After hearing about the promising effects that pole dancing has on fitness, Comet reporter Laura Burge tried out a class to see for herself the results.

WHEN anyone ever mentioned pole dancing to me, I’d think of sleazy clubs full of men on stag dos, with scantily dressed women wearing heels too high to even contemplate.

So after being asked if I wanted to give the discipline a go, I was, naturally, a little apprehensive.

Even though I’d been reassured before my lesson that it was actually a great way of exercising, a good laugh and fun socially, I was still a little scared about what to expect.

But as someone who loathes the gym and will, nine times out of 10, sit inside with a glass of wine, a box of chocolates and a box set rather than even think about going, I thought it was worth a shot.

After being greeted by Stacey Snedden, who runs the aptly named Stacey Pole classes in Stevenage, we completed a short warm-up. As we were doing stretches (in gym kit and trainers, not lingerie and heels), Stacey explained to me that I would get bruises and more than likely ache from the experience.

As someone that is naturally very clumsy anyway, I couldn’t help thinking that I may be coming away with a trip to Lister Hospital A&E on top of that.

I’m happy to report that I managed to avoid Lister, although the aching I experienced the next day was another matter. Still, it’s a small price to pay for what I can honestly say was the most fun I have ever had exercising.

Stacey put me through my paces by breaking down a pre-prepared routine into small bits, which we then pieced together slowly. If I got something wrong or forgot what came next, we’d try it again.

I wasn’t perfect, far from it. I’d forget bits, stumble over my feet and spin round either too slowly or too fast. But that mattered very little; it was great fun, and not at ALL sleazy.

That’s not to say it wasn’t hard work. But this only makes it a great exercising alternative for all those who, like me, would rather gouge their eyes out than pound out the miles on a treadmill for half an hour.

And you never know - if you practice enough, it may be a great party trick. Mia Brewster, who runs some of the classes, demonstrated some moves that left me seriously impressed.

“Pole dancing is great at toning bellies and bingo wings. In the main it is about giving women a new confidence,” said Stacey, who is using the discipline to shed baby weight after having two children.

“It’s fun, and yes cheeky, but for the right reasons and is for women to enjoy without any pressure.

“I hated going to the gym and found it very boring and hard to get motivated, whereas with pole it was so much fun. It’s that time out from the day job and family life where we can just spend time dancing, giggling and getting toned at the same time.”

Stacey Pole will be at the Stevenage Race for Life later on this month. For more information about classes, which are held at Nuyuu Gym in Stevenage, visit www.staceypole.com