The Hot Way to Stay Fit

Pole dancing is no longer a reserve for professional dancers. Mastering the art of the pole is fast becoming a mainstream exercise regime for women across the world

Toronto: 'Fitness Pole Dancing' is now considered a real workout regime. With music pounding to a steady beat, the sultry sweats of pole dancing are no longer just a sultry expression. Pole dancing has turned into a fully-fledged bonafide fitness trend as more women turn to what is now considered an athletic and artistic form of dance and exercise. For many in the U.S, Canada and in many other countries across the world, floor to ceiling metal poles have replaced stationary bikes and treadmills as an aerobic and anaerobic exercise choice. Krista Knee, co owner of Flirty Girls Fitness in Toronto of Canada, says both of their studios in Toronto and Chicago are booked to capacity going into 2008.

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Advertising Executive, Joanna Trager, says treadmills and exercise bikes are boring and fitness pole dancing provides a challenging workout. Marketing and Branding Consultant Julie Cassidy agrees that she turned to pole dancing because she was tired of using the gym. Hair Salon Manager Marie Lopez Sweeney says she likes the fitness pole work-out because it's fun and motivates her to exercise. At Flirty Girls Fitness studios in Toronto and Chicago, urban brick and beam design with hardwood floors, chandeliers and pink accented lighting create the upscale environment comfortable for women to spend time in a female-only environment where they can let loose. Toronto Healthcare Executive, Mira Jelic, says the unisex environment appeals because there is no competitive atmosphere.

Michelle Epstein, Flirty Girls co-owner, says pole dancing works out every muscle and improves core stability. Instructor Diana Sutherland, 27, teaches pole fit, pole dancing and pole tricks. She says the pole classes build strength, elongate muscles and give a good cardio work-out. Krista Knee adds that strength is important because pole dancers need to be able to lift their body weight. One of Canada's top trainers to the stars, George Chaker, 34, owner of the Diesel Gym in Toronto, says pole fitness empowers women with self confidence in addition to giving them a good work-out. In Los Angeles, at Absolution Gym in West Hollywood, classes are just as much in demand.

Kathleen Chapman, an instructor with Kelly's S Factor, agrees that women love the empowerment aspect. Kara Kassuba, an L.A. fashion Consultant, says she enjoys the workout but attends the classes in order to raise her confidence. And the trend has even started to leave the gym and make it's way into people's homes. Pole dancing parties are becoming more popular especially in the US and Canada where eight to 10 women attend lessons together at someone's house.

Source: Associated Press