AntiGravity (AG) Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where do I start?
A: The FUNdamentals class is the prerequisite for the Aerial Yoga and Suspension Fitness classes.
The AG Restorative class offers use of the hammock without inversions and is focused on postural alignment. This practice rejuvenates your body, soothes your senses, and calms the nervous system. There is no prerequisite for the AG Restorative class.
Q: I practice yoga regularly and am pretty fit. Do I have to take FUNdamentals Class?
A: Yes. FUNdamentals is less about fitness level and more an introduction to a new experience. In a Fundamentals class one learns the basic wraps, grips and traps, the basis of the practice, while becoming familiar with the hammock and inversions. Being upside down is also a new sensation and sometimes it takes a few times to get used to the feeling no matter how fit you are.
Q: Is the Instructor certified to teach this?
A: Yes. Heather Sung is certified and fully insured to teach all of the AntiGravity classes listed below. She completed her training and certification at the AntiGravity HQ in New York City. Please see her Bio for more information.
Q: What are the hammocks hanging from?
A: The hammocks are suspended from a structure that is engineered and professionally constructed for aerial arts.
Q: Is the floor hardwood or concrete?
A: No, the floor is a professional grade martial arts floor made from vinyl and foam. It is specifically designed to be comfortable and stable when barefoot, and when your body is in contact with the floor. The floor eliminates the need for a traditional yoga mat.
Q: Can anyone do AG Restorative, Aerial Yoga and Suspension Fitness?
A: Yes, provided that one does not have any of the contraindications listed herein and barring any physical abnormalities.
The AG Restorative class is more gently therapeutic, and therefore, more accessible to all. This class utilizes the Harrison Hammock to safely increase range of motion, calm the nervous system and rejuvenate the body and mind.
The AG Aerial Yoga involves yoga poses and zero compression inversions in the Harrison Hammock. This class helps you create a strong and flexible body.
The AG Suspension Fitness is the most physically challenging class that has an acrobatic aspect to it, this class involves flips, inversions, and helps you develop total body strength.
Q: How hard is it?
A: It depends on which AntiGravity class you wish to take. During training, YOU will be required to monitor your own resistance, so each class is as hard as or as easy as you choose to work.
AG Restorative is less of a challenge to execute than AG Aerial Yoga or Suspension Fitness.
Q: What are the contraindications (aka precautions) for AG Fitness techniques?
A: Some of the contraindications for inversions may include, but are not limited to: Pregnancy, glaucoma, recent surgery (esp. shoulder, eyes, back, hips, hands or wrist), heart disease, very high or low blood pressure, stroke, aneurism, 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 disc disease, recent stroke, artificial hips, inflammation of nerve root in spine, severe muscle spasms, botox injections (within 24 hours)
Q: Will I be successful in my first class?
A: Absolutely! Everyone leaves each class as a success! We offer a unique suspension experience in a non-competitive environment that allows everyone to improve at their own pace.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Wear workout clothing with that covers the underarm area (sleeve) and legs. Cotton or cotton blend fabric is best (non-slippery). Remember, you will be upside down, so for guys, nothing too loose. If wearing tights, make certain they are non-see through. If wearing sweats, tight around cuff of legs is best. No socks, unless they have grip bottoms. You may need sticky gloves if you have weak grip. ABSOLUTELY NO JEWELRY, NO VELCRO, and NO ZIPPERS.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Water, sweat towel and an open mind. Remember, NO JEWELRY, NO VELCRO, and NO ZIPPERS.
Q: Do I need to be a yoga practitioner?
A: No. Just come with an open mind and positive attitude.
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.
Q: Will I get dizzy?
A: It is possible if you have a strong propensity for dizziness. However, each student is taught to ease into inversions gradually, and are given alternatives if dizziness presents a challenge. Please note that proper hydration will help to prevent dizziness.
Q: How will I feel after?
A: You will feel taller and lighter. Your muscles will have a pump and you will be refreshed!
Q: What is the difference between AntiGravity and other aerial fitness programs?
A: AntiGravity Fitness is the original aerial yoga technique. Almost a decade went into the development of the technique. Christopher Harrison also founded a very specific nomenclature and sequencing that can be done safely. AntiGravity is the only aerial yoga/fitness technique certified by the AFAA.
AntiGravity instructors are fully trained and certified not only in the specific exercises and poses, but also in proper spotting. The certification emphasizes safety and instructors are taught proper positions for the joints, spine, and muscles throughout each part of an exercise or pose.
Q: Are you sure the Harrison AG Hammock will hold me?
A: Every portion of the Harrison AntiGravity Hammock is rated for well over 2000 lbs. (9 Kn)(908kgs).
Our AntiGravity structure was engineered by engineer Scott Hill and the structure was built by a professional, licensed contracting company. It was certified by building inspectors upon completion.
Q: How 'yoga-like' is AntiGravity Aerial Yoga?
A: Although, AntiGravity it is a hybrid technique. The classes are a perfect formula of body, mind and spirit that brings about awareness, healing, flexibility and strength.
Q: What if I am afraid of heights?
A: During an inversion you are only three inches off the ground. During 75% of the moves you are distributing your weight between the hammock and the floor.
Q: Can AntiGravity Fitness make me taller?
A: Yes! 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.
Q: Do you believe AntiGravity Fitness techniques can help my back pain?
A: I decided to open a licensed center and become a certified instructor after the amazing healing of my own extreme back injury. Practitioners around the world all have amazing testimonials of healing through our zero-compression inversions. AntiGravity is currently commissioning studies in order to gather concrete evidence, until then, you will only know by coming to the class.