Twerking isn’t something just Miley does for a little bit of attention to her nether regions, it’s actually a great form of exercise and a whole lot of fun. Ladies (and gents) it’s time to start flexing those muscles like you never have before, we had a chat with Katii Slater who has a class to show you how.
Hi Katii, thanks for taking the time to chat with us, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
I’m very well thanks I have just spent the morning working on this week’s routine for class!
So you’ve just started doing twerking fitness classes in Geelong, how have they gone so far?
The classes are going fantastic! I’ve had really great feedback from the girls who have attended and everyone has had a great time.
And what first gave you the idea of having a fitness class based around twerking?
My first idea was when I attended a dance class in Melbourne called Bump ‘n’ Grindercise, which is based around burlesque dancing, twerking and a lot of squats. From there I went to other twerk fitness classes in Melbourne and practised from home. When I told people I practice twerking or showed them some moves everyone wanted to learn, but it’s hard to get to Melbourne for a class every week so that’s when I decided to start my own class.
While there’s obviously a lot of booty work involved, what are the health benefits around twerking?
Twerking is a great lower body workout but also involves your core. Twerking and dancing in general is also a great cardio workout. The girls who come to class and myself are always amazed at how sweaty we get while still having fun.
How does an average class look, is there a warm up/warm down?
We warm up by jumping around the room, do squats, body rolls and twerk ups (kind of like push ups but you twerk at the same time). Then we go through the different twerk moves that are being taught that week and learn a dance/twerk routine. Then we do a booty specific workout to target your buns and learn to properly active the glutes. After this we cool down and stretch.
And what’s the atmosphere like in the class?
The atmosphere has been so amazing! Everyone encourages each other – which makes me so happy to see. We often will play games or perform for each other while the other class members cheer. A lot of the girls mention how when they leave class they feel so over the moon and can’t wait for the next class.
For those who have never twerked before and don’t think they can, are you able to get them twerking in no time?
Everyone can definitely twerk! Sometimes the first class can be a bit hard because it’s not a movement most people have done much before and takes a little while to get your head around, but by the second class I always see heaps of improvement.
Obviously the confidence in being able to twerk is a massive thing, what kind of changes have you seen in those who have attended the class?
The girls seem more and more excited to be coming to class. I have also noticed that they seem to become more comfortable in their own skin, for example wearing shorts instead of leggings or a crop top instead of a t-shirt.
Aside from being a good twerker, what’s your background in the health/fitness industry?
I completed a diploma of fitness a few years ago and I am currently studying a bachelor of health science. I have been twerking for over two years from classes in Melbourne and also at home.
Thanks again for taking the time to chat with us, is there anything else you’d like to add before we finish up?
Just that if you have contemplated coming to a class please come and have a go! Don’t put it off or wait for a friend who may never have the time to come. It’s an inviting fun place and I will do my best to make you feel comfortable.
Where: The Loft Dance Studio 7 Rutland Street Newtown
Visit the ‘Twerk Aholics Geelong’ Facebook page for information on private and group classes.