Each week, Leyla explores a different class in Toronto and gives you a breakdown of what’s awesome and what’s not.
Studio: Brass Vixens – 721 Queen Street West, Suite 202
Instructor: Shannon Crane
Description: This is the exercise equivalent to your mom sneaking zucchini into a muffin and calling it a cupcake. Suspended from the ceiling in a personal hammock/sling (max class size is 11) you’ll do back bends, planks, lunges, crunches, and inversions – but you’ll barely notice, ‘cause it feels like flying!
Why I signed up: I had a huge crush on Disney’s Peter Pan as a kid. Exercise makes me feel happy. Seemed like the pairing had potential, and it’s a five minute walk from where I live. Low risk, high reward.
Price: 25$/class before tax. Package savings available.
Level of difficulty from 1 (newbie) to 5 (hardcore): This hour-long class is smack in the middle at 2.5. If you’re looking to sweat, go somewhere else. If you want uncharted, you found it. Unless you’re an astronaut/acrobat, being suspended in the air is new territory. While the exercises may seem simple, a lot of core and stability muscles are required to prevent flailing around.
Why you should (or shouldn’t) try it: If roller coasters aren’t your thing, think twice. Crane has ginger cookies on hand if you feel queasy, but warns; if nausea strikes, it’s not likely going away. If, like me, you harbor a latent desire to run away and join the circus, try it! Yes, your head may spin, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Overall assessment: Somewhere in this limbo of flexing and floating, I guarantee you’ll smile.