Art Flying Yoga provided me with the best experience of my summer! The studio is inviting and brightly lit with big glass windows and a wall of mirrors. The simultaneous fun yet challenging classes for aerial silks and aerial hammocks are what drew me to the studio at first, but it was the people that made me return. Until recently, I suffered from acrophobia, a crippling fear of heights. Although my fear is no longer so extreme, I am still in the recovery stage. As a result, I was definitely the slowest learner in all my classes and usually the weakest as well, but my teachers were always patient and understanding, and all of my fellow classmates were extraordinarily encouraging and helpful. No one pressured me further than I could handle; everyone there contributes to the studio's warm atmosphere and makes it a safe space for beginners and newcomers to try out different moves.
The classes are comfortably sized, ranging usually from about four to ten people at most. Even when classes are larger, everyone gets plenty of attention, with more experienced students assisting newer ones. Everyone gets a chance to try out each new move being taught and there are plenty of lower hammocks for people to practice on if the taller ones are occupied.
I made sure to try as many classes as possible at the studio. Kiki's Aerial Hoop classes on Sundays were very fun. Besides being bright and enthusiastic, Kiki is extremely strong and talented. She manages to both patiently coach new students through basic moves and demonstrate more complicated moves to advanced students with ease.
Aerial silks were very fun for me to learn on, and consist of two strands of silks to work with. I started off at the studio with Lynn's Aerial Silks class on Saturdays, and was immediately hooked. Lynn is very accommodating to new students and remained unruffled by my many failed attempts on the silks. Another class with Aerial Silks during the week is Ivanna's Wednesday conditioning class. This class is both useful and enjoyable because much of the time consists of conditioning to better strengthen the body for aerial moves. Class always ends on a fun note, as Ivanna finishes by teaching a new move on the silks. Both Lynn and Ivanna possess a grace and strength I highly envy, and I would not be surprised to someday see them win American Ninja Warrior or something similar.
The aerial hammock classes on Monday and Friday are taught by Rubi, the studio owner. Although she hasn't been in the aerial arts as long as some of the other teachers, she knows enough to competently teach her classes. As a further sign of her dedication, I know she takes regular lessons to expand her own knowledge of the hammock. I always leave these classes black and blue, but with a deep sense of accomplishment from learning new moves. Side note: the silks and hammocks do leave bruises, but they lessen as you grow stronger and more proficient.
Art Flying Yoga also offers classes on the ground. I highly enjoyed Rubi's Rymenmy Yoga classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each is an intensive session of her own creation, a mix between yoga and other styles. Usually she focuses each class on a certain goal, such as developing better balance, or stretching out the hips. Thanks to her class, I managed to achieve full splits on both sides, a feat I haven't ever accomplished before!!! Rubi is encouraging, but also pushes you to try your hardest. Any class with her is a fun class!
I did attempt some of the other yoga classes, trying Flying Yin Yoga with Unni and Flying Vinyasa Flow. These classes are much more relaxing and move at a slower pace. Both make use of the lower aerial hammocks. Unfortunately, I suffered a bit of motion sickness from my time in the hammocks. Unni was very understanding after I expressed my concerns and informed me that accommodations can be made for students with similar problems.
I also took a few of the Zumba classes offered and had a blast! The music is so upbeat and the moves are relatively simple. It's a great way to trick yourself into doing cardio, especially if you hate cardio as much as I do.
Overall, this is a great studio. I found not only a place to develop strength and ability (my arms are so much stronger!), but also managed to develop courage and friendship as well. I highly recommend it to all my friends and anyone else who is searching for a fun yet challenging source of exercise with a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. read more