Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

Flexibility is a fundamental part of this fitness regime. - Photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

A stripper pole is hardly ever associated with getting fit, but pole fitness, an exercise routine with a dash of sexy, has slid it's way onto our shores.

Largely popular in the United States of America, Canada and Australia, the workout centres around a pole. Yes, a pole, which many associate with firemen and strippers. But in this case, it's made for women who range from housewives to executives.

"I don't like to use the strip word, because there is no stripping whatsoever. We don't remove any clothing," said Jen Burdett, certified pole fitness instructor at Shakiti Mind Body Fitness. "I feel that everyone has been so accepting, I mean it's so huge in North America. I think in this day and age, women want to feel comfortable and empowered. So, I think women are very open to the idea," she added.

A trend

With a year's experience in the field, Burdett said it is a trend which women have latched on to because it builds confidence.

"You look in the magazines and everyone seems to be a size two and gorgeous. You can be sexy regardless of your age or how you look and I want to create an environment where they're comfortable," she said.

But sexy aside, the workout takes serious effort once you get into it. It focuses on strengthening the upper body and the core muscles. It requires that those muscles are strong to support you during the pole work.

With lights dimmed and feel-sexy tunes strumming, dressed in basic yoga gear, the class begins with a sensual warm-up. That consists of stretching, dips, sexy walks, spinal circles and body waves. These moves Burdett said differs from your typical yoga or pilates warm-up. That was the easy part, when the Flair attended a class.

Gather around the pole

Pole fitness gives one the opportunity to swing high.

After the initial giggles and apprehension, the six women in the class found themselves doing exercises against the wall. Then it was time to gather around the pole.

Jen proceeded to show us a basic move; the fireman. The name speaks for itself, it looks like a fireman sliding down a pole.

The two advanced students decided to strut their stuff in heels for the first time. The tall elegant pair swung around as gracefully as dancers. They made it look easy.

But one attempt and you realise that it entails reverting to childlike abandon that made you believe you would never fall, supporting your weight with your upper body and having enough faith just to swing.

Each participant got a turn, literally, on the pole. The next move was the firefly, followed by a basic move upside down,l with legs in the air, and your body supported by your forearms and the pole. Then extending each leg backward and forward, close your eyes. It helps.

Shakti holds two of the one-hour sessions per week on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Visit Shakti at: www.shaktimindbodyfitness.com or their offices at 5 Bedford Park Avenue. Feedback: sacha.walters@gleanerjm.com.

Pole fitness builds upper body and core strength.

Jen Burdett teaches one of the sexiest crazes in exercise, pole fitness.