(A frightening) five years ago I wrote this tongue-in-cheek post about my foray into Burlesque dance classes.

I was doing a bit of exercise at the time but keen for something different. I only did the one term and eventually went on to get fitter, healthier and more energetic. Indeed, by late 2012 I was going to classes at the gym 4-5 times a week with faux Zumba (ie. more Nicki Minaj, Timomatic and twerking than Latin music and salsa…) being my absolute fave. 

Then I finished work and moved. And gradually stopped exercising (#accidentally #sortof).

I initially walked (but felt like it wasn’t enough) so went to real Zumba and tried some local gyms (including a Bokwa class). However, the motivation and routine I’d built disappeared and I found nothing that I really enjoyed. By the end of 2013 I was doing the occasional yoga class and little else. (And had gained 20kg!)

Sadly walking is even a challenge for me now as I get shin splints and a sore back, but I’ve started Weight Watchers so am now trying to do some short walks. I’m hoping that once I drop some weight I’ll feel more agile (lighter – literally) and walking will be easier. And then… I can move onto higher impact activities that I enjoy (assuming I can find any in my not-so-new hometown!).

In the interim however I’m still looking for activities which are about more than exercise. About more than fitness. For me it needs to be fun! So… again I’m thinking about burlesque dance classes.

However this time around I’m far more nervous. I’m much heavier than I was last time for a start. Like… LOTS heavier and WAY unfitter (and yes, I know that’s actually not a word 😉 ).

On top of that the local classes are offered via a local pole dancing school, so I’m a tad worried that my old uniform of sneakers, baggy t-shirt and leggings will be even more out-of-place, if there are heels involved.

Indeed, the cautious control freak in me has sent an email to the instructor about the class so I can make an informed decision either way. (Of course that *could* just be me looking for an excuse to decide against it!)

Why burlesque classes?

in the meantime however, in case you’re wondering why I’m considering burlesque classes, it’s cos I like the idea of:

• A bit of exercise – cos I’m getting basically none other than a couple of short 15-30min weekly walks! And on Weight Watchers you can earn activity points from, well… activity!
• An opportunity to meet some new people, even if everyone is half my age!
• Something to get me out and about during the week
• Something a bit dancey that’s not latin-based (and there’s nothing else locally. Well, except Bokwa, but…)
• Fun, cos we all need more of that.

Anyhoo…  now that I’ve blogged about it I’m kinda locked-in to doing something, so… wish me luck and I’m sure I’ll share tales of my exploits.

Have you tried something a *bit* outside of your comfort zone?
Would you try burlesque?

Linking up with Jess and the IBOTers today!