'Charlie's Angles' and James Bond maybe purely fictional characters. But the popularity of espionage as a profession is real and increasing, especially among girls

Los Angeles: Katie Killean is learning how to shoot a firearm.

She is not joining the police or army..... but learning the skills of espionage.

Promising its students a Bond-girl physique body, empowerment and keeping fit, 'Spy School' is proving very popular in Los Angeles.

Absolution Gym in West Hollywood, was best known for its award-winning Pilates studio.

Now it is known as the base for Spy School, it's most requested programme.

The 30 hour course is spread over 8 weeks, and taught by over 30 instructors.

It promises a workout alongside life skills like helping students set boundaries, make decisions and get more out of life.

Owner Sascha Ferguson says 'Spy School' teaches everything you need to know to be a spy, firing a weapon, scaling the side of a building, aerial trapeze, hand to hand combat and disguise.

At Spy School, students learn how to fire a weapon, defend themselves against an assailant or climb a building or jump off a 30 foot cliff.

Mark Worland, the special-forces weapons instructor, says he teaches students how to use firearms safely.

Katie Killean says that as a child she dreamed of being one of "Charlie's Angels" and after a traumatic divorce she enrolled in course.

Trapeze helps with everything from strength, breathing and fear of heights.

Instructor Elizabeth Newton, is a trapeze artist with the performing group 'Cirque Du Soleil'.

She says that secret agents never know when they may have to make a quick getaway or climb a tree to spy on someone.

Student Kim Marks, from Portland Oregon flew to LA to intensive Spy School classes because she wanted to gain strength after suffering from thyroid cancer.

Shannon Conte, 35, an actress from Los Angeles says the course has given her confidence.