WHEN Kezia Thomas fell downstairs six-years-ago following dizziness caused by her inner ear infection she was left with an undiagnosed hip injury which made it agony to walk.

Depressed, isolated and lacking in self-confidence the Bidford-on-Avon woman was left wondering if she would ever be able to walk properly again.

The former HR officer was left virtually housebound as she refused to rely on walking aids or a wheelchair.

As someone who was previously fit and active, Miss Thomas, realised that she urgently needed to do something proactive to help both mind and body recover.

In 2010, whilst looking for a form of exercise that could work her upper body, she discovered pole fitness and initially taught herself in her own living room.

The exercise includes a distinctive workout of dance, acrobatics and gymnastics that uses a central pole as support for the various moves.

After two years, with the help of physiotherapy, Miss Thomas, regained her former fitness and was able to walk properly again and was inspired to start her own business as an instructor.

“After my own journey from poor health to wellness with the aid of pole fitness, my passion now is to support and inspire others,” the 33-year-old explained.

“Helping to empower women and enable them to discover their own body confidence as I have found mine.”

She set up Riverside Pole and Fitness in November 2014 where she teaches one-to-one and group sessions in her purpose-built pole fitness studio overlooking the River Avon in Bidford.

Miss Thomas thinks pole fitness is a fun and creative way to build strength, keep fit and build confidence.

“It has huge physical benefits, including increasing strength and flexibility, sculpting the arms and back, stomach and legs,” she added.

For more information or to book a session with Miss Thomas you can call her on 07790 432965 or for further information or visit www.riversidepole.co.uk.