Aeriel Hoop at Flying Fantastic!

What they say:

The aeriel hoop (also known as the lyra, aerial ring or cerceau) is a circular steel apparatus rigged from the ceiling, giving you the opportunity to execute dynamic tricks, spins and swings! The hoop provides the perfect frame for an endless variety of balances, transitions and routines.

 Balance 1 - Pike

 

What I say:

My favourite new class- more like fun than an actual workout! What I love about Ariel is it really is an 'all rounder' - great for building strength, stamina, increasing flexibility and fitness, all whilst having a laugh AND learning a new skill.

Old Street Studio

Offering sessions in Wimbledon, Battersea, Farringdon and Old Street, it was the Old Street venue that I visited, which is ran by gymnast Laura Bridges and her partner Gareth. 

We began the class with a warm-up set by Gareth. Probably the weirdest warm-up I've ever done - which involved us waddling up and down the room like ducks. Apparently it was to warm up our thighs..... I sneakily think it's may be just to give Gareth a bit of a laugh!! 

Once warm, we went straight to the Hoop, where we were taught a range of different moves and poses, which we then linked together into a flowing sequence.

Our sequence - very helpful drawings!

My favourite were the Mermaids -  performed by laying in the hoop with legs your together, rolling onto one side, grabbing onto the hoop with one arm, and reaching down with the other. Relatively easy to do, but looks pretty!

 Mermaid

 

Amazon, on the other hand, was a little more tough. With your body outside the hoop, you flex the legs, lock out one arm straight and very strong (this is the only thing supporting you!), whilst lifting the other arm high into the air. This one took a little bit of practice, but after a couple of sessions building up my confidence, it's now one of my favourites! Birdie, as pictured below, is another fun one :-)

Birdie

Instructor:

Laura is fantastic, and really makes the Old Street class worth travelling to! I have tried Flying Fantastic classes with some other instructors and, whilst they are all very professional, it's the energy and patience from Laura and Gareth that make their classes the most enjoyable! 

Giving me a helping hand for my Amazon

With two instructors present at every class, and classes being limited to a maximum of 7 people per teacher/2 people per hoop, you're always given the attention you need.

 

Amenities:

The East-end classes are located in the studios of London gym chain Gymbox, therefore have all the amenities you would need after a full on workout- clean showers, fresh towels, hairdryers - all in a retro colour pop 70's type changing room, which I love!

Styling station

Pink lockers!

Price:

All drop in classes are priced at £22 per class, which might sound a lot, but for such an enjoyable workout, with one on one attention and tuition, it's worth the investment. Otherwise, why not book via SoMuchMore, which gives you access to this, plus hundreds of other fitness classes around London, for only £89 a month. Still not convinced? Click here and you get a week trial absolutely free!

VIsit www.somuchmore.co.uk to find out more

Would I go back?

Already have, numerous times! But don't worry if you're a beginner - no experience is necessary, and all group classes are structured so that you'll be working with people of similar abilities and learning new things constantly.... so you never get bored!

Back Bend

So what are you waiting for? Get your free SoMuchMore pass, and join me in discovering new talents (and muscles!) you never knew you had!