The Holding Space i New York

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  Clemens Wan

  :: 28 March 2016 10:39:19

  I just got back from an anti-gravity flying fitness class after my friend recommended that I do this for one of my 30 day challenges (seelemonslive...). I must say that I feel unbelievably relaxed and at peace with myself. I had not taken a yoga class since I almost passed out at Bikram yoga on 14th street, and taking this class just makes me want to start make this into a weekly routine. Beautiful lavender hammocks hang from the ceiling in one of the rooms in Studio Anya. I approached everything with skepticism - doubting that I would be able to hang upside down securely and do the positions, but after a few simple warm ups and just having a bit of trust, I found myself inverted in moments of complete bliss. The blood rushing to my head released endorphins into brain giving me that high I thought only existed through medication. I know what you're thinking (because I thought the same thing) - how is this attached to the ceiling? The hammock itself is holstered on the links used for rock climbing and the very top is bolted to the metal support beam. Shelly Bomb, the instructor for this anti-gravity class, was the best part of the whole experience. She carefully explained everything clearly and provided the calming guidance expected from all yoga instructors. As I was in my little lavender cocoon, shielded from the rest of the world, she spoke with a soothing voice and walked around the room to set the scene. She brought me to my safe place; a place where I can leave all the stress behind. It was my mental and physical escape. So why anti-gravity over regular yoga? The hammock actually helps assist with many of the normal yoga poses and the exercises build a bit more core strength when doing some of the fun aerial moves that I would have never experienced in regular classes. The biggest plus, by far, is the complete straightening of each vertebra in my back. I feel (and probably am) taller after stretching my shoulders out and loosening those tense muscles that hunch over when I'm in front of my computer. The overall experience reminds me of my younger days in the jungle gym. I used to explore the monkey bars and try to do fun stuff hanging around like a free animal. Imagine that with yoga stretching, and I think you have a perfect combination of core and flexibility exercises. The anti-gravity flying fitness class accommodates to all levels of physical fitness, but it is recommended (at least from my perspective) to be able to do a single pull-up. The rest will be done by the hammock locking between your legs and against the small spot right above your butt. Either way, try this for yourself because it's the best $12 I've ever spent for a 1.5 hour class. I'll definitely be back for more.