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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What is AntiGravity® Fitness?
A: AntiGravity® Fitness is the original aerial yoga and suspension fitness technique created by Christopher Harrison. After spending over 7 years on the development of the technique and the created of the apparatus, he launched the first classes in 2007 and a new genre was born. Christopher created very specific nomenclature and sequencing that can be done safely and is accessible across age, size, shape, and fitness level. AntiGravity® is recognized by NASM and AFAA as a Preferred Provider and our Teacher Training Certifications earn Continuing Education Credits. The Harrison AntiGravity® Hammock was first developed by Christopher for his performance company, AntiGravity® Entertainment (est. 1991), and is still used in aerial performance today. The Hammock was adapted to a shorter length, bringing it down from 20-60 feet in the air to 9-12 feet and hanging it off two points for fitness purposes, instead of one for performance, to only spin intentionally.
Q: How much are AntiGravity® Sessions
A: Private and small group settings only. This is an investment in your health. Private Sessions start at $88. If you are in love, Priscilla works out packages for her loyal students so they can save on flights.
Q: What AntiGravity® classes are offered?
A: There are 8 different programs, however, it depends on what Studio you go to and what the AntiGravity® Instructors there are Certified in to teach. Click HERE for clips on all of our techniques.
-Fundamentals
-Aerial Yoga
-Restorative Yoga
-Just Kids
-Private Sessions and sound healing are also available!
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Q: Can anyone do this? How hard it is?
A: Provided one does not have any of the contraindications listed below and barring any physical abnormalities, anyone who has an open mind can do AntiGravity® Techniques. We often find that the mind is more of a hindrance to ability than physical limitations. As psychoanalyst Carl Jung said, "Suspend your disbelief."
A: First of all it depends on which class you take and which instructor you have. No matter what, YOU monitor your own resistance so each class is as hard or as easy as you choose to work. AntiGravity® Restorative Yoga is more gently therapeutic and therefore more accessible to all. AntiGravity® Suspension Fitness has the most flips and tricks in its program and requires more strength, however, if you can do 3 consecutive sit ups, you can be successful. Remember that accessibility comes when clients meet their bodies where there are in the present moment. To do all of the exercises in AntiGravity® Fitness, it is most accessible for someone who maintains a consistent fitness regime and has a strong core.
Q: Will I be successful in my first class?
A: Yes! Everyone leaves the class a success! Since this is a suspension class with deep philosophy, there is no competition nor ego encouraged. Everyone works at their own pace.
Q: Do I need to be a yoga practitioner or physically fit?
A: No. But you will need an open mind.
A: Not necessarily. AntiGravity® Fitness is more accessible than traditional mat-based yoga because the AntiGravity® Hammock supports you in your poses. However, as stated above, AntiGravity® Fitness is most accessible for someone who maintains a consistent fitness regime and has a strong core.
Q: Which AntiGravity® class is best for me?
A: This depends on your fitness level. We recommend that everyone start with an AntiGravity® Fundamentals group class or private course which sets the foundation for all of our programs. In any case, remember that you are always encouraged to work at a level that feels natural to you.
BEFORE CLASS
Q: What are the contraindications (aka precautions) for AntiGravity® Fitness techniques?
A: If any of the below applies to you, please speak to your doctor before attending a class and always Monitor Your Resistance while in the Hammock.
-Pregnancy
-Glaucoma
-Recent Surgery (esp. shoulder, eyes, back, hips, hands or wrist)
-Heart disease or very high or low blood pressure
-Easy onset vertigo
-Osteoporosis / bone weakness
-Recent head injury
-Cerebral sclerosis
-Propensity for fainting
-Carpal tunnel syndrome
-Severe arthritis
-Sinusitis or head cold
-Hiatal hernia
-Disc herniation or acute discogenic disease
-Recent stroke
-Artificial hips
-Radiculitis (inflammation of nerve root in spine)
-Severe muscle spasms
-Botox injections (within 6 hours)
Q: What do I wear/bring?
