People are often hesitant to exercise with a pole, thanks to a record-breaking number of Olympic pole-vaulting bloopers and annual marathon airings of A Christmas Story. Mend the pole's shattered reputation with today's Groupon: for $25, you get four one-hour Pretty Lady Pole Fitness classes at TKO Fitness on West McMicken Avenue (a $50 value). Classes are on Mondays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 12:30 p.m.

Instructor Beth Tolbert strives to strengthen student bodies and confidence levels through empowering pole workouts. Up to 10 pupils are guided through tone-bestowing basics such as beginner and intermediate spins and tricks, transition moves, and floor work. Lessons eventually combine the cylinder-centric acrobatics into simple routines that challenge women to push themselves and face their fears of flagless flagpoles.