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Business & Tech

At Laughing Buddha, Yoga Is Suspenseful

The yoga studio says doing aerial exercise while hanging from their ceiling helps relieve tension and spinal compression.

For weeks I have been eyeing the orange silk hammocks suspended from the ceiling of . The new sign outside the studio announces AntiGravity® Yoga classes, the only place in Bayside to offer them, and this week I finally worked up the courage to try it for myself.

Created by aerial artist Christopher Harrison, AntiGravity® Yoga combines aerial arts and yoga to align the body and decompress joints. According to Claudia Lanzetta, ’s Director for AntiGravity® Yoga, the benefits are numerous and include tension release, spinal decompression, as well as increased muscular strength, flexibility, joint mobility and agility. Meditative yoga practices also promote a heightened sense of presence and core conditioning.

Class began in lotus position. I pressed by weight into the hammock and glanced nervously at the two metal ceiling hooks. Claudia assured me that the hammocks have a weight limit of 2,000 pounds and I awkwardly climbed in. The lights dimmed as I stretched the silk hammock around my shoulders, and transitioned from lotus to womb pose. Feet together, hands relaxed, and my head drops to my chest. The hammock fully enclosed around me, gently swaying back and forth, and I wondered if I could install such a hammock in my house. 

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AntiGravity® Yoga incorporates strength training, core focused exercises, and meditative practices found in yoga. It’s also a great way to incorporate stretching and a light cardiovascular workout into your fitness regime. “Above all it is incredibly fun: it allows you to defy gravity by being suspended off the ground either inverted or flying,” Lanzetta says.

The response to AGY has been extremely positive. “I believe many approach the class with a healthy apprehension, but once they have experienced womb pose, and successfully completed their first inverted monkey, they let go of their fears and experience a FUN full body work out” Lanzetta says, “All of my students have left the class with ear to ear grins.”

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Even with Lanzetta’s reassurance that I would not fall, I will admit that I was not comfortable trying inverted positions my first class. Even without, my abdominal region felt the effects of a great core workout the following day. Cocoon pose is another compelling reason for me to return. In cocoon, each person stretches to full body length inside the hammock and is led through guided meditation at the end of class. I’m also looking forward to conquering my fear of upside down monkey pose.

Lanzetta recommends AGY for anyone interested in a fun, new workout, but cautions that inverted positions are not ideal for certain medical conditions including glaucoma/ocular complications, spine and neck injuries, vertigo and pregnancy. Those with any of the above medical conditions, or others listed on the AntiGravity® Yoga website, should consult their physician before participating. 

Kristin Allocco was raised in Bayside, and today works for the Queens Farm Museum. She also teaches fitness and dance classes. Read more about her by viewing her .

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