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Dusty Gilbert

Lifestyles Editor for BizRadio Network & Editor for skirt! Houston

Dusty Gilbert is an International Studies Graduate from the University of St. Thomas. With professional experience in print publications, the non-profit sector, website development, and the real estate industry, she is currently a writer, a local columnist, Editor of skirt! Houston Online and the...

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Striptease

Dusty Gilbert

In high school, Demi Moore grabbed my attention in her role for the film, Striptease. While being an exotic dancer was never my personal calling, that muscle tone has totally been an aspiration! I remember asking my mom, a lifelong fitness nut, how on earth Demi achieved such a femininely strong and sexy physique. Was she a bow-flex gal? Did she spend millions of dollars on some personal trainer for the stars? Was she naturally inclined with an endless supply of self-control and motivation? Whether your muse is Demi, Jami Lee Curtis in True Lies or any of the others, are these Tinsel Town bodies actually obtainable by regular women? My mom, a former aerobics and fitness trainer, has always preached the importance of exercise in life, not just for looks but for energy, self-esteem, health and clarity. A self-proclaimed addict of People magazine, she also revealed to me that Demi had prepped her body and her character by going directly to the source, exotic dancers.

Well, about a year ago, I learned that Houston, our increasingly cosmo city, was one of the few lucky locales to host an actual S Factor studio. For those a few minutes behind, S-Factor is the brainchild of Sheila Kelley, an actress, producer and mother of two based out of LA. Starting in her home office, expanding into her backyard and beyond, she started a fitness craze based on the fundamentals employed at your neighborhood gentleman’s club. But, drop any preconceived notions or inhibitions, these classes aren’t about being x-rated or wooing any masculine personalities, although you can do as you like with the training after class…  The idea is to provide an all-female environment, where women, free from judgment, can get fit, have fun and delve into their inner femininity. Loving the “mission,” the S factor has been on my radar for a while, especially since a friend of mine, whom I won’t mention by name, shared with me, that upon completion of level one, she loved the regime so much  that she bought a removable pole for her living room!

Yet, like so many things in life, my intention to get involved was plagued with the evil procrastination disease. Really, apprehensive for no particular reason, I am not sure what was holding me back. Would I be any good at it? Would it be awkward? Would there be mirrors?

So, after having coffee with Brianna, the lovely manager of Houston’s S Factor and avid fan of skirt!, about the studio’s upcoming events she politely reminded me that I needed to come try it out. You see, Sheila Kelley was personally coming in town and would be sitting in on some intro classes and, journalistically speaking anyway, I was left without any further excuses to take the swing.

Putting the whole thing out of my mind until the last minute, Thursday evening was my pole debut. Dressed in yoga attire, gal pal (aka mom) in tow and stilettos (just in case), I took my first steps towards killer abs and a totally cool new workout regime.

Stepping into the classroom, the space was very dim with richly decadent draping flowing from parts of the ceiling.  The ambient secondary lighting produced a red glow from Victorian-style lamps adorned with sparkling cranberry-colored crystals. Strategically centered in the room, approximately eight bronze poles rose from the hardwood floors and the entire space was devoid of mirrors.

As the class began, the audio system pumped sultry favorites with deep slow rhythms as we stretched. The instructor demonstrated and described the movements in words, allowing multiple methods from which to follow. Looking around at the group, the mixture of women represented all ages, shapes, sizes and personalities. The atmosphere was comfortable, warm and welcoming. The routines, at least in this intro class were essentially low-impact, easily mimicked and fun. Yet, I found the movements to be challenging as well, as they encouraged strength through muscle isolation.

Following the session, the instructor and the instructor’s assistant demonstrated some of the skills taught beyond the intro class. Climbing to the top of the pole and wrapping her legs for stability, the instructor flipped upside down and slid down slowly with overwhelming control. Then, falling into a modified version of the splits, I was fascinated not just with the show, but the strength….

You guessed it! I signed up for the next class. And the best part? Mike didn’t even put up a fight on this little splurge! Plus, its been a couple of days and I still feel a lingering burn in my arms and abs… Watch out Demi; here I come!