University students banned from pole dance fitness classes because they are 'inextricable linked to sex industry' Keep-fit classes were a big hit with the women at Swansea University Students' Union chiefs said pole dancing 'inextricably linked to sex industry' Society president said it was 'highly offensive' to suggest class was sexual Pole dancing has become a fitness trend - but Swansea University said it bolsters sexist attitudes Female university students have been banned from pole dancing to keep fit because of its links to the sex industry. The keep-fit classes were a big hit with the women at Swansea University and dozens signed up for the twice-weekly sessions. But Students' Union chiefs outlawed the classes saying they were 'inextricably linked to the multi-million pound sex industry.' In a statement the Union's trustees board said: 'Activities such as pole fitness contributes to an atmosphere where women are viewed as sexual objects and where violence against them is acceptable. Evidence shows that young women aged 16 to 24 are the group of women who experience the most domestic and sexual violence. This is the age of a large group of our female students. This activity is inextricably linked to the multi million pound sex industry and upholds and bolsters sexist attitudes and behaviours. The Swansea Student Pole Fitness Society was initially allowed to become an official society of the union, but the decision was later revoked. But the organisers of the pole fitness classes yesterday hit back at the Students' Union which has in the past allowed naked charity calendars and binge drinking. The Swansea Student Pole Fitness Society was initially allowed to become an official society of the union, but the decision was later revoked President of the pole fitness committee, Beth Morris, said it was 'highly offensive' to suggest the fitness classes were sexual. She said: 'Lap dancing occurs in gentleman's clubs. Pole fitness is strictly for fitness. The board needs to take account of the context in which these classes are being taught in. Since the classes are purely for fitness, there is therefore no link between it and the sex industry. Society treasurer Heidi Muir added: 'There are union societies that encourage binge drinking and have done naked calendars. 'But a fitness class which encourages a healthy lifestyle, body confidence and self-esteem doesn't fit into these policies.'