Pole Position

S Factor offers grueling, sexy full-body workout

By Allison Stephan

photography by Karen Thibodeaux

At S Factor Studio, the latest fitness craze to sweep the nation has nothing to do with weights, bikes or BOSUs and it can’t be found in your traditional gym. The latest phenomenon promising to whip you into shape uses a pole–a stripper pole!

Before you gasp in horror, you’ll be comforted to know that the workout actually finds its inspiration from traditional disciplines such as yoga, Pilates and ballet. The movements are round, not linear and are designed to complement the shape of a woman’s body. This is pole dancing for nice girls.

This new workout is the brainchild of Sheila Kelly, a California actress who first got the idea from doing research for a role in the movie “Dancing at the Blue Iguana,” in which she played a stripper. Sheila says she noticed a marked difference in her body after she began practicing the movements. She curved where she had never curved before and had muscles where she never had muscles before. She felt light on her feet and an overriding sense of confidence.

After the film was completed, she decided to continue doing the movements in the privacy of her home. Word spread, and women started asking her to teach them, too. Sheila began teaching S Factor in her guesthouse in April 2001 and, many studios across the country later, the rest is history.

In the past few years, the movement has spread like wildfire, even to Houston. According to S Factor public relations executive Carin Badger, the opening of the Houston studio was in response to overwhelming interest in an S Factor workshop that took place here.

“Houston women are looking for something different,” said Brianna Del Castillo, Houston S Factor Studio manager. “People have negative views about pole dancing, but we get tons of women from age 20 to 60, moms to professionals who have absolutely fallen in love with the workout and feel more confident as a result.”

Del Castillo says S Factor addresses the entire female. Rather than apologizing for curves, the S Factor program helps women relish and celebrate their bodies while stretching and exercising them as well.

Del Castillo says the program helps to encourage a positive body image among participants by emphasizing the individual beauty each woman possesses. “Students walk out of class feeling confident, strong powerful and beautiful,” she says.

While Del Castillo admits that S Factor doesn’t compare to Spinning or running from a cardio training standpoint, she concedes that it isn’t your traditional workout either.

“Women are having such a good time and they enjoy their workouts so much that they don’t even realize that they are working out,” says Del Castillo. “But they quickly learn to love and respect their bodies for what they are and, in turn, they care about what they put into their bodies and how much sleep they are getting, which translates into healthier women.”

S Factor classes begin like any other–with a warm-up and stretch. During the two hours that follow, women take turns doing a variety of pole routines. While you might think this sounds like stripping, it’s not. “Women wear comfortable clothes and the beginning classes start with bare feet,” says Del Castillo. “There are no mirrors and we don’t teach anyone to strip or perform for anyone else. This workout is about how you feel. It’s about looking inward. No one worries about being judged and the women all encourage each other.”

The two-hour version of S Factor has, thankfully, a less extreme counterpart for beginners. There are seven levels of Sheila Kelley’s S Factor that increase in difficulty. Students need to complete a session in order to move on to the next level, as each class builds upon the one before it.

According to Del Castillo, S Factor is also good for “special” populations–older women, pregnant women and women recovering from injuries. Instructors go through a rigorous eight-week certification program where they learn basic anatomy, contraindications and modifications so that every woman moves at her own pace.

For those who simply want a no-impact workout, S Factor offers a one-hour “Gentle Splendor” class that offers all the benefits of the original without losing the fun and playfulness.

The fee for an eight-week program is $440. S Factor “classic” classes are offered in eight-week sessions, with one two-hour class per week that’s limited to 12 students per class.

Contributing editor Allison Stephan is a cyclist, Spinning instructor, personal trainer and freelance writer. Contact her at Allison@wonderwriter.net.

Miracle Team

When Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett arrived at Houston’s Memorial Hermann/TIRR last September, many people might have thought his outlook was grim. But the team of spinal cord clinicians at Memorial Hermann were elated.

“His condition was fairly typical of the patients we see,” physical therapist Darryn Atkinson says. “He had no movement in his arms or his trunk, but some movement in his legs. He got to us fairly early and a lot of researchers say the earlier you start on your rehabilitation, the better.”

Dr. Teodoro Castillo, co-director of the Spinal Cord Injury Program at the hospital, was Everett’s attending physician and recalls that first day as well.

“He had what we call central cord syndrome. I was very happy that we could see definite improvement from Day 1,” Castillo says.

Everett, a Port Arthur native and Houston resident, had injured himself in the opening game of the ’07-‘08 NFL season. Initially, some said he would never walk again.

“We started to see results probably within the first week,” occupational therapist and clinical coordinator Rafferty Laredo says.

Everett first started out on a tilt table, which allowed him to begin working toward standing. He stood within about two weeks of his arrival at Memorial Hermann.

One factor that likely made a difference was his exceptional physical condition as an NFL player.

“(Being) an elite athlete whose body was certainly in top-notch condition put him at an advantage over most other people. For one thing, he had more familiarity with each of his muscle groups and how to use them,” Laredo said.

