If you saw a man like Allan Reinikka in the street the last thing you'd expect their pastime to be is pole dancing.
But 55-year-old Reinikka, from Rockhampton in Queensland, says he is hooked on the activity since first being introduced to it five years ago.
"I guess most people see the beard and expect to see me on the back of a bike," Mr Reinikka said.
Image: Tamara Mackenzie/Supplied
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"Some people have said they are inspired by me and seeing my moves makes them want to get on a pole, or improve their own.
"Most are impressed and can't quite believe I can do some of the things I do," he said.
Reinikka's actual job lies in photography. It was only through volunteering for a colleague's shoot at a local pole dancing studio that his passion began.
"Everytime I went to do some shots the girls would ask me when I was going to try it out.
Image: Supplied
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"One day I bit the bullet and I have been doing it ever since."
Reinikka says pole dancing has actually improved his strength given that he is forced to use most of his core muscles.
"It takes a lit of strength, I find it a good challenge and more interesting than going to the gym.
"At the gym you can cheat yourself with weights, at pole there is only one weight - your own body.
Image: Tamara Mackenzie/Supplied
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"I must admit it does inspire me to lose weight sometimes," he chuckled.
While he's far from being a showman just yet, Reinikka does like to surprise people with his knack for pole dancing at office parties.
"I am not very flexible so it doesn't make for a good show.
"Although we do have a Christmas party at the end of each year and I have been known to throw a few on-the-spot routines together for that."
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Words by Josh Teal
Featured image credit: Tamara Mackenzie/Supplied
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