Locals Pole Dancing For Fitness

12/12/2012 (Updated 6:57:21 PM)

VESTAL -- Most people go to a traditional gym like this one to get in shape.  but some local ladies are using a decidedly different method.

"A lot of people when you tell them you do pole dancing for exercise, they kind of look at you a little funny," said student Samantha Solo.

Samantha has been taking pole dancing classes at TC Pole Dancing in Vestal since the studio opened in July.

"It's me getting a really good workout with just girls in the class," said Solo.

Owner Sasha Lettz says pole dancing for fitness is a growing trend in big cities, and when she couldn't find a studio here, she started her own.

"I was looking to tone my body more.  I've had kids and I just wanted a fun exercise that wasn't going to the gym," said owner Sasha Letts.

The dancers say the exercise is good for your whole body.

"You tone your arms, your legs, your core," said Letts.

"I'm sore pretty much head to toe when I leave this class," said Solo.

And it is not only for physical benefits.

"It has helped my self-image, just being more comfortable with myself, around a whole bunch of other girls.  and no one judges anybody," said Solo.

"They're having fun, talking, laughing, it's not a total strict class like 'you can't talk just do the exercise,'" said Letts.

An increasing number of women have been coming to the studio since it opened. There are up to 10 people in each class, held twice a day, Monday through Saturday.

Samantha McDonald, Fox 40 News.

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