An entrepreneur is in pole position after celebrating the launch of Scotland’s largest dedicated pole fitness studio in Glasgow.

Julie Stewart, 31, from Coatbridge runs Independent Pole Fitness, which has just launched a two-storey gym in Sauchiehall Street.

Women of all ages are taking up the challenging fitness craze which is designed to build strength, promote weight loss and tone bodies of all shapes and sizes.

Former beauty therapist Julie – who was nominated for the O2 Grazia Entrepreneur of the Year award 2009 – started her first Independent Pole Fitness (IPF) classes in November 2006 and now has venues across Scotland including Cumbernauld, Maryhill and Helensburgh.

Julie, who has more than five years’ experience in teaching fitness, fell in love with the benefits of pole dancing when she saw a flyer advertising it in a shop.

But she was uncomfortable with some aspects of the discipline and set about establishing a “progressive” training programme.

She said: “People still have images of poles as something seen in a strip club – and many pole dancing classes around still have that element of provocative dancing. But that really wasn’t for me.

“The women who attend classes range from 17-55 and come from all walks of life. There’s a great, relaxed atmosphere and although the combination of pole moves and circuit training is demanding, everyone progresses at their own pace.”

Julie is also working to establish a recognised training programme for instructors.

She said: “I have uncovered a pool of extremely talented women who are all undergoing training and my overarching plan is to help each establish their own training schools.”

With rumours that pole dancing is to appear as a guest sport at the 2012 Olympics, Julie has an instrumental role in pole fitness in Scotland. She added: “It’s all about harnessing the physical benefits and helping people achieve things they never thought they could.”

For more info visit www.independentpolefitness.co.uk