Photo: AntiGravity Fitness
AFTER HAVING SO MUCH FUN THE FIRST TIME WE HAD A ONE-ON-ONE INTRO TO ANTIGRAVITY FITNESS IN APRIL, WE DECIDED TO COME BACK FOR MORE AT CHRISTOPHER HARRISON'S MIDTOWN NYC STUDIO. YOU MAY HAVE SEEN P!NK SUSPEND HERSELF IN THE AIR DURING HER LEGENDARY GRAMMY PERFORMANCE, OR HEARD GWYNETH PALTROW RAVE ABOUT DISCOVERING ANTIGRAVITY FITNESS. OTHER CELBS SUCH AS NATALIE PORTMAN AND MARIAH CAREY HAVE ALSO FALLEN LOVE WITH CHRISTOPHER HARRISON'S LICENSED WORKOUT LESSONS. BUT DON'T CALL IT A FAD--ANTIGRAVITY HAS BEEN AROUND FOR ALMOST 25 YEARS, AND LUCKILY FOR ADVENTUROUS FITNESS BUFFS IT ISN'T GOING AWAY ANYTIME SOON.
Unlike other popular workout methods (Barry's Bootcamp, we're looking at you), AntiGravity markets itself as actually being enjoyable. Christopher repeatedly reminded us to work our zygomaticus muscles--the ones that make us smile, in class. Even if AntiGravity doesn't come naturally to you, 1) you're definitely not alone, and 2) the class is built around exploration of the body and movement, so even when you fail you learn how to correct yourself for the next time.
It's impossible to "fake" any of your movements without it showing--trust us, we tried. One of the most satisfying things about AntiGravity fitness is its instant-gratification factor. If you do something right, you'll immediately see it in the mirror. Plus, in the advanced poses each movement builds upon itself, so it's important to do everything right. There's a huge sense of accomplishment in watching yourself hang upside down, and it's a lot easier than you think: if you can do three consecutive sit-ups, and hold a plank for 10 seconds, you're ready for AntiGravity Fitness. Of course your first class will be challenging, but no matter how much you struggle you'll find success in your own way.
Here's the breakdown by numbers:
60
minute class
4
times I required an assistant to help un-tangle me
1 1/2
potential height in inches you'll gain post-class
2,000
number of pounds the Harrison AntiGravity Hammock can hold (so we promise...it'll hold you!)
22
dollars per drop-in class
5
types of classes offered (from Kids' Class to AIRbarre)
3
songs with "Gravity" in the title that played during our workout
11
students per class
10
number of crunches I did...upside down
While we took our class at Christopher Harrison's original LAB in Midtown NYC, you can try an AntiGravity at these locations across the country.