A: Each host studio will have its own policies, however, we strongly recommend wearing:
-Workout wear that covers the armpits and legs.
-Cotton or cotton blend fabric is best (non-slippery).
-Tops: A little tighter is better.
-Bottoms: If wearing tights, make certain they are opaque (non-see-through). If wearing sweats, tight around the cuff of legs is best.
-Undergarments: Sports bra for females, fitted bottoms for men. Remember, you will be upside down.
-No socks unless they are grippy.
-You may need sticky gloves if you have a weak grip.
-PLEASE NO JEWELRY.
A: Each host studio will have its own policies, however, we strongly recommend bringing:
-Water or water bottle
-Sweat towel (if you sweat)
-Warm clothes in the winter. The studio can get pretty chilly.
-An open mind!
Q: Should I come on an empty stomach?
A: We recommend having something in the stomach to stave off dizziness, however, we do not recommend a big meal.
DURING CLASS
Q: Will I get dizzy?
A: If one has a strong propensity for dizziness or a “hips over head” spatial awareness style dyslexia this could be a challenge. Ginger candy before class can help. Throughout class, the Instructor will continue to remind clients to listen to their bodies and give permission to back off or take a break, especially if there is discomfort.
Q: Will the Hammock will hold me?
A: Every portion of the Harrison AntiGravity® Hammock is rated for well over 2,000 lbs. (9 Kn)(908kgs). The points in the ceiling in an AntiGravity® Fitness licensed studio have been placed by a professional contractor and certified by an engineer and are rated to hold at least 1,000 lbs (4.5kn)(454kgs) per set up).
Q: How 'yoga-like' is AntiGravity® Aerial Yoga?
A: This depends on your instructor. Although it is a hybrid technique, the class is a perfect formula for a body/mind/spirit class that brings about awareness. Antigravity® Aerial Yoga classes in fitness gyms do not tend to be as spirit based as they are in yoga studios. Every class starts with a levitating meditation and ends with a floating sivasana. Again, we have 8 different programs that focus on various styles of fitness. Be sure to find the one that's right for your personal health-related goals.
Q: What if I am afraid?
A: The difference between fear and excitement in the body is relaxation. In AntiGravity® Fitness we bring ourselves to presence before we begin class. During an inversion you are only 3-6 inches off the ground and during 75% of the moves you are distributing your weight between the hammock and the floor. Remember what FDR said, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself” and Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do something every day that truly scares you”. In truth, over 50,000 people practice AntiGravity® techniques safely every day. You can do it too!
AFTER CLASS
Q: How will I feel after?
A: Our promise to you is that after class you will be stretched to your maximum height, varying between ¼” to 1 ½” taller, unfortunately, the effects are not cumulative. However, you will feel lighter, refreshed, and your muscles will feel worked out. Oftentimes clients will compare their after class feeling to the post effects of a really great massage.
Q: Can AntiGravity® Fitness techniques heal my back pain?
A: Our licensed centers, instructors, and practitioners around the globe all have amazing testimonials of healing through our zero-compression inversions. We are currently having studies commissioned in order to gather concrete evidence, until then you will only know by coming to class.
Q: Can I do this at home?
A: Yes! The Harrison AntiGravity® Hammock is available for purchase. Click HERE for more details (colors subject to availability).
NOTE: For safety and ongoing growth, we highly recommend taking a class before purchasing a Hammock, ideally continuing your group fitness practice with a Certified AntiGravity® Instructor and using a home practice to supplement.
Q: Can I teach AntiGravity® Fitness?
A: Yes! We have ongoing Teaching Trainings worldwide. Click HERE for more FAQ surrounding getting Certified.
Q: Is this the same apparatus that Pink flew on in the Grammy Awards?
A: Yes! The Harrison AntiGravity® Hammock (invented by Christopher Harrison) is often used in performance as well as in fitness. In performance, we often use it off of one point rather than two. Original Founding Member and AntiGravity® Associate Choreographer Dreya Weber created the set for Pink on the apparatus and combined it with the AntiGravity® Carousel originally used for AntiGravity®’s performance at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.