Story by MAGGIE GIBSON FORGET the hot pants and thigh-high boots, pole fitness has arrived in March and it s already proving a big hit. Instructors and friends, Kathleen Henderson and Roma O Neil, are keen to point out their fitness sessions are far remov

Story by MAGGIE GIBSON

FORGET the hot pants and thigh-high boots, pole fitness has arrived in March and it's already proving a big hit.

Instructors and friends, Kathleen Henderson and Roma O'Neil, are keen to point out their fitness sessions are far removed from the sleazy image of pole dancing.

The friends say: "It's fun and a great way to improve your fitness.

"With pole fitness you will see an increase in upper body strength, core stability will improve and flexibility also gets better."

After training in pole fitness the friends have been holding taster sessions at the town's BRAZA Club. The sessions have proved so successful they are almost ready to launch four-week courses.

Kathleen said: "I think everyone is getting a bit fed up with the normal gym routines. There is quite a lot of fitness involved in this and it is great fun."

The sessions are for those over 16s but are suitable for various levels of fitness. Many of the moves and spins can be adapted to suit individuals and there will be some general fitness training to enable more difficult moves to be completed.

Numbers are limited to a maximum of 12 people in each class. "Kathleen said: "We have two poles so we don't want too many lining up to use them at one time."

* To find out more about the forthcoming courses, and for details on groups and parties, contact Kathleen or Roma on 0785676 1382/3.