CLASSES
All class attendees must be pre-registered.
Whether you are an expert or beginner, you are welcome here! We look forward to seeing you in the studio or outdoors. All class attendees must be pre-registered.
A mask is required upon entry into the studio if you have not been vaccinated. Please remain outside until the class before yours has exited.
We ask that you bring your own yoga mat and your own towels. If you borrow one of our mats, please spray the mat down and wipe off after use.
We encourage all Aerial students to buy their own hammocks and bring them each time they come to class. You can buy a new hammock by pre-ordering or buy a used “Retired” hammock at a discounted price.
For your safety and peace of mind, we clean the hammocks after each use when one is borrowed.
CANCELATION POLICY: PLEASE cancel at least 4 hours before class time in order to allow someone on the waitlist to attend in your place. If you are a large group registered for the same class, we ask you to cancel at least 24 hours before class time. Private Parties and Workshops please cancel at least 7 days prior. Late cancels and no-shows will lose a class count or will be charged a no-show/late cancel fee. No Refunds for no-shows or late cancels. No exceptions!
Aerial Beginner Level 1 & 2 (Beginner Level)
Welcome to the FUNdamentals of Aerials, our Aerial Beginner class!
Learn the basics and the proper technique in getting in and out of the hammock, and the proper placement of where the hammock should be when going into your very first entrance into the hammock and inversion. You will teach you how to safely get in and out of the hammock and learn to hang upside-down and feel the best decompression of the spine in a whole new way. You will also swing, laugh, and try a basic flip, and our famous Monkey and Vampire pose. This beginner class will give you a sample of what the other style classes will be like but at a basic level. Once taking this class, you will be ready to move on to the next level 2 Beginner class where we introduce you to some more fun tricks that are still at a basic level.
Build confidence in learning something completely new while having the best time in a fitness class in a long time.
It is “recommended” to take 3 sessions in Aerial Beginners level 1 or 2 before advancing to the intermediate or advanced Aerial level classes. Everyone regardless of their experience in other fitness or yoga classes MUST start in the Aerial Beginner class first.
Get ready to let go, have fun, and feel amazing after your first session!
*For hygiene and safety: Please wear short-sleeved shirts that cover the armpits, no tank tops are allowed. Refrain from wearing any jewelry that could snag our hammocks. Please read our policy on no-shows/late cancellations and read all the contraindications before registering.
Aerial Beginner Classes
Aerial Yoga
In Fighting Gravity Fitness’s Aerial Yoga class you will explore the feeling of mind/body/spirit. You will flow from one movement to the other with each breath. This class provides an Aerial Yoga technique suitable for all student levels. Taking the Beginner Aerial Beginner class first is helpful. Utilizing the hammock will allow you to go deeper into more challenging yoga poses as the hammock supports you and assists with maintaining your balance and form. In some ways the hammock allows you to go deeper in a stretch because you can hold onto it and you are in control of how deep you wish to go. In other ways, the hammock is more challenging since the hammock moves on you, you will utilize your core stabilizing muscles more to maintain balance.
Suspension from the hammock is therapeutic, relieves compression, and elongates the spine.
*For hygiene and safety: Please wear sleeved shirts that cover the armpits, no tank tops are allowed. Refrain from wearing any jewelry that could snag our hammocks.
Please read our policy on no shows/late cancels and read all the contraindications before registering.
Aerial Yoga Classes
Outdoor Aerial Classes
Experience pure relaxation and enjoy the sounds of nature while participating in a variety of Aerial classes outdoors on a beautiful and serene private 10 acres in Powhatan County (weather permitting). Currently, we offer Aerial Beginner classes, Aerial Gentle Stretch, and Aerial Dance at our Powhatan Virginia location. More classes will be added as weather permits. Max space available is 6 participants. Pre-registration is required so we know how many to plan for in the class.
SEE CLASS DESCRIPTIONS FOR DETAILS OF CLASSES OFFERED.
The address location for Outdoor Aerial Classes is: 1545 Meade Point Drive, Powhatan, Va.
Outdoor Aerial Private Parties are available upon request as well.
