Frequently Asked Questions

“How will I know?”

~ Whitney Houston ~

Policies & Legalese

General Class Questions

Pole Questions

Hotgirl Culture

Policies & Legalese

How do I reserve or register for classes?

♥ All in-Studio group classes, both Pole and Fitness, must be reserved or cancelled through the MindBody app. Our current class schedule can be found on MindBody and on the downloadable PDF on our Class Schedule page. If you are paying for classes, all payments must be made at the time of reservation via credit card.

♥ EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2021: To avoid cancellation fees, any reserved class scheduled for Monday through Friday must be cancelled by 9am that class day. Any reserved class scheduled for Saturday morning must be cancelled by 9pm on the Friday night prior.

EXAMPLES:
– If you are reserved to attend “Oh Split” at 7:15pm on Thursday 12/2, you would need to cancel by 9am on the morning of 12/2.
– If you are reserved to attend “Poles 1” on Saturday at 10am on 12/4, you would need to cancel by 9pm the NIGHT BEFORE on Friday 12/3.

If you late cancel/no-show a class, your credit card on file will be automatically charged the cancellation fee, which is equivalent to the cost of the class (ex. $25 for Poles, $15 for Fitness). This applies to ALL Members, Non-Members, Punch Card, and Groupon clients.

♥ We require a 24-hour notice to cancel “Routine of the Month” or any other Specialty Workshop reservation without charge. A fee equivalent to the cost of the workshop will be automatically charged if you late-cancel/no-show any workshop (ex. $45 for Routine). This applies to ALL Members, Non-Members, Punch Card, and Groupon clients.

♥ Private Pole Instruction Cancellation: A 48-hour cancellation notice is appreciated if you must reschedule a private lesson. If you cancel less than 24-hours prior to your lesson or no-show, you will be charged the full lesson fee regardless of attendance.

♥ Check our Facebook Page daily where we will post any cancellations, changes to the classes or instructors, or inclement weather notices.

♥ Zoom Online Classes: We have discontinued offering regularly scheduled Zoom classes but will maintain the option if needed for special circumstances in the future.
– Do NOT require a reservation.
– Any female ages 18+ (Members and Non-Members) may attend unlimited Zoom classes for free.
– All cameras must be on during Zoom Classes. No male or person under age 18 may watch your screen.
– Links to each Zoom Class will be posted on our Facebook Page 15 minutes prior to start of class.

♥ If you have a Groupon or Gift Certificate, please see/call us first to arrange classes: (757) 650-7474

What forms of payment do you accept?

Are there any restrictions in the classes?

♥ Students must be age 18 or older to participate in any classes, events, or parties in the Studio or on Zoom.

♥ We are a women-only gym.

♥ No men or children allowed during class times, events, or parties in the Studio or on Zoom (unless specified as Co-ed).

♥ No smoking permitted in the building.

♥ Pole Classes are usually limited to up to 14 people and require reservations. (Adjustments may be made for Covid-19 Precautions.)

♥ Most Fitness Classes can hold up to 20 people and require reservations. (Adjustments may be made for Covid-19 Precautions.)

♥ Instructor approval is required to advance to any leveled class beyond Poles 1.

♥ Taking photos and/or videos is NOT allowed without permission (see next question.)

Can I take pictures or videos of the classes?

♥ You may NOT photograph, videotape, or in any way produce images of the Studio or its students/Instructors (whether in-Studio or on Zoom) without our consent.

♥ We are happy to take any photos or videos for you after class, but pictures or videos during class are not permitted.

♥ If you take an authorized photo with another student/Instructor visible in the shot, please get their permission before posting it to any social media sites or in any way sharing it publicly.

♥ Want to tag us on your authorized pix? Use #StudioRiosTwistedFitness and #HotGirls when posting. Thank You!

What if I get deployed / pregnant / injured or want to cancel my Membership?

We get it, life happens… and we would never want it to keep you from joining us or returning after a deployment or recovery. The following explanations are stated on your Membership Contract (so we apologize for the dry “legalese” language):

♥ Military Clause:  In the event a Studio Rio’s Twisted Fitness Member (Buyer) is or hereafter becomes a member of the United States Armed Forces on extended active duty, and receives permanent change of station orders to depart from the Hampton Roads area (defined as beyond a 100-mile radius of Studio Rio’s Twisted Fitness), or is released from active duty, retires, or separates from the military and relocates from the Hampton Roads area, or is deployed away from the Hampton Roads area for more than 90 days, then in any of these events the Buyer may terminate this contract upon giving thirty (30) days written notice to Twisted Fitness. The Buyer shall also provide to Twisted Fitness a copy of the official orders or a letter signed by the Buyer’s commanding officer, reflecting the change which warrants termination of the contract under this clause. The Buyer will pay the prorated value of the monthly Membership Contract for any day the Buyer has the right to access Twisted Fitness past the first day of the month.

