VIDEO: Kirkby in '˜pole position' for new fitness craze

Aqua Active – essentially pole dancing for swimmers – has been launched at Ashfield School’s pool and is one of the first venues in Britain to host such classes.

Janine Bramley, aged 25, from Alfreton, is one of just 15 qualified instructors and having offered taster sessions in recent weeks, says there has been no shortage of interest.

The mother-of-two said: “I’ve been teaching swimming for years and read about this and thought it was a great opportunity to try something new.

“My sister Keron and I read about it and thought it was interesting.

“This is different and no work out is the same.

“It’s not like being on a treadmill, it’s versatile and anyone can do it.”

The fibreglass poles are attached to the bottom of the pool using suctions cups, and participants are put through a high-tempo music routine.

However, while the origin of pole dancing may be rooted in the seedy surroundings of gentleman’s clubs, Janine is keen break the taboos and bring it to the masses.

She said: “We are trying to break the stigma.

“It’s not pole dancing, it’s more like aerobics.

“We’ve been running the classes for about six weeks and they are going really well.

“There’s been a lot of interest and no negative feedback.

“We’ve been running some free starter sessions and it’s been absolutely fantastic.

“We have space for nine people at a time, so it’s only small groups.

“People who may otherwise be self conscious are having such a laugh and enjoying themselves.”

Aqua pole is so new that classes are only available in Milton Keynes, London and North Wales.

Taster sessions for all ages are being offered at Ashfield School on Mondays, April 18 and 25 at 7.30pm and 8pm.

Janine Bramley is also running classes at Ashbourne in Derbyshire and has plans to run them in Nottingham starting from this month.

For details, log onto aquaactive.uk, go to the Facebook page or phone 07854 830904.

Regular sessions are priced at £9 but can be cheaper for block bookings.