would be a benefit) I signed up for pole dance classes last fall . . . and the results were, ehh. I wanted to say I loved it, but the truth is, I'm a striptease workout dropout. I quit after my third session. It was partially because I'm just not coordinated, partially because I would come home with HUGE bruises running up and down my shins, as if I had played as goalie in a game of soccer without protection, and partially because it all felt a little (dare I say it?) contrived. The class was all about loving yourself, and trust me, I do. And I loved that the instructor was a sexy size 14 who obviously loved—and was proud—of her body, and the ages of my classmates ranged from early twenties to late fifties, but when it came time for pole tricks, all I could feel was heart-palpitating performance anxiety. Bottom line was, I just wasn't very good. I'd attack the pole, sort of like I was tackling someone. I didn't melt, I didn't glide. And, when it came time for the fourth session, which was the first offical strip class (where we'd also learn how to do a lap dance) I realized i had had enough. I wasn't a pole kitten (which was what the instructor called us!)

In fact, the best part of the whole routine was the sexy, six-inch high heels I had to buy for the class. So what if I've only worn them around my apartment?!?!?

Still, I'm wondering, do you think these classes are just a fun, empowering way to burn calories or is ANOTHER form of pressure for women (now women not only have to have a full bikini wax, but they also should know how to do a lap dance?) For me, I just felt my sexuality pushed in a competitive sphere of wanting to be the best, but I know not all people think that. Have you taken any sexy workout type classes (burlesque, belly dancing, etc?) How was your experience?