♥ Pregnancy Clause:  In the event a Studio Rio’s Twisted Fitness Member (Buyer) is or hereafter becomes pregnant, the Buyer may request a membership freeze. The request must be in writing and accompany proof of pregnancy. Twisted Fitness will freeze the Buyer’s membership account upon receipt of the written request. The freeze will remain in effect for the duration of the Buyer’s pregnancy, plus two (2) additional months, or a total of eleven (11) months from the date of the request, whichever is shorter in duration. During that period, Buyer’s access to Twisted Fitness will be limited to that of non-members. Upon completion of the freeze period, contractual benefits and obligations will resume for the remainder of the original, unfulfilled contract period.

♥ Medical Issue Clause:  In the event a Studio Rio’s Twisted Fitness Member (Buyer) is or hereafter becomes injured, the Buyer may request a membership freeze. The request must be in writing and accompany a written doctor’s note. Twisted Fitness will freeze the Buyer’s membership account upon receipt of the written request. The freeze will remain in effect for a maximum of 3 months from the date of the request or when the Buyer is medically able to continue, whichever is shorter in duration. During that period, Buyer’s access to Twisted Fitness will be limited to that of non-members. Upon completion of the freeze period, contractual benefits and obligations will resume for the remainder of the original, unfulfilled contract period.

♥ Early Cancellation Clause:  Membership dues are non-refundable. In the event a Studio Rio’s Twisted Fitness Member (Buyer) decides to cancel or default on their Membership Contract, the Buyer will provide a thirty (30) day written notice to Studio Rio’s Twisted Fitness. The Buyer will also pay a $200.00 early cancellation fee. Membership Contracts will be automatically renewed on each contract anniversary until Twisted Fitness is contacted in writing.

 ♥ If the membership account defaults, declines, or in any way is not paid in accordance to the Membership Contract and Clauses provided, any and all offers, incentives, benefits, and perks will be denied.

“I Hate This Part Right Here…” ~ Pussycat Dolls ~

♥ Twisted Fitness reserves the right to refuse service, revoke membership, rescind offers and remove girls from classes.

♥ Twisted Fitness is not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items.

♥ If you appear to be intoxicated, Twisted Fitness reserves the right to refuse service or ask you to sit out of class. We will however call you a cab and make sure you get home safe. We hope you understand our concern!

♥ Default on monthly Membership payment may cause Membership benefits to be denied. A $25 fee will be charged for any rejected card or late monthly payment.

General Class Questions

What are classes like?

What can I expect for my first class?

♥ Arrive a few minutes early.

♥ Pay for your class, if needed.

♥ Sign-in for your class on the sign-in sheets located at the front desk. This is for all classes.

♥ Choose your Dance Name if you haven’t already – make sure you “feel” it!

♥ If the rooms are open (meaning the prior class is not in session), feel free to go in, choose a spot, and get comfortable. If needed, wipe down your pole with one of the many spray bottles of rubbing alcohol and towels located around the room, or collect yourself a yoga mat, weights, stretch band, etc., if the class requires them. **COVID-19 Precaution: Please bring your own spray bottle of rubbing alcohol & rag to wipe down your pole, and your own yoga mat. You may also provide your own free weights and resistance or booty bands, or use the Studio’s equipment at your own discretion.**

♥ Don’t be afraid to ask any of our other girls any questions – you’ll probably get more help than you need!

♥ We have a restroom and a locker room if you need to change your clothes.

♥ You may store your belongings in an empty locker (bring your own lock), or just put them in an out-of-the-way spot in your classroom. (Twisted Fitness is not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items.)

What should I wear?

♥ Most of our class descriptions note how to “Dress for Success.” But in general, you want to wear comfortable clothing. For Fitness Classes, regular gym clothes (yoga pants, leggings, sweatpants, shorts, tank-tops, t-shirts, etc.) are the most common. For Pole Classes, you will benefit from having more bare skin on the pole, so we recommend shorts and a tank-top.

♥ Nudity is not a part of any class, so as Joe Cocker sings, “You can leave your hat on…” AND your shorts, and your bra, etc. We provide a restroom and a locker room if you need to change your clothes.

♥ Bare feet/socks, tennis shoes, high heels, or cowboy boots are used for several of our classes. Each class has a different recommendation for footwear, so check out each dance class’ description.

