By JOSH AULT
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) – It has been three months since a new fitness club opened its doors in Knoxville. 6 News first told you about the business back in May.What makes this club unusual is the patrons use poles to exercise on. Recently, the club’s owner says she has been harassed because some feel it is a strip club.On Saturday, we were invited to a beginner’s class at Pole LaRotic Fitness located on Broadway Avenue. Many of the new members were excited that this type of fitness could be found in Knoxville. They do not consider it stripping.”It is more of a workout, and dance class,” said Camelia Mulhall, a first time participant, “It doesn’t have that I’m in a strip club feel to it. It is just a bunch of women getting together acting silly, and getting fit at the same time.”When Nastassia Ligon, the club’s owner, opened the gym, she never thought she would have problems with the community.She was wrong. “We have had several harassments,” said Ligon. “They have been throwing trash in front of the building. They have cut our phone wires, and been calling harassing us, and filing complaints with the city and saying that this was a strip club.”
Ligon showed us a rusty nail that had been driven through their outside phone wire this week. She filed a police report, and more patrols are going to be done in the area for the next few weeks.Ligon just wants people to know that this is not a strip club.”Basically, this is a place, a new fun and way to get fit, instead using the treadmills and the same old exercises,” said Ligon. “The women come here to build their confidence, and have fun.”Ligon is planning an open house in September, so the entire family can come by and see what pole fitness is all about.Those who have already signed up hope others can see the benefits of this vertical exercise.”Lighten up, get over it,” said Bridgette O’Dell, who completed her first class Saturday. “It is not bad. It really isn’t. I think it is more about is making women aware of their bodies and making them appreciate their bodies, and it is just a different way to get fit. I like it.”Ligon says because of all the complaints to the city, building permit officials have raised concerns about having a gym in this part of town.She says they will be making a final decision about if they get to stay here in August.Pole LaRotic Fitness already has more than 800 members.
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