FitSugar

Aerial Yoga: Om My!

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 12:30:00 PST

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.

Best of Yoga: Hybrid Classes

Self — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:28:37 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Still think yoga is for hippies? Think again! Instead of chanting, there are lots of yoga styles that fuse elements of other workouts to make a killer two-for-one workout for any exercise personality.

Since you've never been one to play by the rules, why should your yoga practice? Think of this as your yogi cheat sheet of fusion classes to help guide you through National Yoga Month. And be sure to brush up on first class tricks of the trade to look like a pro!

AntiGravity Yoga: Having trouble mastering the handstand? This is for you. Also known as cocooning and aerial yoga, AntiGravity yoga, created by former aerial acrobat Christopher Harrison, involves using a giant hanging fabric (think of a hammock) to assist with yoga pose and stretches.

AcroYoga: Need a spot? AcroYoga combines traditional yoga with Thai massage and Acrobatics for a partner-based practice. You'll massage, flow, invert, spot and asana with a buddy who is the ying to your yang.

Breakti: It's yoga with a beat! Founded by Anya Porter, Breakti is the fusion of break dancing and yoga.

Learn about more hybrid yoga classes after the break!

Tips For Scoring a Deal on the Hottest New Workouts

Shape — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:53:35 PDT

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar.

Half-priced massages! Discounted movie tickets! Eighty percent off skydiving! Groupon, LivingSocial, and other "deal of the day" sites have taken the Internet (and our inboxes) by storm over the past year, with millions of people getting great deals on everything from services to entertainment to locally grown alpaca fur. While skydiving on the cheap might not be the best idea (does that make anyone else nervous?), these sites can be the perfect way to try out something you might have otherwise missed without investing a lot of cash. And nowhere is this more true than in the area of fitness.

During the past couple of years, I've used deal sites to try out new workout classes like circus arts, break dancing, mixed martial arts, and aerial yoga that I'd only read about in magazines. The results have been sweaty, hilarious, and sometimes bizarre, but it's been a fun way to spice up my workouts. Intrigued? Here are a few things you need to know:

Read the fine print. Lots of deals come with restrictions like when they can be used or at what location. Don't wait until you show up for an evening class to discover that it only works on weekends (like I did).
Purchase two. New fitness classes can be intimidating so buy two passes at once so you can bring a friend along for the fun. What's embarrassing by yourself is hilarious when there's someone else to laugh about it with.

See more tips after the break!

Get High Like Pink

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:00:13 PST

Watching the Grammys last night, one of my favorite acts was Pink, not only because she is a gorgeous and strong role model for how your body can look with hard work, but because of her aerial dance moves. Wearing a skin-tight and skin-colored leotard, she spun high above us in the air, singing her heart out and doing acrobatic yoga moves while being cradled in a ribbon of white. It was really amazing, and if you missed it, check out the clip below of her gorgeous strength and flexibility.

While watching Pink soar in the air, if you thought "Wow, I want to do that," you're not alone. What woman doesn't want to wrap herself in ribbons and dance in the sky? Combining gymnastics, aerobatics, yoga, and dance, aerial dancing takes tremendous strength, courage, flexibility, and balance. Not only is it a great workout, but it will build your confidence and is probably the most fun you'll have while burning calories. Adult classes for all levels are offered in many cities across the US, so if you're interested, check out the list of schools near you when you

read more. Some classes are all about learning how to do aerial dancing, and some are fitness classes that incorporate different types of circus arts, so contact the school to get more info.

Santa Cruz, CA: Mir and A Company
San Francisco, CA: Circus Center
San Francisco, CA: AcroSports
Santa Ana and Encino, CA: The Aerial Classroom
Denver, CO: Aerial Dance Over Denver
Denver, CO: Miraas Aerial Dance Studio
Denver, CO: Aerial Fabric Acrobatics
Boulder, CO: Frequent Flyers
Clearwater and Tampa Bay, FL: BB's Dance & Circus Arts
Chicago, IL: Aloft Aerial Dance
Long Hill Township, NJ: AntiGravity Yoga at Core Connection
Brooklyn, NY: Aerial Yoga
Brooklyn, NY: Fly by Night Dance Theater
New York, NY: Trapeze School of New York
Portland, OR: Pendulum Aerial Arts
Brattleboro, VT: New England Center for Circus Arts
Brooklyn, East Bay, Los Angeles, Miami Beach, New York City, and San Francisco: Anti-Gravity Yoga Wings Class at Crunch Gym

I tried that Anti-Gravity Yoga, and it sure was fun! These are just a few of the schools and classes in the US, so if you don't see one near you, do a little search on the Internet and I'm sure you'll be able to find one in your area.