♥ For All Pole Classes Only: Do NOT wear any rings, bracelets, lotions, or body oils on your hands, arms, legs, or feet as this will make pole dancing difficult. You can always lotion up after class.

Should I bring anything with me?

♥ The most important thing to bring is an open, positive attitude. Twisted Fitness classes are designed to increase your physical fitness AND your confidence – mental, emotional, physical, sexual – every way a woman should feel confident. Even trained dancers may find some of our moves new, exciting, and even a little risqué. But never forget that you are surrounded by other women – and only women – who are not here to judge you, but are here to build their own confidence, as well as cheer you on as you build yours.

And if you want, you may also bring a few other things…

**COVID-19 Precaution: Please bring your own spray bottle of rubbing alcohol & rag to wipe down your pole, and your own yoga mat. You may also provide your own free weights and resistance or booty bands, or use the Studio’s equipment at your own discretion.**

♥ Yoga Mats: Most classes also involve floor work. Yoga mats, along with yoga blocks, free weights, resistance bands, and stability balls are available to use free of charge, but you may also bring your own. 

♥ Knee Pads/Sleeves: You will find yourself on your knees for poles classes and other floor work, so keeping knee pads/sleeves on hand may be helpful.

♥ We sell bottles of water, light snacks, and Dry Hands (used in Pole Classes) at the front desk, however please feel free to bring your own.

What is the age range of students?

♥ Students must be 18 years of age or older to attend any of our classes, events, or parties. The oldest participant to have taken one of our classes is 75! We have college students, mothers, and grandmothers attending our classes. Age ain’t nuthin’ but a number! As long as you are 18 and physically capable of exercise, you can dance with us. If there are any moves that are difficult for you to perform, your Instructor will always find a way to help you modify them for your level of comfort.

How difficult are classes?

♥ Our classes have varying levels of difficulty. Pole Classes especially are designed to follow a curriculum that builds your pole skills over time. Fitness Classes are designed for each student to be able to adjust their level of exertion as needed. If there are any moves that are difficult for you to perform, your Instructor will always find a way to help you modify them for your level of comfort.

♥ All classes are designed to develop fitness, strength, balance, flexibility, poise, and to help you feel sexier, more confident, and in-tune with your body and the way it moves

I am nervous about taking classes. Is that normal?

♥ Yes, it is perfectly normal to feel nervous about taking something new, especially Pole Classes. A lot of students at first feel intimidated by the classes. This is normal! Do not worry – before you know it, you will not only get the hang of it, but also be high-fiving yourself for doing something so cool and unusual! Come with a positive, open mind, and be prepared to make some mistakes (even the most seasoned students make mistakes!) No one is here to judge you. We were all “first-timers” at one point – trust us, nervous is normal. But if it makes you feel better, you can always arrange to observe any of our classes prior to taking them.

Will there be anyone watching?

♥ Although we will allow potential students to observe classes from time-to-time, we do not allow spectating. There are no other people in class sessions except for the Instructor and students. Men are not allowed unless it is specified as a Co-ed Poles class.

Pole Questions

What should I wear?

♥ Most of our class descriptions note how to “Dress for Success.” For Pole Classes, you will benefit from having more bare skin on the pole, so we recommend shorts and a tank-top. Bare feet or high heels are used for several of our classes.

♥ We also recommend that you have knee pads or knee sleeves on hand. You may also purchase Dry Hands (used to enhance your grip on the pole) at our Front Desk or at any sporting goods store or online.

♥ For All Pole Classes Only: Do NOT wear any rings, bracelets, lotions, or body oils on your hands, arms, legs, or feet as this will make pole dancing difficult. You can always lotion up after class.

Is pole dancing safe?

♥ Yes, pole dancing is very safe. All of our poles are securely installed from floor to ceiling and will support up to 300 pounds of weight. As with any strenuous activity or sport, you may experience soreness and/or some skin burns from the friction on the poles. (We call these “pole kisses” and look at them more like earned badges of honor, rather than bruises or burns.) As you become familiar with the pole, you will learn how to properly position yourself to avoid bumps and bruises, and of course our Instructors are here to guide you and put safety first. Warm-up and stretching prior to pole dancing will help you avoid injury.

Why do I need to bring a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol and a small towel?

♥ If you are attending pole classes, we ask that you bring your own bottle of rubbing alcohol and a small towel. This is recommended for a few reasons: to clean off the pole between students (because, you know, sweat and germs); and to keep your pole “dry” as you’re using it, because a sweaty pole is a slippery pole.

Hotgirl Culture

Is this “Stripper School?”

