Get in pole position with your fitness regime. Abi Jackson spins into action (a little bit...) Pole dancing as exercise - pole fitness - has been growing in popularity for a good few years now.

If you haven't checked it out, you probably think you have a good idea of what it's all about, right? Well, your idea probably doesn't quite do it justice.

Recently attending a showcase organised by pole and aerial arts equipment manufacturer X-POLE, with some of the UK's top pole performers and instructors displaying their skills, I was expecting to be impressed.

I wasn't expecting was to be blown away.

At its best, pole fitness, which combines dance, gymnastics and acrobatics, is nothing short of awesome.

Strength-training may be the in thing in fitness right now; and these poling pros are well ahead of that game, toned and honed from head to toe thanks to supporting your entire bodyweight purely from gripping a pole between your knees - or hovering in the air, perpendicular to said pole, with only your hands holding onto it.

The strength alone would beat most burly blokes at the gym - but what's even more impressive is that they make it look easy. Because it's also a dance, a performance, movements are fluid, seamless and elegant.

Of course, pole fitness hasn't entirely shaken the association with strip clubs and seedy bars. And yes - you could say many of the moves are sexy. But the skimpy outfits aren't just for appearances: "The better you get, the more you'll realise you need more flesh on display, because bare skin grips the pole far better than fabric," one instructor explains.

And while performances might take on a seductive style (though this isn't always the case), when people attend pole fitness classes, the emphasis is very much on exercise - and fun.

I'm told that people of all shapes and sizes attend classes, absolute beginners with no background in dance or gymnastics, and for many, pole fitness becomes a way of appreciating what your body can do, not what it looks like, which can be transformative for confidence levels.

A PRO IN THE KNOW 'ONE OF THE KEY BENEFITS IS SEEING YOUR BODY, HEALTH AND FITNESS IN A TOTALLY NEW LIGHT'

Sarah Scott, 27, Miss Pole Dance UK Professional Champion 2012, travels the world as an instructor, performer and XPERT Master Trainer. Here she reveals her own path to pole fitness...

How did you get into pole fitness and was it difficult when you started?

"I went to a local gym where they had a weekly class and was totally hooked. I found it difficult at first, as I think most people do! I'm still learning so much six years on. It's challenging but very rewarding and you see progress very quickly."

What are the key benefits of pole fitness and what do you love most about your job?

"I think one of the key benefits is seeing your body, health and fitness in a totally new light. You focus on what it can do rather than what it looks like. As pole instructors, we get to see this change happen in people first-hand from when they first come in. A lot of people are self-conscious and negative about their bodies - pole can help them to feel empowered confident and proud of what they can achieve."

Are people sometimes surprised by how athletic and impressive it is?

"Some people are surprised at how much it's grown into something so different than their original perception - and others are surprised when they try it for themselves and find they can do so much more on the pole than they thought. You don't have to be a gymnast to enjoy it - it covers such a large demographic of abilities."

How long did it take you/does it usually take to start building up some serious strength?

"I started to see some real strength gains after around six months and again after around two years. It really depends on the person and how you're training. I was teaching myself a lot of the time, and so things can take longer this way! If you find a good class and go regularly, you can expect to find yourself doing all sorts of things you previously didn't know you could do!"

What exercise do you do aside from pole?

"For a long time, I just focused on pole as I found it covered bodyweight/resistance training as well as cardio through routines. Now I like to supplement pole with functional training including circuits, gymnastics and weights."

Some people might be intimidated thinking they don't have the right body type, are shy about wearing tight clothing or think they're too heavy for it - what advice would you give? Do women often tell you it's transformed their confidence?

"One of best things about pole is the community. It's so welcoming and friendly, you'll see very quickly that all ranges of people do it - from young to old and the ex-gymnast to the gym-phobic! I had little to no upper-body strength when I started, and I find a lot of people blame their lack of strength or fitness as a reason not to try. But once you start, your body will adapt and you'll have fun in the process."

What approach do you take in terms of eating well?

"I think having a guilt-free relationship with food is key. Don't beat yourself up when you eat something you know you probably shouldn't, but also try to research what's best for you and your lifestyle. Stick with fresh food wherever you can, and try to prep meals in advance so you've always got something on hand."

TRIED AND TESTED Abi Jackson puts herself in pole position (sort of) for a taster session with master trainer Sarah Scott WHAT IS IT?

Among other things, pole fitness promises to build and strengthen muscles, burn fat and boost general fitness, flexibility, agility and body confidence.

WHAT'S IT LIKE?

Like most total beginners, I am absolutely certain that I won't be able to do ANYTHING on the pole. In the space of 40 minutes though, Sarah has me spinning (albeit rather clumsily!) around the pole - in a basic move that involves placing both hands above your head on the pole, and then propelling yourself around and sliding downwards until you end up kneeling on the mat - and doing a basic backwards spin. Of course, I look far from elegant and controlled, but I must admit I'm surprised at how much it's possible to do. Sarah shows me how simple tricks - like turning around the pole and doing a wide scissor-kick with your legs - are technically very easy but look pretty cool. In fact, the hardest thing is walking around the pole without feeling ridiculously self-conscious (and not gurning during moves!). All that comes with time though, Sarah assures me. We do some simple strength exercises too - like gripping the pole and doing some knee-lifts, for an intense core workout.

Afterwards, my legs are covered in bruises and muscles all over ache - and I'm buzzing - it really is fun and I can see how mastering the moves could easily turn addictive.

Pole fitness classes take place across the UK. To find out about classes near you, visit www.x-pole.co.uk/contact-us