Pink did it at the Grammy Awards. You can do it at the gym. The Aerial Silk Workout.
3 Jun 2010
Pink's breathtaking aerial silk performance at the 2010 Grammy Awards could be your next new workout. Aerial fitness continues to grow in popularity with group and private classes being offered in gyms throughout the country. I was lucky enough to experience Aerial Silk Conditioning at Hype Gym in NYC. Check out my workout below...it was so much fun!
IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN
Aerial Silk Conditioning begins with a brief cardio warm-up, followed by stretching and strengthening with a focus on core and lower abs. Once you're warmed up it's time to get wrapped up in long, colorful silks that hang securely from the cieling. Before your feet even leave the ground, you'll learn how to tie, wrap and grip the silks correctly. You’ll learn how to climb, foot lock, slide, invert, swing and spiral your body into beautiful, athletic moves. Before you know it, you'll be flipping and somersaulting your way up and down the silks.
THE SLAVE DRIVER
Heather Hammond teaches Aerial Silks and she's not really a slave driver. She's Canadian born and couldn't be nicer...just don't challenge her 24-hr cancellation policy because her arms are jacked! Heather studied dance and circus performance in Toronto and has performed internationally in street festivals to corportate events. She's the founder and director of Helium Aerial Dance and Fitness so you're in good hands because she's a pro. In class, she'll demonstrate every aerial move before assisting you through it. She'll remain by your side the entire time so there's nothing to fear. You'll eventually get the hang of it and try some aerial moves on your own. Once you master the silks, the sensation of suspending yourself and swinging above ground is pretty amazing. Remember how much you liked swinging as a kid? Same feeling. You basically get to turn into a little monkey all over again (without looking like one).
THE PAYOFF
This workout will tone your arms, shoulders, abs and buttocks (Heather can provide a visual...she's as lean and tone as they come). Expect a strong and beautiful practice and a sense of creative fulfilment that you don't always get from the gym. Y'know, the kind that makes you shout "I am woman!" Ok...so maybe I'm the only one who shouts this. But you get it.
THE DRESS CODE
Wear fitted active wear or yoga apparel to class...the tighter the better. When you're flipping upside down everything must stay in place. Heather recommends athletic leggings or run tights (no belled out workout pants!). I'd stay away from shorts and keep the back of your knees covered unless silk burn sounds appealing to you. Make sure to remove all jewelry and don't wear anything with zippers or rivets. Long hair should be tied back and bare feet are required.
Online shopping suggestions for your aerial wardrobe:
THE SCHEDULE
Aerial Silk Conditioning group classes in NYC (typically 2-4 people/class)
Manhattan Classes:
Mondays 6:45-7:45pm Wednesdays 6:45-7:45pm Thursday 10:30-11.30am Fridays 2:30-3:30pm Location: Hype Gym, 480 Second Ave @ 27th Street
Brooklyn Classes:
Tuesdays 6-7pm Thursdays 6-7pm Thursdays 8:30-9:30pm Long Island Classes: Classes coming soon to Dance Elek-tra in Center Moriches!
Embody Language Studio 241 Bedford Ave, Studio #7 Brooklyn (Williamsburg)
Embody Language Studio 241 Bedford Ave, Studio #7 Brooklyn (Williamsburg)
Ruby Streak Trapeze Studio 220 36th St., Studio A-503, between 2 and 3 Aves Brooklyn (Sunset Park)
THE PRICE TAG Manhattan: $45/single class, $40/class for a package of 5 Brooklyn: $35/single class, $30/class for a package of 5 THE RECOMMEND Helium Aerial Dance & Fitness 917.280.2611 or Email for info
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Add a comment
#1. EricaS - Reply to this
Jun 4, 2010 8:53AM
That was great Mizzfit. Way to find the more interesting work outs…I am tired just laying on my ass watching you workout! Ha! I have a gimp toe (excuses, excuses).
#2. MizzFIT replied to EricaS - Reply to this
Jun 4, 2010 7:21PM
Well, once your gimp toe heals we’ll have to work out together. What do you think?
#3. Aaron - Reply to this
Jun 4, 2010 8:43PM
Awesome article! Looks like a killer workout.
#4. aaron - Reply to this
Jun 4, 2010 8:45PM
Awesome article! Looks like a killer workout. You won’t find this class at the local Y though.
#5. MizzFIT replied to aaron - Reply to this
Jun 4, 2010 11:50PM
You might not find aerial classes at your local YMCA outside major cosmopolitan cities, but it’s a trend that will soon be as popular and widespread as pole dancing. And there’s pole dancing in STL, right? In fact, I know there is!
You’ll see aerial classes sooner than you think. Why not request it at your gym? Let them know it’s something that interests you. Not enough people make requests at their gyms and it’s very important to do this since people that work there are paid to listen. It’s always worth a shot! Thanks for the comment, Aaron.