POLE dancing is more famous for sexy routines, but now it's is becoming a keep-fit craze.
Former lap dancer Fay Warne runs pole dancing and "lap-tastic" aerobic classes across Greater Manchester, and eager students are flocking in.
Skimpy and revealing outfits are out and anyone attending classes is encouraged to wear shorts and vest tops or tracksuits.
Women are taking up the lessons for many reasons, including for exercise or to launch themselves on a a new career. While the classes, open to both sexes, have attracted attention from some men for all the wrong reasons, Fay is keen to stress it's all about exercise.
Toning
The 32-year-old from Manchester, who runs "Poletastic", said: "What surprises me is that people still think it's all about stripping. They associate it with being sexy - while I think salsa is sexier than pole dancing. Those who come to my classes see an increase in their fitness and toning.
"The women taking part range from 18 to 50-odd."
Fay, a former showgirl at London's Spearmint Rhino Club, started the pole dancing classes after members at the Fitness First gym, where she is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, asked about her past.
Now she runs classes in Manchester, Stalybridge and Glossop.
WOULD you jump at the chance to pole dance? Have your say.
Showing comments 1 to 25 and replies | View All
H, Manchester (29/03/2006 at 10:20)
Lucy, Hants (29/03/2006 at 10:20)
Mrs Grumpy, macclesfield (29/03/2006 at 11:43)
Maggie.J., Manchester (29/03/2006 at 11:55)
Sammy, Shetland (29/03/2006 at 12:13)
Dan, dreaming... (29/03/2006 at 13:13)
Jacqui, Southend (29/03/2006 at 17:43)
katie, essex (29/03/2006 at 18:02)
when your 11 year old grows up she may decied to chose this type of fitness, that is if she doesnt grow up to be as small minded as her mother. but then im sure your happy for her to stand around on the street terrorising OAPs and the like.
all i can say is please do not comment on something you have never tryed b4.
Gemma, Chester (29/03/2006 at 18:03)
Pole dancing does not automatically go hand-in-hand with stripping. It is graceful, acrobatic and amazing to watch.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea as a form of exercise, but it's certainly a lot more fun than wearing lycra leotards and doing star jumps!
Hunny, Liverpool (29/03/2006 at 18:10)
And to all the non beleivers...go try it out yourself and then judge.
vic, city centre (29/03/2006 at 19:44)
Kali, London (29/03/2006 at 21:00)
jojo, surrey (29/03/2006 at 21:10)
felicity, leeds (29/03/2006 at 21:17)
L, glasgow (29/03/2006 at 23:43)
Mary Ellyn, USA (30/03/2006 at 04:21)
I'm in great shape because of this and no, I do not dance as a stripper or in any club at all and never have.
Remember, people thought the twist was obscene when it first hit the dance floor too!
Louise, Brighton (30/03/2006 at 09:05)
Calire, Manchetser (30/03/2006 at 09:46)
It really helps with your body strenght and tones u up. what more could you ask for. And there is no stripring involved. trust me
Rhi, Plymouth (30/03/2006 at 11:46)
I suggest to everyone who has a bad comment about pole dancing to actually take a class before you trash it! Its alot harder than it looks and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication for it to look good!
Angela, London (30/03/2006 at 13:18)
Joanne, London (30/03/2006 at 13:41)
Its all too easy to pass an unkind comment and pass judgement, try it first, don't assume.
I trained in Kung Fu for 3 years! I have toned my body all over by just Pole Dancing as a fitness! Plus.... ITS FUN!
nette, essex (30/03/2006 at 18:45)
elaine, surrey (31/03/2006 at 09:22)
maggie.J., Manchester (31/03/2006 at 10:24)
Marky Mark, Marksville (31/03/2006 at 10:29)