A North East business owner has opened her second pole fitness studio in Darlington with hopes of helping others.

Body and Pole Volume 2 at Mowden Park, Darlington Arena, opened on August 12 as the sister studio of Body and Pole Fitness Studio in Stockton.

Ran by co-owners Sarah Guthrie and Amy Beech, the studio offers pole shape, flexibility and stretching classes with hopes of offering more classes in aerial arts involving hoops and silks.

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The Northern Echo: Co-owner of Body and Pole Volume 2 in Darlington Amy Beech.Co-owner of Body and Pole Volume 2 in Darlington Amy Beech. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

"With pole dancing/pole fitness there is still quite a stigma. But, people who come through our doors come from all different walks of life and backgrounds", Sarah said.

"It's not just young people either, we have a 76-year-old woman who used to come and it's for anyone of any shape or sizes no matter your gender - if you come through our door you're in a safe space."

Pictures from inside the studio show the venue has been kitted out with poles, mirrors, floor lights and colourful splashed walls.

The Northern Echo: Co-owner of Body and Pole Volume 2 in Darlington Sarah Guthrie.Co-owner of Body and Pole Volume 2 in Darlington Sarah Guthrie. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

However, whilst it may be daunting for some to start learning pole, Sarah believes the sport has many possibilities.

She said: "It's a different type of learning than the gym as pole is hard to learn but it's so thrilling - I think that's why it's so addictive.

"There are so many avenues in pole, people can do pole fitness which is tricks, pole dancing and there's competitions too. We have a lot of girls that compete now."

"You really see people come out of their shell."

Despite only being open for a few months, there has been a wave of support for the new business.

The Northern Echo: Co-owner of Body and Pole Volume 2 in Darlington Sarah Guthrie.Co-owner of Body and Pole Volume 2 in Darlington Sarah Guthrie. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)


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The Northern Echo: Co-owner of Body and Pole Volume 2 in Darlington Sarah Guthrie.Co-owner of Body and Pole Volume 2 in Darlington Sarah Guthrie. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Sarah said: "There is a community here, people who come are so nice and we have a really good vibe here. I have people messaging me saying how happy they are that they came along.

"To see people love doing pole is so surreal. We've been so lucky to secure the space and it's just going to be phenomenal. It's such a gorgeous space and we can see the potential in it."

Sarah has also thanked her customers for the support in their new venture, as well as Steve Holmes who played a large part in kitting out the new venue.

To find out more about the classes on offer, click here.