Yellowknife (Mar 01/06) - The first thing you need to know about Stripfit is that it's not about actress Carmen Electra.

In fact, few who are taking the class have seen Electra's aerobic striptease multi-volume collection. And it's probably best it stays that way, as this class isn't about becoming an exotic dancer.

"I would have probably called this class the art of sensual movement," said Stripfit instructor Lana Ackerman.

A combination of dance, yoga, belly dancing and pilates, this new class was created after she took a class taught by a former exotic dancer in Calgary, said Ackerman.

"We learned a routine, but we didn't learn anything about movement," she said. "I thought, how would I teach a class like this?"

Always interested in fitness, Ackerman has been practising yoga since the early 1980s and teaching since 1992. She also has experience teaching aerobics and pilates.

Ackerman suffered a career debilitating accident, where she broke both ankles after missing a step. She used yoga, pilates and some of the movements she teaches in Stripfit to return to teaching condition.

She describes the movements in her class as a tough workout. "Like belly dancing, you always have your knees slightly bent and circle your hips and torso. You work a lot of abs, too."

Each movement is about a quarter of the speed it would normally take. Even practising walking in this class takes an incredible amount of muscle control.

Focusing on a sensual frame of mind, participants are encouraged to take on a persona to facilitate their sensuality. Ackerman is clear that this is about being "freely sensual," not "freely sexual."

Though Stripfit is a new program, Ackerman says her students are making progress and being serious about the class.

"There are more dance moves and a focus on self-awareness, like yoga," said participant Holly Sansom.

"It's fun to try out," said participant Lorri Kamitomo. "It's different from a regular aerobics class."

The class runs every Friday and Sunday at the Racquet Club.