Pole star leads the way

She went to talk with Jiang about how he achieved such a toned physique and they exchanged contact details. Encouraged by Jiang, she joined a local studio last August.

"To be frank, I found the training quite rigorous, as it required a high level of both upper body and core strength," she says. "However, an overwhelming sense of fulfillment would come to me after I tried and succeeded in performing a new trick, and that's what spurred me on."

In that way, Chen has learned, step by step, the fundamentals of the art, such as how to slide down the pole correctly and perfecting techniques to arch her body backward.

During the process, she lost more than 15 kilograms and, more importantly, she has learned how to exercise properly, enjoy a healthier diet and improve her quality of sleep.

"I feel more confident, especially when I beat my male friends in arm wrestling matches," she jokes.

She says that, compared to more widely recognized sports, the international competitions in pole sports are more accessible for both professional and amateur athletes alike, as the sport is just taking off.

Shi Xi, a Beijing-based office worker who took up pole sports in 2015, says that the rising number of dance studios offering pole classes over the past four years demonstrates the growing popularity of the fitness form.

As a regular gymgoer, she points out that she can often attain a more effective workout on the pole than by using the normal gym facilities. Shi also adds that the sport allows her to keep fit, while at the same time harnessing her feminine charm.