For Valentine’s Day back in 2020, T got me an unlimited membership to try out a new local fitness studio in the area – Air aerial fitness. I’ve been dying to take a class there so as many classes in a month as I could make it to sounded like an amazing way to check it out in all its glory.
A first visit
I didn’t know what to expect. Clearly with my experience with flying trapeze I’m not afraid of non-traditional exercise and getting up in the air. I took aerial yoga for a bit at Crunch in NYC. I was curious to see exactly where Air would fall.
I arrived bright and early at 5:15AM for my first class anxious to see (at the time, they had some classes at 5:30AM). I made sure to start with the Foundation class, which is their intro offering. The great thing though about all their classes is that they almost build in multiple levels of options to every exercise. Feeling like you need to take it a bit easier on a given day? Scale back to the basic option. Feeling extra strong and up for a challenge? Opt for a more aggressive take on an exercise, such as a plank with both legs up in the silk! (Trust me. You’ll be spoiled from basic on the floor planks for forever.)
I’ve been in and out from classes over the last two years with everything going on in the world, but always happy when I’m able to be back! The owner and all of the teachers have been so amazing to work with. They are so helpful and I always feel both encouraged and challenged! I returned back to regular classes in March and have been so happy to be back.
What is AIR?
It’s a full-body workout unlike anything you’ve ever done before. It’s part HIIT, part pilates and even some ballet.
The studio is the only one AIR aerial fitness has operating in the Northeast and we are lucky enough that it is in New Jersey! They keep adding locations periodically so good to keep an eye here for announcements on any new ones opening.
Each week, the corporate office sets an AIRPOW (AIR pose of the week) which you get to learn in class. I love that it means a different challenge every week so you are always trying a bit of something new. The end of class also gives you an opportunity to try something new (like, for me, the ever elusive Georgia Twist — sigh, someday.)
Class options
There are a number of different class options depending on your interests and level.
- If you’re looking for a good place to start, Foundation is the all-levels beginner class. Our studio has also started to offer an intro to AIR class, if you want to start with the most basic option possible.
- Flow is AIR’s aerial yoga option. The moves are more extended and there’s more focus on extending the moves throughout the class.
- Core is AIR’s class focused on, you guessed it, core. Think planks with your leg(s) in the hammock. Crunches with you hanging back with your legs wrapped around the silk. Way better than just down on your mat!
- Advanced is exactly what it says — a more challenging version of all of the other elements of AIR. The pace feels faster, too!
- With AIR Dance you learn a routine and work on transitions from position to position. Such a fun challenge and an amazing workout, too!
These are the regular class options but there are all sorts of workshops that have been offered — like AIR pairs (for parents and their kids), light painting photoshoot or even a handstand workshop. I love to keep an eye out for those to try a new challenge. Highly recommend them all!
AIR Aerial Fitness – 1280 Springfield Avenue, New Providence, NJ – reservations required
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