Pole dancing a hit in Tweed

WOMEN are embracing a serious, sensual and sexy way of getting fit, with pole dancing being the newest exercise trend to slide into Tweed.

With an increasing number of gyms on the Tweed offering classes, the activity has subtly shifted from sultry Saturday night entertainment to a serious fitness activity.

Pole Catz pole-dancing instructor Peta Simeon teaches regular classes in Tweed at One Life Fitness and said the sport was rapidly growing in popularity.

“It's such a fun way to exercise; you can get fit without even realising it.” Ms Simeon said.

“I started pole dancing just two-and-a-half years ago and I really fell in love with it; it's all-round fitness because you use all parts of your body.”

The world-wide pole-dancing community is pushing for the activity to become a recognised sport and to have it included in the 2012 London Olympics.

Ms Simeon said there was now a growing trend for fun types of exercise, with the staid treadmill being relegated to a thing of the past.

“At Pole Catz we know that women are looking for different types of exercise. We have classes in burlesque dancing, lap dancing, hula hooping and zumba; which are all becoming very popular.”

Pole dancing's popularity became apparent in Australia in 2006 when the first round of Miss Pole Dance Australia was held.

The trend has even spread to Tinseltown, with celebrities Kate Moss, Lindsey Lohan, Kate Hudson and Paris Hilton all taking a slide around the pole in the name of exercise.

“It does make you feel like a woman, it's a bit sexy,” Ms Simeon said.

“Anybody can do it.”