An Angel Gets Her Wings
Okay so maybe I’m not an angel, but I did get to try out Crunch’s Antigravity® “Wings” Yoga Class last week.
This was one of the most unique classes I’ve taken.
Here’s the description of the Antigravity® class:
“Stretch further and hold challenging postures longer using a flowing fabric hammock as your only prop. With the fabric as a soft trapeze, you’ll learn simple suspension techniques to move into seemingly impossible inverted poses to relieve compressed joints and align the body from head to toe.”
When I arrived at Crunch the staff was friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere was fun, laid back and professional. At 5:40 p.m. the place was already buzzing with activity. Although, I’m not a member I didn’t feel intimidated or like I didn’t belong. There’s nothing I dislike more than an overly stuffy gym environment. Working out is suppose to be fun. Crunch is nailing the fun part.
I was told to go to the yoga studio for the class. When I got to the room people were already hanging around upside down and we still had 15 minutes before class was to start. I walked into the room and didn’t know what to do with myself. Just when I began to freak out a little, Deanna our instructor, entered the studio. She immediately introduced herself and began assisting new students.
She was an amazing and patient instructor. Lucky for me there were 10 new people in the class. I think the first words out of my mouth to Deanna were “I’m nervous”. She gave clear concise directions which reassured me that I wouldn’t end up on my head.
Parts of the class are very similar to a regular yoga class, but the silks allow you to go deeper and feel more supported in the poses than you do on the floor. For me working with the silks was about trust. Trusting Deanna’s instructions, the silks, my own abilities and in Crunch’s liability insurance. 
Deanna was not only talented enough to get us hanging upside down, but she also emailed me a few of the benefits of the “wings” class. One benefit of Anitgravity® yoga vs. traditional yoga that it allows for zero compression inversions. Inversions can illicit fear in many a yogi. Antigravity yoga allows people to feel the benefit of inversions and release those fears and tensions.
The class was fun, scary and challenging. I’m a bit of a control freak when it comes to working out, so this is the perfect class for someone who needs to learn to “let go”.
Crunch believes that “seeing is believing”. If you would like to see for yourself what it’s like to workout at Crunch, they are offering you a one week pass and one free personal training session. To redeem this offer go here. Being as we just discussed how to allocate a fitness budget yesterday, this could help.
Crunch is also celebrating their 21st birthday with an online celebration. They are giving away over $250,000 worth of prizes at Crunch 21. Let me know if you win anything.
Very cool!!! I’ve always been intrigued by these classes!
This is so cool!!!! I’ve never heard of that kind of yoga before!
Wow – this looks like such an amazing class. You’re making me miss living in the city where I could try these pretty cool looking classes.
how were you not afraid you were going to fall on your head?! ha, that looks awsesome – go you!
Wow, that yoga class is so intriguing to me! I find it challenging enough to do regular yoga, I can’t imagine doing this. It looks really fun though.
That class looks crazy. I want to go!
Speaking of going–I think we may be meeting on August 5th (if you’re going, that is). I am excited! <3
What a unique class! I think I’d be a bit scared, but I’d love to try it, too…
That looks fun! I’ve never seen anything like it over here before though!
Oh my goodness…that looks like the coolest thing ever…what a fun new experience.
I can totally understand why you would be a little nervous/uncomfortable at first. Wy to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
How cool are you?! You are like P!nk! in concert. Strong, dare-devilish, I love it!
That class looks insane and really cool, though I’d fear falling on my head and knocking myself out. The poses look so graceful, which I’m definitely not!
Of all the cool-sounding classes out there, this is definitely the one I want to try most!!
oh that looks like such a fun experience!
This looks SO FUN!! And difficult, I’m sure. I’ve seen this before on the TODAY show, I think. I thought it looked like a lot of fun, but I had no idea about all of the benefits. I look at these pictures and have this irrational fear that the tie will come undone and everyone will fall on their heads. I’m crazy.
Very cool, that looks so interesting and fun!
That officially looks amazing
Wow that class looks crazy and a little scary but really fun. I’m jealous of all the classes available to you in New York!
I have seen this on TV.. looks very cool but yes, scary! Out of the comfort zone we go!!!!!!! Good for you!
I’ve seen this once before, it looks so cool and unique! I can see why you were nervous, but good job going for it!
This is probably one of the craziest new fitness classes I have ever seen, and by craziest I mean kind of scary!
oh my! i would be intimidated too–but this is amazing! nyc has so many “out there” ways to get in shape.
What an absolute blast! Thanks for showcasing it. I really want to try it!
Officially jealous. I want wings!! How fabulous. It’s great you went for and I’m sure you’re body is thrilled you’re moving it in new ways. This really looks like loads of fun.
This class looks awesome, although I’m sure I’d be super nervous my first time. What did it actually feel like? I’ve never done a full headstand without the help of a wall.
Jess- how fun!!! You look just as cute hanging upside down as you do right side up.
Aw, Ali you’re so sweet!
Wow that class is something different, that’s for sure! I’d be scared to hang upside down hah. I love that you’re always telling us about new classes.
This. Looks. SO. COOL.
I am one of those people who gets freaked out at inversions. I have visions of my neck cracking and crumbling during shoulder stand. And head stand – forget it! I’d loooove to try a class like this! Hey Crunch – you should do a giveaway with FCITC
Hehehe.
Great idea Shelby!
Just when I thought I’ve seen it all…..amazing. I do think it would be a challenge for me to just let go but can imagine the benefits of this for sure.
How freaking cool!!!!
How cool is that?! I can only imagine the kind of stretch you get
I would have been a nervous wreck. Looks so interesting though!
OMG, I wish there was a crunch near me.This looks like SO much fun!!!!
This class looks like so much fun. I would love to try it out!
So cool! That is what Pink does in her concerts now! I would love to try it!
This looks awesome! I’m totally looking for a class like that near me!
wow jess! that looks so cool. can guys take the class? i mean, i KNOW we CAN, but DO guys take the class.
Yes, yes! There were guys in the class. Although, one guy did fall out at one point. =) He didn’t hurt himself or anything, but it scared me.
Download the pass and try it out!
oh man, that class looks so good for me right now. STRETCH!! Amazing.
I would love to try that class and the Jukari fit to fly class too. They both seem like a really good, fun workout.
That is one of the coolest things I have seen in a loooooong time. I want a Crunch near me!
WOW! You are so brave! It reminds me of Pink’s performance earlier this year. Good for you!
That looks SO FUN!!!! I wish I could find a class like that up here! Of course, I’d probably need to be doing regular yoga to start with…