Pink did it at the Grammy Awards. You can do it at the gym. The Aerial Silk Workout. (2010-06-04 06:30:33)

04 | 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.

Heather Hammond

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: