As it shifts from seedy strip clubs into the mainstream, pole dancing is fast becoming recognised as a legitimate sport.

The first Central Pole Dancing Championships are on today in Wellington.

Limbering up in a pink Lower Hutt studio yesterday, Melissa Dodson, 38, said she came from a yoga and Pilates background, and took up pole dancing two years ago as a new way of keeping fit.

"Anything but the gym," she said.

"It's a real challenge for women in terms of their upper body strength, it's quite unique," she said, while practising moves including the superman and fireman's spin.

Competitive pole dancing was a sleaze-free zone, she said. "There are some very strict rules – no G-strings allowed."

There will be plenty of skin on show however – competitors use their thighs and stomach to help grip the pole.

Event manager Sofia McLean said competitors were coming from as far as Queenstown.

It was another step toward pole dancing becoming more recognised. "New Zealand is really behind the eight-ball, so to speak, when it comes to the understanding and establishment of pole as a true fitness and form of sport."

There were even moves to make pole dancing an Olympic sport. Ms Dodson said Olympic recognition would a great boost for the sport. "It does have that X-factor."

Today's competition is at the Wellington Performing Arts Centre in Vivian St.