In a word: No

While Twisted Fitness is the home of “The ‘ORIGINAL’ Stripper Workout” also known as “Eroticize,” and was founded by an accomplished Go-Go Dancer, our Studio is not about training women how to strip. We do incorporate the complex and graceful moves of erotic dancing, go-go, and pole dancing into our workouts, along with more traditional fitness routines and training such as weights, aerobics, and stability balls. The result is a unique, fun, creative, and challenging fitness program that can be performed by women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and fitness levels.

Though there are students who put their learned skills to use as professional dancers, as well as dancers who come to our studio to sharpen their skills, there are just as many who utilize their pole knowledge in national and international competitions, and in other aerial or floor sports. However, most of our girls are here for the four “F’s” – fitness, fun, friends, and feeling sexy and confident.

For whatever reason you walk through our doors, know that we are about Girl Power, health, strength, and confidence. We are about girls supporting girls, trying something new, overcoming fears, and improving your quality of life. We are about liking what you see – both inside and out — when you look in the mirror. We are about getting in tune with your inner grace and beauty. We are about the Love…for yourself and for others.

If this sounds like something you need, then welcome home!

Why do I need a Dance Name?

♥ Because we want you to take a name that makes you feel beautiful, fun, sexy, fierce, confident… we want you to be able to be exclusively and uniquely you when you’re here. The sky’s the limit when it comes to names (although we do ask that you refrain from picking the same names as our Instructors and Staff.) Be as creative as you want — just pick a name that makes you feel good! As much as we love being moms, sisters, teachers, nurses, caretakers – all the things we are in our day-to-day lives – we want you to be able to leave all your worries and concerns at the door. We want you to focus on you, and not what you’re going to make for dinner, or how you need to change that dentist appointment. For just an hour or two while you’re here, we want you to be exactly who you want to be.

What, exactly, is a Hotgirl?

♥ We affectionately call our students and Instructors Hotgirls, not only because of their physical beauty, but because “hotness” is an attitude – courage, confidence, camaraderie, kindness – any and all the adjectives that make a woman strong enough to live each day for herself and countless others. A Hotgirl, we believe, is every woman who walks through our doors. A Hotgirl understands how important it is for women to celebrate and encourage other women, and to take it outside of our Studio walls and make it a lifestyle. Because everyone has struggles in life and we are here to support one another. As we all know too well… all girls have been there, and that is why we are here.

What are “The Platinum Rules?”

“The Platinum Rules” are basically Hotgirl etiquette. (Kind of like The Golden Rule, but of course with our own Twist.) In true Rio fashion, song lyrics help make them a little more memorable. 😊

♥ You can talk to me…
Communicate with us! If you feel uncomfortable or if something bothers you, speak up! Women are intuitive but not omnipotent. We want to know about your Studio experience.

♥ Relax! Don’t do it…
Judgy Judgy was a Bear…. This is the “be nice to each other” zone. Relax, it’ll come naturally once you are here. It’s hard to be a Mean Girl when you’re surrounded by amazing, patient, supportive women on a regular basis!

♥ Hey, Soul (and Pole) Sista…
As we grow and feel more confident and comfortable with ourselves, remember that some of us are not as far in our journey. Be supportive and helpful, and please don’t do anything that will make someone else uncomfortable or hinder their progress.

♥ Tell her about it…
We want you to be a RAVING FAN! Tell your friends, bring them in…pay the Girl Power forward and it will come back to you ten-fold! And if you’re not a Raving Fan, then please don’t hesitate to tell us how we can make your Studio experience better!

♥ Oh, we’re halfway there! Oh, oh, we’re livin’ on a prayer…
Take a chance but don’t take a risk. Challenge yourself to do something that you thought you could never do. But if you are uncomfortable with something you are taught, just shout it out! Every move we teach can be modified for you.

♥ Father Figure…
NO BOYS ALLOWED! (Unless it’s an All-Inclusive Poles class!) We love them, but the suspense won’t kill them — it will make them stronger. But DO NOT lie to your boys! We don’t need the drama and neither do you. Don’t tell them you are working late or are at the bar or anything else. (You are, in fact, at the gym!) After all, we wouldn’t want them to lie to us!

♥ Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry…
We have so much fun that sometimes we almost raise the roof! When instruction is being given, please focus on that. You might miss spectacular advice if too many people are talking amongst themselves. Please make sure to do what we are doing in classes because otherwise you become a distraction to other students.

♥ You can leave your hat on…
And your pants and your bra, etc. You are waaay sexy with your clothes ON here. Take them off when you get home but please leave them on here.

♥ Girls just wanna have fun!
‘Nuff said! Have a super great time!