*For hygiene and safety: Please wear sleeved shirts that cover the armpits, no tank tops are allowed. Refrain from wearing any jewelry that could snag our hammocks* Please read our policy on no shows/late cancels and read all the contraindications before registering.
Outdoor Aerial Classes
Aerial Gentle Stretch
This Gentle Stretch Arial Yoga is designed to allow you to stretch the spine, the hamstrings, pelvis, sacrum, shoulders, and hips a little bit more than regular Yoga, yet you are in total control of how far you want to go since the hammock is there to support you. As we age or incur injuries, our connective tissue begins to tighten and creates stiff joints. By using the cloth hammock, we can go deeper into a stretch while holding on and apply gentle pressure to the joints through various postures that target this deep connective tissue, which includes the tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Breathwork is emphasized to encourage concentration and ease stress.
This is a relaxing class, yet has some good intense stretches too. A MUST for EVERYONE, the ATHLETE or NON-ATHLETE, AERIALIST or NON_AERIALIST!
*For hygiene and safety: Please wear sleeved shirts that cover the armpits, no tank tops are allowed. Refrain from wearing any jewelry that could snag our hammocks* Please read our policy on no shows/late cancels and read all the contraindications before registering.
Aerial Gentle Stretch Classes
Aerial Suspension Conditioning
Aerial Suspension Conditioning is a fun and dynamic all-over body conditioning class. This class has it ALL. Expect decompression and traction of the spine with a focus on developing core strength which is the most needed in all Aerial classes. We will have exercises to build strength and stamina and flips and tricks to keep you interested, as well as static and dynamic strength moves. Then we finish with some good stretches, and of course the Cocoon. There will be inversions and also work on flexibility as you steadily and progressively develop in your Aerial practice. While some core strength is recommended this course is suitable for comfortable beginners (after completing the Aerial Beginner class) and experienced alike.
*For hygiene and safety: Please wear sleeved shirts that cover the armpits, no tank tops are allowed. Refrain from wearing any jewelry that could snag our hammocks* Please read our policy on no shows/late cancels and read all the contraindications before registering.*
Aerial Suspension Conditioning Classes
Aerial Flips & Tricks
Get ready to challenge your Aerial ability in this very popular, fun, and exhilarating class! This class will have a variety of stretches, challenging balances, climbs, flips, and pretty poses that will build strength and stamina and keep you interested and coming back for more. You will be amazed at the strength you will gain in just a few classes.
You must be comfortable in the Aerial Beginner class first before attempting this class.
Watch a sample Aerial Flips & Tricks video here.
*For hygiene and safety: Please wear sleeved shirts that cover the armpits, no tank tops are allowed. Refrain from wearing any jewelry that could snag our hammocks* Please read our policy on no shows/late cancels and read all the contraindications before registering.*
Aerial Flips & Tricks Classes
Aerial Dance
If you tried other Aerial classes or Lyra, you will absolutely love this class! We are taking all the elements from each of these class types and creating a very fun flowing choreographed routine to music. No dance experience required!
It is required that you take at least 1-3 Aerial FUNdamentals classes first before taking this class!
Watch a sample Aerial Dance video here.
*For hygiene and safety: Please wear sleeved shirts that cover the armpits, no tank tops are allowed. Refrain from wearing any jewelry that could snag our hammocks* Please read our policy on no shows/late cancels and read all the contraindications before registering.*
Aerial Dance Classes
Aerial Pilates
Explore new territory with your Pilates workout! We have transferred the Pilates movement vocabulary to the hammock. Aerial Pilates is a suspension training technique that allows students to perform classical Pilates exercises from the Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, and Ladder Barrel – all in the hammock! These classes take core-strengthening and targeted muscle conditioning to new heights. Explore the amazing benefits that can be derived from the Pilates Method in the hammock in combination with no-Compression Inversions. No prior Pilates experience is necessary. We will incorporate the foundation and the principles of Pilates in the Aerial Pilates class. You will be gaining strength in the core, arms, back, arms and legs.
