Sensual, exotic dancing is no longer reserved for strip bars and so-called gentlemen’s clubs, and sliding poles shouldn’t be limited for use by children on playgrounds or firefighters.

At least that’s the philosophy at Fit for a Goddess on Ward Avenue, where women strut their stuff learning to pole-dance and get in a good workout while they’re at it.

If you plan on attending a class here, leave your inhibitions at the door. During my visit, everyone in the class was encouraging, which helped since many of the movements were awkward or embarrassing at first. From cavorting around the pole and gyrating your hips, to following the outline of your curves with your hands, you’ll need to get really comfortable with your body.

The participants included newlyweds who wanted to surprise their spouse and women who just wanted to get in shape.

Fit for a Goddess was founded by Ilana Fernandez, a clinical psychologist who is trained in dance therapy. The program is designed to empower women, boost confidence and encourage expression while tapping into their femininity.

The 90-minute introductory class provides a sampling of moves taught in the five-week, level-one session. There are no age or skill requirements for the class, but it does call for upper-body and core strength.

We must have used muscles I didn’t know existed. My chest and shoulder muscles were screaming for days afterward. Bruises adorned my forearms from grasping the pole so tightly as I spun around it, both feet off the ground. (Once you get past the fear of falling, the spinning becomes much easier.)

A word of advice: Wear stretchy, comfortable clothing that won’t get in the way. I made the mistake of wearing floor-length yoga pants, which got caught on the pole during some of my spins. The class is done barefoot.

The class begins with a yogalike stretch that may have you questioning your flexibility. But I liked this part of the workout, and it helped prepare me for the tricks and moves taught later in the session. The class also ends with a decent stretch.

Gina Ogitani, manager and instructor, led us through choreography as we were split into two groups to take turns on the five poles set up in the studio. If we weren’t spinning around, we were against the wall performing our own sultry movements.

Ogitani said she was grudgingly dragged to a class by a friend before becoming an instructor and master trainer.

"I was like a fish out of water," she said. "I wanted to learn the tricks and techniques, so I kept going. I got stronger, more flexible and started shedding weight. And it helped my confidence and attitude."

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“Tryouts” features exercise and wellness classes and other fitness activities. Reach Nancy Arcayna at narcayna@staradvertiser.com or call 529-4808.