Another significant factor during the rehab was the strong emotional support he received. “His fiancé and his mother and just his whole family,” Laredo says, “gave him reasons to keep fighting.”

When Everett took his first step, his mother started crying.

“It was quite a moment,” Atkinson says. “She was excited and we started getting excited.”

Everett is now walking and has long since left the hospital. He has a book out called “Standing Tall” and has appeared on many national TV shows.

“I was fortunate to meet many extraordinary people at Memorial Hermann/TIRR,” Everett said upon leaving the hospital. “Many who have suffered the same or similar injury as myself, many of whom I now consider friends. Their courage and determination inspired me to fight every day for recovery of my ability to walk.

“I will continue to receive rehabilitation treatment from the physicians and physical therapists at Memorial Hermann|TIRR on an outpatient basis. I still have a long journey to full recovery.”

Castillo says milestones such as feeding himself, tying his own shoes, buttoning his own shirt, going out into the community and taking trips are all major accomplishments.

“You have to realize he was paralyzed from the neck down,” Castillo says. “What he’s doing now is really remarkable, but he’s not there yet. Rehabilitation doesn’t stop. It’s an on-going process that will last all his life.”

—Jim Carley

Goodbye Spare Tire

Trainer Randy Winfrey offers these waist-trimming tips:

1. Eat less food. Cut out the junk food, decrease portion sizes, and consume more vegetables (which are lower in calories and healthier).

2. Increase daily activity. Walk, run, ride your bicycle, play with your kids, or do “cardio” in the gym everyday for 30 to 60 minutes.

3. Drink enough water. (Consume about 60 percent of your bodyweight in ounces. For example, 120 lbs. x 60% = 72 ounces per day). Staying well hydrated will help keep your digestive system operating correctly, therefore helping to reduce bloating of the stomach.

4. Hit the weights two to three times per week to gain more muscle mass. More muscle burns more calories during any type of activity.

5. Train your abdomen correctly. There is no such thing as spot reduction, so doing 1,000 sit-ups will not burn fat around your waist! Train your abdominal muscles the same way as the rest of your body: 10 to 20 repetition sets with increased intensity using weight resistance when necessary.

Hardcore Training

Eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman, from the Dallas suburb of Arlington, obviously knows a thing or two about building unbelievable muscle. Now, Coleman passes along some of the training and motivational knowledge that has made him a legend of the sport in “Hardcore: Ronnie Coleman’s Guide to Weight Training.” Complete with an illustrated how-to guide for over 50 exercises, an extensive diet and nutrition program and advice on how to get “huge,” this book is a must-have for anyone who takes their strength training seriously. 176 pages. Triumph Books. www.Triumphbooks.com.