*For hygiene and safety: Please wear sleeved shirts that cover the armpits, no tank tops are allowed. Refrain from wearing any jewelry that could snag our hammocks* Please read our policy on no shows/late cancels and read all the contraindications before registering.*
Aerial Pilates Classes
Aerial Restorative Yoga with Guided Relaxation
Restorative Aerial Yoga is the gentle, healing side of Aerial Yoga. This powerful method focuses the mind through powerful visualizations as it floats the body through a series of gentle gyro-kinetic motions, deeply opening the entire spine, hips, and connective tissues of the body. This technique features full body inversions, alongside various forms of flowing spinal traction. It offers accessibility to students with physical limitations, but is loved by all as a portal into deeper spinal flexibility, and mind/body connection. Taught in a sequential flow to music, the class incorporates levitating meditations, zero-compression inversions, supported sun salutations, joint opening poses, and a floating Savasana. Working from different hammock heights allows for the gentle opening of the hips and spine.
*For hygiene and safety: Please wear sleeved shirts that cover the armpits, no tank tops are allowed. Refrain from wearing any jewelry that could snag our hammocks* Please read our policy on no shows/late cancels and read all the contraindications before registering.*
Aerial Restorative Yoga with Guided Relaxation Classes
Aerial Barre
Aerial Barre is a fitness technique that brings the Ballet technique and conditioning exercises to the Hammock. The hammock will act as your ballet barre and because it is not stable and moves on you, it causes you to use more of your core strength and arms for balance. You will develop cardiovascular, strength, long lean muscles and grace while realigning the body. This fun and energetic class are ideal for all fitness levels who want to look, feel and move like a ballet dancer! Some basic flips and inversions may be part of the routine.
Aerial Barre Classes
Individualized Aerial Skills
If you have tried some of the Aerial Flips & Tricks classes from levels 1 and 2 and find it challenging and you want more time to master them, come to this class. Members take turns naming poses for the teacher that are a challenge for them and get specific pointers. The skilled teachers can see what might be hanging you up! This class is open to anyone who has taken at least Aerial Beginners, and Aerial Flips & Tricks Level 1, or 2. This is the perfect class to gain more practice and master those new moves.
Individual Aerial Skills Classes
Aerial Parent & Me KIDS Sessions (Pop Up Classes Held Once a Month) Will Resume After COVID restrictions
Children will discover how much fun exercise can be while conquering fears and building self-confidence. You will notice improvement in your child’s focus, flexibility, and strength. Each class builds on the previous class instruction to promote gentle stretching while introducing an element of lightness and play. Certified instructors guide your child to maintain levity in mind, body, and heart.
Aerial Parent & Me KIDS Session Classes
Mat Power Yoga
Power Yoga is a practice that turns up your internal heat, builds strength, and is a head-to-toe blast that will challenge your body and mind. Designed to be a workout, this athletic style of yoga includes sections of cardio and incorporates hand-held weights to build and tone muscle. It facilitates detoxification and promotes a sense of energy and empowerment. Be prepared to glisten! This mind-body workout will also improve your alignment and over-all yoga practice. All levels are welcome.
Mat Power Yoga Classes
Lyra Level 1 (Beginner)
Aerial Hoop (also known as Lyra) is a circular steel apparatus rigged from the ceiling, giving you the opportunity to execute dynamic tricks, spins, and swings!
If you have never tried Lyra, this class is for you! Focusing on beginner poses, entrances and exits in the hoop, drilling repetition and even-sided training. Students should be getting a lot of time in the hoop repeating moves. Prerequisites: None, but suggest Lyra Conditioning Class to help build strength and stamina required for Lyra.
Lyra Level 2 (Intermediate)
Lyra Level 2 will build upon what you learned in Level 1 class continuing to build strength & showcase flexibility. In this class, you will learn advanced moves and transitions while putting them into a routine. Each month a routine will be introduced and the students will have about 4 weeks to perfect it and put it to music before moving on to a new routine.
Requirements to progress to Lyra intermediate: Must take at least one Lyra level 1 class or have the ability to hold an engaged hold for 2-3 seconds, get in and out the hoop safely with either a straddle or tuck exit, and hang in a double knee (Hocks hang) with no hands.
