Every new year's the same - people make resolutions to lose weight and join gyms, both of which not many people stick to.

But how many of us would consider taken up pole dancing as a form of exercise? Having just started as a reporter at the Oxford Mail, I was asked if I would take part in a pole dance class.

Wanting to make a good impression, I politely agreed, even though I was apprehensive about the idea - I'm no Christina Aguilera.

But having experienced Dance Inspires, Oxford's first pole dancing school, I believe this is the answer to getting fit. You can get fit and tone muscles you didn't even know existed!

Sara Smith, founder of Dance Inspires, has been teaching pole dancing in Oxford for more than two years.

The 23-year-old, who is also studying an English degree at Oxford Brookes University, said: "The first time I was introduced to pole dancing I was hooked! A close friend of mine was dancing at a club and I was amazed."

Lessons are taught at Bar Baby in Cowley Road, on Sundays and occasionally during week days. The school is open to anyone aged 18 or over and of any size. Each lesson starts with a 20-minute warm-up, followed by muscle toning, before getting stuck into the best bit - the dance and pole moves.

Sara, of The Slade in Headington, said: "Pole dancing is a sport: it can be dangerous and you have to be very careful. It can cause friction burns and bruising, but no pain - no gain!

"It is however, a lot of fun, and you don't have to be super slim. You can lose up to 300 calories per hour."

This month Sara set up www.danceinspires.co.uk to promote it as a reputable, exciting type of dance-exercise. Lacking in self-confidence and stone-cold sober, I wasn't quite sure what I would be expected to do.

As I watched Sara do some moves, I feared there was no way I'd be able to do anything remotely similar. But after a fairly painless warm-up, we started working on the pole.

It was really interesting to see how many moves you can do. Contrary to popular belief, pole dancing isn't sleazy, though as well as building self-confidence, it does make you feel sexy.

I'm sure if practise, practise, practise, I may even turn into Christina Aguilera after all.

Three Oxford girls, who had never pole danced before really enjoyed their first lesson.

Katy Butler, Katy Goodson and Charlotte Henry, attended the Dancing Inspires class at Bar Baby.

Sara and colleague Nicola Lewis, 21, put the girls through their paces. Katy Butler, who is studying a law degree at Oxford Brookes University, said: "I was slightly nervous about what it would be like, but I was pleasantly surprised.

"The lesson was really good. My arms hurt already and I know I am going to be in agony tomorrow."

Katy Goodson, 19, added: "I had a lot of fun doing it, which is good because going to the gym can be quite boring."

Oxford Brookes University student Charlotte Henry, 24, of Glanville Road, Oxford, said: "It's good, but I think I will enjoy the physical side of things rather than the sexy side!"