Trainers Table


S Factor offers grueling, sexy full-body workout By Allison Stephan photography by Karen Thibodeaux At S Factor Studio, the latest fitness craze to sweep the nation has nothing to do with weights, bikes or BOSUs and it can’t be found in your traditional gym. The latest phenomenon promising to whip you into shape uses a pole–a stripper pole! Before you gasp in horror, you’ll be comforted to know that the workout actually finds its inspiration from traditional disciplines such as yoga, Pilates and ballet. The movements are round, not linear and are designed to complement the shape of a woman’s body. This is pole dancing for nice girls. This new workout is the brainchild of Sheila Kelly, a California actress who first got the idea from doing research for a role in the movie “Dancing at the Blue Iguana,” in which she played a stripper. Sheila says she noticed a marked difference in her body after she began practicing the movements. She curved where she had never curved before and had muscles where she never had muscles before. She felt light on her feet and an overriding sense of confidence. After the film was completed, she decided to continue doing the movements in the privacy of her home. Word spread, and women started asking her to teach them, too. Sheila began teaching S Factor in her guesthouse in April 2001 and, many studios across the country later, the rest is history. In the past few years, the movement has spread like wildfire, even to Houston. According to S Factor public relations executive Carin Badger, the opening of the Houston studio was in response to overwhelming interest in an S Factor workshop that took place here. “Houston women are looking for something different,” said Brianna Del Castillo, Houston S Factor Studio manager. “People have negative views about pole dancing, but we get tons of women from age 20 to 60, moms to professionals who have absolutely fallen in love with the workout and feel more confident as a result.” Del Castillo says S Factor addresses the entire female. Rather than apologizing for curves, the S Factor program helps women relish and celebrate their bodies while stretching and exercising them as well. Del Castillo says the program helps to encourage a positive body image among participants by emphasizing the individual beauty each woman possesses. “Students walk out of class feeling confident, strong powerful and beautiful,” she says. While Del Castillo admits that S Factor doesn’t compare to Spinning or running from a cardio training standpoint, she concedes that it isn’t your traditional workout either. “Women are having such a good time and they enjoy their workouts so much that they don’t even realize that they are working out,” says Del Castillo. “But they quickly learn to love and respect their bodies for what they are and, in turn, they care about what they put into their bodies and how much sleep they are getting, which translates into healthier women.” S Factor classes begin like any other–with a warm-up and stretch. During the two hours that follow, women take turns doing a variety of pole routines. While you might think this sounds like stripping, it’s not. “Women wear comfortable clothes and the beginning classes start with bare feet,” says Del Castillo. “There are no mirrors and we don’t teach anyone to strip or perform for anyone else. This workout is about how you feel. It’s about looking inward. No one worries about being judged and the women all encourage each other.” The two-hour version of S Factor has, thankfully, a less extreme counterpart for beginners. There are seven levels of Sheila Kelley’s S Factor that increase in difficulty. Students need to complete a session in order to move on to the next level, as each class builds upon the one before it. According to Del Castillo, S Factor is also good for “special” populations–older women, pregnant women and women recovering from injuries. Instructors go through a rigorous eight-week certification program where they learn basic anatomy, contraindications and modifications so that every woman moves at her own pace. For those who simply want a no-impact workout, S Factor offers a one-hour “Gentle Splendor” class that offers all the benefits of the original without losing the fun and playfulness. The fee for an eight-week program is $440. S Factor “classic” classes are offered in eight-week sessions, with one two-hour class per week that’s limited to 12 students per class. Contributing editor Allison Stephan is a cyclist, Spinning instructor, personal trainer and freelance writer. Contact her at Allison@wonderwriter.net. Back to top Miracle Team When Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett arrived at Houston’s Memorial Hermann/TIRR last September, many people might have thought his outlook was grim. But the team of spinal cord clinicians at Memorial Hermann were elated. “His condition was fairly typical of the patients we see,” physical therapist Darryn Atkinson says. “He had no movement in his arms or his trunk, but some movement in his legs. He got to us fairly early and a lot of researchers say the earlier you start on your rehabilitation, the better.” Dr. Teodoro Castillo, co-director of the Spinal Cord Injury Program at the hospital, was Everett’s attending physician and recalls that first day as well. “He had what we call central cord syndrome. I was very happy that we could see definite improvement from Day 1,” Castillo says. Everett, a Port Arthur native and Houston resident, had injured himself in the opening game of the ’07-‘08 NFL season. Initially, some said he would never walk again. “We started to see results probably within the first week,” occupational therapist and clinical coordinator Rafferty Laredo says. Everett first started out on a tilt table, which allowed him to begin working toward standing. He stood within about two weeks of his arrival at Memorial Hermann. One factor that likely made a difference was his exceptional physical condition as an NFL player. “(Being) an elite athlete whose body was certainly in top-notch condition put him at an advantage over most other people. For one thing, he had more familiarity with each of his muscle groups and how to use them,” Laredo said. Another significant factor during the rehab was the strong emotional support he received. “His fiancé and his mother and just his whole family,” Laredo says, “gave him reasons to keep fighting.” When Everett took his first step, his mother started crying. “It was quite a moment,” Atkinson says. “She was excited and we started getting excited.” Everett is now walking and has long since left the hospital. He has a book out called “Standing Tall” and has appeared on many national TV shows. “I was fortunate to meet many extraordinary people at Memorial Hermann/TIRR,” Everett said upon leaving the hospital. “Many who have suffered the same or similar injury as myself, many of whom I now consider friends. Their courage and determination inspired me to fight every day for recovery of my ability to walk. “I will continue to receive rehabilitation treatment from the physicians and physical therapists at Memorial Hermann\|TIRR on an outpatient basis. I still have a long journey to full recovery.” Castillo says milestones such as feeding himself, tying his own shoes, buttoning his own shirt, going out into the community and taking trips are all major accomplishments. “You have to realize he was paralyzed from the neck down,” Castillo says. “What he’s doing now is really remarkable, but he’s not there yet. Rehabilitation doesn’t stop. It’s an on-going process that will last all his life.” —Jim Carley Goodbye Spare Tire Trainer Randy Winfrey offers these waist-trimming tips: 1. Eat less food. Cut out the junk food, decrease portion sizes, and consume more vegetables (which are lower in calories and healthier). 2. Increase daily activity. Walk, run, ride your bicycle, play with your kids, or do “cardio” in the gym everyday for 30 to 60 minutes. 3. Drink enough water. (Consume about 60 percent of your bodyweight in ounces. For example, 120 lbs. x 60% = 72 ounces per day). Staying well hydrated will help keep your digestive system operating correctly, therefore helping to reduce bloating of the stomach. 4. Hit the weights two to three times per week to gain more muscle mass. More muscle burns more calories during any type of activity. 5. Train your abdomen correctly. There is no such thing as spot reduction, so doing 1,000 sit-ups will not burn fat around your waist! Train your abdominal muscles the same way as the rest of your body: 10 to 20 repetition sets with increased intensity using weight resistance when necessary. Hardcore Training Eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman, from the Dallas suburb of Arlington, obviously knows a thing or two about building unbelievable muscle. Now, Coleman passes along some of the training and motivational knowledge that has made him a legend of the sport in “Hardcore: Ronnie Coleman’s Guide to Weight Training.” Complete with an illustrated how-to guide for over 50 exercises, an extensive diet and nutrition program and advice on how to get “huge,” this book is a must-have for anyone who takes their strength training seriously. 176 pages. Triumph Books. www.Triumphbooks.com.