Lyra Level 3 (Advanced)
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED LYRA Level 3: (aka Aerial Hoop)In this Level 3 class, students will utilize the swivel more and add versatile & dynamic moves, utilizing strength, stamina & flexibility. In this level class, students will review proper aerial technique, and also begin learning advanced choreography.
Details: Proper placement & skill technique will be reinforced as students learn progressively more difficult combinations of skills. More experienced students will focus on developing spin velocity, and advanced skills such as inversions, and complex transitions.
Prerequisites: At least one Conditioning class. All Intermediate/Advanced classes require instructor approval to participate. To attend Level 3 (Intermediate) classes, students must be able to perform the straddle hold without using the feet and hold for at least 15 seconds. Must pullover without using feet and have a clean sequence of Tuck entrance, skin the cat, and then tuck back out. Must be able to Straddle without using feet and hold for 15 seconds. And last, must be able to go into a full Figurehead pose and return to the horse pose.
Lyra Conditioning
When it comes to your core muscles and your upper body strength, nothing even comes close to Lyra Conditioning.
This class is for the student wanting a conditioning challenge. This class utilizes body-weight floor drills and stretches in addition to conditioning exercises in the hoop which are used to improve overall muscular strength and endurance that is required in the Lyra classes.
Lyra / Aerial Hoop Classes
The Volée Method™
Fighting Gravity Fitness is the first studio in Virginia to offer this new all over body work out technique called “The Volée Method™”. Its an exciting, new exercise modality that fuses suspension fitness, Pilates, Yoga and Barre movement together. It’s a challenging blend of isometric exercises and flexibility challenges with the added dimension of bracing your body weight with the aid of straps.
This workout encompasses:
- Resistance that comes from the suspension of your own body weight, Complete with core-bracing squats, leg lifts, plank variations, Pliés and Développiés as you stabilize the body.
- Isometric contractions and elongating stretches create a full-body work out.
The Volée Method™ Classes
Bungee Fitness
Bungee is for all fitness levels. Whether this is your first time trying it or you’re a regular, you will love this heart pumping, fun flying class. It’s high-intensity cardio without the impact on your joints.
You will be suspended from the bungee with a harness allowing you to go into lunges, squats and even jumps even if you haven’t been able to in a long time. You will start sweating within the first 10 minutes but laughing too.
Be sure to wear shoes in this class!
Because of the setup and nature of this class, we are all connected to a harness and bungee and once the instructor is connected, we will not be able to disconnect to allow for late arrivals. Please prepare to arrive 15 minutes early if this is your first time.
Due to the nature of the class, LATE ARRIVALS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
Bungee Fitness Classes
Aerial Teens
Aerial Teens is gaining more and more popularity as kid’s needs changes during this pandemic world and the need for other options to remain active increases.
Your teen or tween will learn to soar in this Aerial class which includes developing fun Acrobatic and Flips & Tricks skills in the Aerial Hammocks.
This class is suitable for children ages 11-16.
This class is perfect for them to explore their natural creativity while also developing strength and flexibility and having something fun and exciting to burn off some of that pinned up energy.
All skills are taught in a way that will challenge the student while also presenting them with the experience of success and accomplishment. Your child will build confidence and form great friendships in a unique, non-competitive setting that encourages individuality.
Class Attire: Please do not wear clothing with zippers or anything that could potentially tear or snag the hammock material. Jewelry, including rings, bracelets, and earrings may not be worn during class. Please wear leggings or workout pants that cover the backs of your knees. Students should wear a shirt with sleeves to protect their underarms. The class is held barefoot or in socks.
Aerial Teens Classes
Virtual Classes
No matter where you live, you can join us in our virtual classes!
For those of you that are still social distancing, we offer most of our classes virtually. To join in with us via Zoom, simply register for the Virtual class of your choice. You will get a confirmation email with a link to join us when it’s class time.
Virtual Aerial and Lyra classes require an aerial hammock or Lyra properly installed in your location to participate.
Thanks for joining us and supporting us virtually, we look forward to meeting you in real life too!
Virtual Fitness Classes