I signed up for Xelia's level 1 class not knowing what to expect. A friend and I joked we could…read morehave a lot of fun, or it could be like 10-weeks of gym class from hell. Gym class for me was trying to stealth to the back of the line until class ran out. I was not, and still am not, terribly coordinated. But, Aerial arts seemed like a great way to build core, and a pretty unique hobby to boot. First day of class, we trained on three apparatuses: web (basically rope from gym class); tissue (sort of like climbing on mom's curtains); and trapeze (at about 4.5' rather than atop a giant circus tent). There's no slow move into Aerial arts: we will get strong and do circus. (Xelia's motto: Get strong, Have fun, Do Circus) Yesterday was session 4 of the 10-week session. I'm sore today and likely will be for the next few days. I left class yesterday accomplishing moves I couldn't do at my last class. I finished moves I struggled with at the beginning of last night's class. That is worth all the sore muscles today. Classes at Xelia's are meant to be taken on repeat. Session I is a mix of new students and returning. We rotate in small groups among 3 coaches who spot us and offer encouragement. It's physically demanding, and if you're like me, not too keen on heights, pushes comfort zones. I am excited re-evaluate my limitations as I progress.

Began taking the beginner's aerial session about a month ago. Am impressed. The teacher's are great…read moreand the space is fun to work in. The classmates are friendly and interesting. While being supportive, everyone is coming from a variety of places in life and ages. I like it enough that I signed up for the upcoming Spring session. It's a crazy good workout. My arms are sore- but getting more accustomed to it all.

I went for the Aerial Silks beginners class and the price for a drop in class was very reasonable…read more There's a parking lot right in front of the entrance along with street parking. Upon entering the building, I located room #9, where Stomping Ground is housed. I was surprised to find that 8 mins before the start time, the door was still locked. The instructor eventually arrived a few minutes after the start time which was a bit disappointing. It's a decent sized space, but a bit in disarray. Anyway, there were cubbies at the front where belongings could be tucked away. This included shoes which are not allowed on the performance/class floor. Although my skills were awful I still enjoyed myself. The instructor was very patient, helpful, and never made me feel like I was holding the class back. She showed several moves, and walked us through as we attempted them ourselves and while encouraging us, never pushed us beyond our comfort levels. About 2/3 of the way through the class, a child came in and was all over the place. It was a bit distracting especially as she continued to pull the instructors attention towards random things. Can't blame the kid (for being a kid), but I do think paid classes should feel more organized and less random. Anyway, I'm glad I tried the class.

I absolutely love the Lyra classes here! All of the instructors are friendly, skillful, and…read moreattentive and I always have a great time. The classes have a great ratio of students to teacher and apparatus, which allows for a little bit of rest time and plenty of practice time. The studio itself is such a cool space and is very clean! I would highly recommend taking classes here!

Buti Yoga with Koreen changed my life. Not only was it the dance-charged work out I was looking…read morefor, but it became my community as the weeks passed. I have taken lots of different kinds of yoga before, but once I felt the woman-powered, body-positive vibe at Open Minds, I knew I had found a place where I could explore new challenges. Their unique space has trapeze, aerial yoga and aerial silks too.

I'm so thankful to have found Open Minds! I've been doing yoga for at least 12 years but sometimes…read moreget bored with it. Buti yoga with Koreen is exactly what I needed to rejuvenate my love for yoga. This yoga is movement based, but most importantly, it is both FUN and a good workout. I always leave class in a better mood and feeling positive, sexy, and empowered. Everyone I have met in class is super friendly and not your typical yogis you see at studios who just keep to themselves. Come check out a class and see for yourself!

I've been a part of the Expertease Fitness aerial program for almost 5 years and have absolutely…read moreloved my experience. The studio recently moved into a larger space - enabling them to have even more space (and higher ceilings) to support the extensive programming they offer across their aerial (silks/hammock, lyra, trapeze and rope), burlesque and pole curriculum. The studio offers either session based classes (sign up for 8 weeks of classes with the same group of students each week) or drop in classes if you aren't quite ready for a long term commitment. I have only had extensive exposure to the aerial instructors - but all of the teachers and staff I have interacted with are extremely passionate, caring, welcoming and lead with "safety first" mentality. They will push you to do new and challenging things outside of you comfort zone - but are great about respecting personal boundaries and safety. During my time with the studio - I have been exposed to the most amazing welcoming and diverse community. Regardless of your age, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, profession etc. - you will be welcomed by this community with open arms. The studio has some of the most affordable rates for aerial/pole/burlesque etc. in the Twin Cites (and especially compared to other metro cities) A few other tips/tricks details: -All session based courses offer the opportunity to participate in a end of session performance -Studio regularly offers extremely affordable photo shoot and makeup/hair sessions -Class offerings are constantly evolving and they regularly add new classes and/or workshops -Studio does offer the opportunity to rent out practice spaces and offers private group classes -Studio regularly offers groupons and/or sales for level 1 classes -The booking system online can get a big confusing (you buy credits - and then redeem them to sign up for classes) - but just e-mail or call the help lines and they get back to you quickly!

I just returned to BurlesqueMN for another session of classes. I am in the basic pole classes and…read moreloving it! Some things about it that is different than other gyms with pole is that 1. it's progressive. You're learning skills and building on them. You don't just drop in and try to following along -- you're taught everything so you can master it. 2. You get the opportunity to perform at the end of the session if you want to!! I loved showing off my new skillz to my friends and family . I work in human services and in this profession, self-care is key. BurlesqueMN has really helped with fulfilling my self-care. The pole classes not only give me an amazing work out, I have grown so much more confident with my body and how it moves. A big recommend for any one interested in giving pole a try!! I have yet to try other kinds of classes here but most certainly plan on doing so in the future.

I have practiced Soma Yoga with Tula Yoga for many years. It is a family with friendly,…read moreknowledgeable instructors. Soma produces a change in your body and mind that will remain and inspire you to experience the other weekly Tula classes. Most classes are offered on-line as well as in the studio. That may be a way for you to begin and you will not regret it.

I tried a yoga class that was not right for me because of fibromyalgia and sciatica. The teacher…read morewas great. She tried to adapt the poses and when that didn't work she said she wasn't going to charge me so I could use the credit for a more gentle class.