IF YOU'D asked Debbie Carlson six years ago if she could imagine celebrating her 50th birthday in Fiji with her 20-year-old pole dancing friends she would have answered "not even remotely".

Even more surprising for the electrical wholesaler from Tyalgum, who was once so shy she couldn't bare to walk into a shop by herself for a cup of coffee, is that she is now a paid pole dancing instructor.

Today, glowing with confidence, Ms Carlson says pole dancing at Pole Catz Tweed Heads South has not only transformed her health but her "whole life".

"My husband went off to the navy six years ago so I decided whilst he was away I was going to do something for me, because I was basically bringing up my daughter (now 19) by myself," Ms Carlson said.

"What appealed to me was the strength, the flexibility, and that it was different... it wasn't run of the mill, and it was totally out of my comfort zone."

Ms Carlson decided early into the pole dancing lessons she wasn't into the "sexy" or "provocative" style of pole dance, but instead wanted to focus on "transitions" and "tricks".

"I do have golfers and tennis elbow, but the same as any sport, you get your injuries and I probably push my body harder than I should because of my age," Ms Carlson said.

But being the oldest pupil at Pole Catz and having a unique style was no barrier to success in the sport, which some countries are calling on to become an official Olympic sport.

Ms Carlson was awarded third in the judge's choice at the recently held Roar event, held at Players Gold Coast, after training six days a week in the lead up to what was her first competition.

"As a woman about to turn 50, I was very scared to do this. The last thing I wanted was to look stupid and be laughed at," Ms Carlson said.

"I don't view myself as being sexy.

"I don't do provocative at all, none of my routines are sexy and there's nothing sexy that I get my girls to do.

"All instructors have unique styles and you can choose which one suits you."

Now separated from her husband, Ms Carlson said her social life was blossoming with a new "pole family" and she was ready to share her unique hobby with the world.

"There's quite a large stigma that goes with it but now I don't really care, they'll think what they want of me; I do it for fitness and nothing else," she said.

Debbie's tips for women in their 50s:

1. Don't ever give up or be afraid.

2. Push yourself harder than you think you can go.

3. Anything is achievable if you want it badly enough.