The gym is hard, the gym is scary, the gym is. . .well, the gym and let’s face it, we like being in our kitchens much more than going to the gym. And who could blame us? The warmth and inviting smells that surround our stovetops are far more enticing than the elliptical. Instead of forcing yourself into the gym to get that “new you,” why not try gaining a new perspective?
“The first thing we’re going to do is go all the way upside down!” Introduction to Aerial instructor Mary Siroki begins all of her classes by flipping her students completely upside down (after quite a bit of stretching, of course). Try that for a new perspective. The fitness craze that is sweeping the nation has unbelievable benefits and is seriously fun. Trust me, I tried it.
Mary teaches Intro to Aerial at Studio Goddess on eighth avenue. And what is that exactly? She said, “Right now I teach Intro to Aerial, which is two separate silks that hang.” This is similar to what you may see with pop artist P!nk or Cirque du Soleil. Students work through various stretching poses and combinations in the air, using the silks, in a sort of A-typical form of yoga.
Now, let’s talk about what this does for your body. Sure it looks super cool, but how does it compare to your regular yoga routine? Aerial yoga is a full-body workout. The class starts off with some stretching and then you go right into inversions, which means flipping upside down in the silks. Don’t panic, you are only hanging a few inches above the ground. This part is great for your spine and upper body, elongating you after gravity compressing you over the course of a day. You will come out of it feeling two inches taller. The class focuses a lot on your core, flexibility, and active flexibility. Active flexibility comes with being suspended in the air. In the silks, you do not have the floor to push against as you do in traditional yoga, so you are using your own strength. Beyond inversions, Mary teaches standing combinations, where the student stands on top of the silk. This part focuses on upper body strength, balancing and counter-balancing your own weight. Since you are the counter-weight here (rather than lifting weights in the gym), the exercise is truly suited to you.
Yes, even if you have little to no yoga experience, this class is still for you. It truly is suited to the individual. I went in with very little yoga experience and lots of anxiety and came out feeling totally confident. So many people enter Mary’s class saying, “Just letting you know, I have no experience in this and I’m probably going to fall on my face.” Her response: “Not the way I teach!” Let it be known, not one person from my class fell on their face. Mary talks you through every single combination and is there to put you at ease as you work through them. Of course those with athletic backgrounds do have an advantage, but no matter where your skill set is when you enter the class, you will build on top of where you are. Mary ends every class by asking her students, “Does everyone feel like they learned something new?” and “Does everyone feel like they got a workout?” She explained, “Those are the two most important things to me because you’re coming to this fitness class, but it’s also something really A-typical.”
Classes are maxed out at twelve to fifteen people. The class is set up with fewer silks than people to encourage students to trade off and partner with one another. This kept me personally from being totally exhausted, dizzy (you are hanging upside down part of the time), or out of breath by the end of the class. It also fostered a quick sense of community support within the class. Each of us cheered on the others and improved as we talked through the combinations. Trading off did not by any means keep me from getting that full-body workout. I do not remember the last time I was so sore. (But in a good way!) Every muscle in my body was exercised, straight through to my fingers.
In preparation for the class, Mary suggested wearing as form fitting of clothing as you are comfortable with, since you are hanging upside down for a portion of the time. Leggings are preferable over shorts! You can wear socks or go barefoot, whichever you are most comfortable with. And you only need your yoga mat if you want to use it for the warmup, which consists of a lot of stretching. Large, thick mats cover the floor beneath the silks. And while the silks look dainty and pretty, don’t be nervous. They’re built to hold up to six hundred pounds.
With a background in ballet, training briefly at the American Academy of Ballet in New York, Mary has been teaching at Studio Goddess for five years and is certified to teach aerial through the studio. Mary teaches classes every Tuesday night at 7:30. The schedule is always changing and evolving. You can keep up to date with the current class schedule and promotions via their website (www.studiogoddess.com).