By Julie Samaras
AMANDA Pulford’s Powapole classes are about “fitness with a twist.”
“The majority of ladies who come to our classes are those looking for a fitness alternative,” Amanda says. “Our ladies are very mainstream. They’re here for a workout.”
Participants wear socks and comfy gym gear, preferably shorts – there are definitely no high heels or fishnets in sight.
“When they first arrive, many of them can’t hold their own weight, but by the end of the six-week term, most people can climb the four-metre pole to the roof and do push-ups on their toes,” she says.
“We’ve done over 50 hen’s nights in the last year. The ladies come here for an hour class. It’s tongue in cheek, nothing offensive.
“We package the whole night for them, organise a restaurant booking or tee up special offers at a nightclub or bar that they go on to after here.”
With almost 20 years in the fitness industry and an ACT natural body building title under her belt, Amanda has been running Powapole fitness classes for women at her Braddon fitness studio for the past year.
The classes are designed to improve fitness and develop strength while having fun. The Fit Sistas studio attracts women aged from 18 to 65 and classes tend to be relaxed and chatty. Since opening its doors, the studio has run more than 800 Powapole classes and over 1000 clients have come through.
It’s about a fun, healthy approach, with all five instructors being fully qualified fitness instructors, and classes approved by Fitness Australia.
On the board of Fitness ACT, Amanda has been a qualified fitness instructor since 1992, having taught aerobics, circuit classes and personal training in various centres throughout Canberra.