AIR: Just Swing it All Away
I'm gonna swing from the chandelier!
- Sia
We are always in awe watching aerial artists perform. When we found a great aerial studio in LA, we jumped at the chance to dance and move as graceful as a swan. Los Angeles offers a lot of Aerial Yoga classes, but we chose AIR because it’s an intense fitness training program that fuses all some of our favorite things: Conditioning, Pilates, Ballet and HIIT (high intensity interval training) on aerial hammocks.
AIR offers four types of classes that are designed for all levels and help clients feel comfortable progressing in their practice. The classes include:
AIR Foundation: A 50-minute beginner class that introduces new clients to aerial exercises on hammocks; the class emphasizes basic alignment, foundation, and specific muscle action so that the body can learn how to balance on aerial hammocks.
AIR Core: A 30-minute ab class focused on upper and lower abs, obliques, and lower back muscles.
AIR Flow: A 50-minute mixed-level flow class linking movements and power postures with the breath and hammock. AIR Flow fuses basic to advanced yoga poses with aerial hammocks to allow for a full body stretch that increases flexibility beyond what traditional yoga provides.
AIR: Their most advanced class. A 50-minute intense aerial fitness training class fusing elements of conditioning, Pilates, ballet and HIIT (high intensity interval training) on aerial hammocks. They recommend taking at least three AIR Foundation classes moving to this level.
Check out our thoughts on the workout below.
THe Workout: AIR
The Deets:
We tried the AIR Foundation class, and even though it’s considered a beginner class, we worked up a serious sweat! The class starts on the floor with a good stretch and warm-up. Then the fun begins in the hammocks. Transitioning through the moves can be a little complicated at times, we found ourselves stuck a few times, but the instructors are very hands-on and help you adjust when necessary. We promise, once we got the moves down, it felt amazing to hang upside down and just swing!
Sweat Level
💦💦 of 5
Gear Needed?
Just a bottle of water. They provide the mats and more importantly the ribbons
Studio Vibe
Colorful. Empowering. Zen There are lots of beautiful teal ribbons hanging from the ceiling. The music depends on the teacher. What we really took note is how genuine and willing to help everyone was. If the teacher was wrapped up helping another student, some of the more advanced clients jumped in to provide tips and tricks. We never felt like the workout was something we could not master.
Who to Bring?
Your friend who is not afraid of heights and doesn’t mind getting wrapped up :-)
Would You Double Tap That?
Oh yeah. It’s a challenging class, but there are some lovely parts where you get to just hang, and surprise yourself with what your body can do.
Finesse Tip
Leave your ego at the door and don’t think too hard about it.