To find out what it takes to fly through the air like a circus performer, we're turning to the Trapeze School New York (TSNY) to show us the ropes. With the Santa Monica Pier as our backdrop, the TSNY instructors teach us that a flying trapeze lesson is more fun than scary and that it's also a great workout for your core. Best of all — anyone can do it!
Yes! I was one of the children who wanted to run away and join the circus, even in spite of the creepy clowns. I was lucky enough to live out a bit of this fantasy at the Trapeze School New York on the Santa Monica pier and take a turn on the flying trapeze. And it is nothing short of exhilarating. Learning to listen, understand, and implement commands while upside down is more challenging than I would have ever expected, but releasing the bar and swinging from just my knees made me feel as giddy as a school girl. Workout bonus: my abs, hamstrings, forearms, and upper back all felt pleasantly worked after my lesson. I can't wait to fly again!
"To catch up with a girlfriend, rather than sit and have coffee for an hour, we'll hike in Topanga Canyon. I rarely go by myself because it's such a perfect way to exercise and be social at the same time. Doing that so easily is one of the things that's great about Los Angeles."
— Elizabeth Banks on staying in shape and staying in touch. The actress appears on the November cover of Self, sharing that she prefers "no-gym workouts" like circus arts, skiing, and tennis. Elizabeth is also refreshingly honest about how she stays in shape: she admits that she "won the genetic lottery . . . and is really lucky to have good genes."
One person's fear is another's passion, at least when it comes to certain workouts. Whether you're adventurous or not, it's possible that a certain workout could strike fear into your heart. Here's a list of a few "extreme" workouts that people either love or hate:
So, tell me: are there any exercises or workouts that scare you? Or any that you refuse to try?
Our lovely reader Xosofine02 tipped us off to this Who Wore It Better? Thanks doll!
Audrina Patridge from "The Hills" and Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls both sported this sparkly gold trapeze dress. And take a look at the difference in the shoe choices! Audrina opted for gold metallic Loubs while Nicole went fierce with studded booties. Neither strike my fancy, but that's just me. Two tan and skinny ladies, but who wore it better?!
Bored with your yoga classes recently?
Then maybe you should try Aerial Yoga. It is a new type of Yoga that combines Yoga Asanas with movements done on a trapeze like apparatus. The physicality of training on any aerial apparatus complements the physicality of the Yoga Asanas - shoulders are stabilized while being stretched, core abdominal muscles can be strengthened and spinal flexibility becomes comfortable to explore.
Why? Michelle Dortignac, the person behind aerial yoga, believes that your body will have no choice but to learn proper alignment thanks to the effects of gravity since (like it or not) gravity always works, and it always works in one direction. The best part? No previous aerial or Yoga experience is necessary.
Right now you can only take Michelle's Aerial Yoga in Brooklyn, NY but it is only $15 per class, which in my opinion is not bad at all. For more information visit the Aerial Yoga site or call (917) 312-4339 to set up a class reservation.
Don't live in NYC, well Triangle Yoga in North Carolina has its own version of Aerial Yoga.
