Exercise Classes in Japan: Pole Dance Edition

I love staying active and trying all kinds of classes, but in Japan it is a bit harder for me to pursue different kinds of exercises because the prices are higher than I am used to. I can't even swallow the gym membership prices, hence I don't go to one in Japan. However, I still really enjoy taking different classes. (Even if they break my wallet a bit...)

This is the studio I went to in Nagoya! I highly recommend them!

One of my friends mentioned trying a pole dance fitness classes about a year ago, and it lingered on my mind for a while. Last week, I finally decided to try it! 

There is only one studio I was able to find in Nagoya that has pole dance. It is still not as popular in Japan compared to other countries, but there are still quite a few people that take classes. I think part of the reason it is not as popular is because Japan is still very conservative and pole dancing is not. It is basically the complete opposite! Plus, pole dancing creates muscles and Japanese girls, in general, still don't really like that kind of appearance. Slim with no muscles is still the desired look here. 

This being said, I was able to easily convince one of my Japanese friends to go with me! It was a lot of fun! Not only did it get us moving, but it was nice to be in a relaxing space. In the studio, we got to become different people and not care what people think. In Japan, I feel pretty self conscious about myself, especially because Japanese women are always very conservative and careful about their appearance. Yet, all of the other students and instructors shed that personality when they walk into the studio. It was refreshing.

The pole dancing itself was pretty physically challenging as well. Not only did is require me to use flexibility and rhythm to dance, but it required strength to actually climb up the pole and keep myself there. Needless to say, both I and my friend were very very sore the next day! 

My entire experience was a very positive one, and it makes me excited to try a variety of exercise classes in Japan to experience new things and to of course challenge my body and my mind. 

What exercise classes have you tried in Japan? What was your experience like?