Latest fitness technique helps strip off the pounds

By Tami Althoff

Published: November 5, 2005

EDMOND - It once was reserved for adult establishments most wouldn't admit to frequenting. But lately, exotic pole dancing is turning up in some unlikely places.

Edmond women are finding they can firm up their bodies while reconnecting with their femininity in pole aerobics classes like the ones offered at Nothing But Class, 3209 S Broadway in Edmond. Class sizes range from 10 to 20 women, depending on the time of day.

"When I leave, I feel special," said Debra Hyde of Oklahoma City. Hyde has been taking the class for about two months. "In today's world, your femininity gets zapped. Here, it gets renewed. You don't feel sleazy. You feel sensual."

Nothing But Class offers alternative exercise classes for women. Owner Laura Rahhal said she was compelled to open the "no testosterone" facility to give women a place for fellowship while getting fit.

"We want to make fitness fun. Women are social, and we enjoy each others' company," she said. "Because it's all women, we can talk about things up here you can't talk about at other fitness centers. This place lets you work out with friends and make new friends."

Rahhal served as director of graduate admissions at Oklahoma City University for 15 years before opening Nothing But Class in August. She is in the process of trademarking the term "pole aerobics," a program she created based on actress Sheila Kelley's S Factor Workout. Kelley's workouts are popular among actresses and other women on the West Coast, Rahhal said.

"I got the idea we could take it a step further and make it legitimate exercise. We eliminated some of the swings and modified other moves to ensure women are getting a good workout," Rahhal said. "For example, we don't teach them to go upside down on the pole, because there is no need to aerobically. We wanted to modify the pole so any woman could take the class."

Pole aerobics isn't the only class that lends itself to props. Feather boas are used during the cardio striptease class, a high-energy aerobics class that lets members slither and strut their way to a better body. In belly dancing, hip scarves are provided. Other classes offered include yoga, Pilates, body sculpting, rebounder circuit training and a variety of dance classes. In all, the center offers 42 classes per week.

Rahhal said since so many are classes women haven't seen anywhere else, new members usually try each one in the beginning.

"Ultimately, they settle on one or two they really like," she said.

Hyde enjoys the good workout she gets in the pole aerobics class, but lately she's been getting into belly dancing.

"I really feel like a lady when I do that class," she said. "It's got so much mystique. I just feel like a princess."

Hyde said not only have the classes been good for her self-esteem, they've also improved her marriage.

"My husband always asks me how many times I've been to the gym each week," Hyde said. "When I come home and he sees that I feel good about myself, he really encourages me. Sometimes I'll come here two or three times a day."

Carreybeth Lehew is a pole aerobics instructor at the fitness center. When Rahhal first approached her about teaching the class, it was her husband who proved to be the motivating factor.

"He was screaming, 'Say yes, say yes,'" she said.

Rahhal said in addition to hearing the positive comments from members' spouses, she enjoys watching the women transform -- body, mind, soul and spirit.

"They look better, they feel better, they have more confidence," Rahhal said. "Some of our members haven't had happy experiences at gyms for whatever reason. Here, all you have to do is show up."

Hyde said no one should be afraid to try out the classes.

"The women that come here are stay-at-home moms and working women, young and old, all shapes and sizes," she said. "When you come here, you forget about what makes you insecure. It restores you."