Can-can dancing is a fun and social way to get fit

Kimberley Hamilton tried pole fitness at Independent Pole Fitness, www.independentpoledance.co.uk
‘I was looking for a new way to keep fit so I did some research and there was a lot of information about how pole fitness was a great all-over workout and I felt if I went to a class it would be more motivational than the gym or going running. I found it difficult at first – nervous people grip the pole too tightly and it makes it harder to complete the basic moves as your whole body is tense, but as you go on you become more relaxed and it gets easier, and it’s such fun exercise! Every class challenges me and when I master something new I get a fabulous sense of achievement. Plus I’ve made some great friends and have started to see a lot more definition in my shape, particularly in my stomach and arms. We do a circuit of strength training every class, including squats, sit-ups and press-ups, which is a killer after working on the pole.
I’d definitely recommend it to anyone, there’s a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere where no one feels self-conscious. There are no dancer wannabees, everyone is in shorts and tops and there for the same reasons – to get fit, develop a new skill, make friends and have fun. There’s no dancing involved, it’s for people who want to make a real difference to their fitness and confidence and they can make that happen, they have for me.’

Rosalind Parker, 29, tried yoga at the Chaithanya Yoga School, www.chaithanyayogaschool.com.
‘I decided to take up yoga because my life was becoming quite stressful and I needed to find a balance. The atmosphere at Chaithanya Yoga School is very relaxed and everyone works at their own pace. We are given plenty of time to breathe into each posture and I saw the results straight away. I never thought I’d be able to do some of the postures, but after just a couple of months I had more stamina than ever before.
The best thing about yoga is finding all your daily tasks much more manageable and no longer struggling over decisions because your mind is calm. Also you notice how your physical alignment improves and you develop an awareness of your physical health on all levels – diet, fitness, flexibility and balance. Things that used to anger or irritate me no longer affected me because I was truly relaxed. For me it’s the best way to keep your mind and body healthy and peaceful, not only does it improve your fitness, it changes your perspective on life and opens you up to a happier and simpler way of being.’

Steven Grahame, 35, tried taekwondo at Claire Crosbie Taekwondo schools, www.clairecrosbie.co.uk.
‘The main reason I wanted to try taekwondo was to improve my fitness ¬– as a dad of two girls I decided that I wanted to get back into shape and lose some of the weight I’d gained over the years. Every session begins with an extensive warm-up consisting of stretches, star jumps, press-ups, punches and kicks, and what I like most about the training is that it’s carefully structured depending on experience and everything is built up gradually so there’s no pressure to keep up with another class member who may be more experienced. Tawkwondo exercises all my muscles, and I much prefer this type of all over workout compared to the monotony of a session at the gym – pounding away on a treadmill just isn’t me. There are also fewer tendencies to overdo it because activities are switched, so after spending 30 minutes practicing kicks, punches and blocks we then move onto patterns or some ‘tag’ sparring. The first few classes were tough as I wasn’t used to exercising, but after a few weeks I noticed a big difference in my fitness. Attending taekwondo has been a brilliant way for me to keep fit, I’ve met some new friends and my weight has started to go down, which has given me a great sense of fulfillment. I would recommend it to anyone, and as soon as my girls get bigger I’ll be sure to take them along to try a few classes and let them decide if they like it. It’s a fantastic way for them to expend some energy and it will help build their self-confidence for their years ahead.’

Natasha Welch, 30, tried can-can dancing at Polestars, www.polestars.net
‘I just wanted to try something different that would be fun and I’d been to Polestars burlesque classes before and loved them, but I was looking to burn a few more calories. I didn’t find it too difficult, only towards the end when my legs were feeling the burn, but it’s so much fun that I didn’t care by that stage! The best thing is the fact you actually learn something, and you don’t have to drag a load of friends or a dance partner, you can just turn up on your own and have fun. I had a smile on my face for days afterwards. The classes have definitely helped with my fitness, it got my heart pumping and all the different dance moves and can-can kicks really worked my legs and bottom. Girls of all shapes and sizes go, if you can get up the stairs ok then I think you can do it. I’d take can-can over the gym any day, I’m booked in for the next course and I can’t wait!’

Laura Kettle, 36, tried British Military Fitness, www.britmilfit.com
‘When I moved to London a few years ago a friend mentioned BMF, and the thought of getting fitter while being outdoors on Hampstead Heath and getting to know new people really appealed. I went on my own to the first session and I was very nervous, but was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome I received. There are so many reasons I love going to BMF; the buzz I feel physically and mentally after finishing a session, the diverse group of friends I’ve made, the socials, events and holidays. I’ve done BMF in all weather from scorching sun to snow.
My cardio level before was in serious need of improvement, and although I haven’t noticed a difference on the scales, I feel significantly more confident about my body and know that I’ve definitely firmed up and feel much healthier than before. There’s a common misconception with military fitness that you’ll be shouted at and sessions are real hell, but I’ve been supported and encouraged all the way. Bizarrely even the mud and dirt doesn’t bother me anymore, it’s quite liberating to get out of my work clothes and get muddy!’

Doreen Walton tried fencing at the London Fencing Club, www.londonfencingclub.co.uk.
‘My friend recommended fencing to me after doing a beginner’s course at the London Fencing Club. I hadn’t really tried anything like it before but thought I’d give it a go. Fencing is quite a workout, and you have to concentrate to learn the moves but it’s varied so it keeps me interested, and it’s sociable; a real mix of people do it and the teachers are great. You can either be competitive or just have fun pretending to be a musketeer!
There’s a pretty tough warm-up with all the stretching, running and lunging and I have definitely noticed a difference in my fitness since going to classes. I think anyone can do fencing – my niece does it and she’s six, and I’m in my thirties which seems to be the average in my classes.’

Caroline Teakle, 24, does hula hooping in her lunch hour. To find your nearest classes in London or to find out more visit www.hoopswhirled.com.
‘My friend showed me how to hula hoop and afterwards I didn’t want to put it down, it’s really addictive. I try to do it every lunch hour, and most days I do manage to get out in the park with my iPod in and do some hula hooping. At first I felt silly, like a worm that didn’t know what to do, but I was with a friend who had a good giggle at my efforts.
To begin with I found it difficult and I still find certain things hard, but you improve all the time, it’s fun and that’s what’s so addictive about it. As I get better I feel my muscles working more, and now I do it about five times a week from 20 to 40 minutes a day. It’s also free and a great reason to get outside!’

© Image: http://www.polestars.net