(SPOT.ph) Looking for a different kind of workout? If you want to try something that’s equal parts fun and challenging, you might want to book some aerial classes. The popularity of aerial fitness has been on the rise in recent years, and with benefits like a toned body and a self-esteem boost (not to mention the awe-inspiring photos you can post on Instagram), it’s hardly a surprise. There’s more to aerial fitness than just looking and feeling good though—regular training can help increase your strength and flexibility, as well as improve your balance and endurance.
Aerial fitness includes hammocks, straps, and trapeze bars, but the three more popular forms of it are pole fitness, aerial hoop, and aerial silk.
You can try all three in Metro Manila—check out these aerial fitness studios:
Beast House Pole and Aerial Dance Studio
Apart from having their regular pole, aerial hoop, and aerial silks classes, Beast House Pole and Aerial Dance Studio also offers aerial cube and aerial spiral classes, and they’re exactly what you picture them to be: an actual cube and an actual spiral suspended from the ceiling or a special rig. Beast House turns five this year and they are celebrating with their summer workshops and anniversary show, which will happen in June.
Beast House Pole and Aerial Dance Studio is at 2/F Pioneer Center, Pioneer Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Rates start at P400 per class. For more information, visit Beast House Pole and Aerial Dance Studio’s official Facebook page.
Elite Aerial Arts
Elite Aerial Arts is located in Quezon City and offers beginner pole, spinning pole, aerial silks, aerial hoop, and other classes. Their 80-square meter studio can be partitioned into two, allowing the instructors to hold a couple of classes simultaneously. Students can also participate in their annual showcase—this year’s theme is GRL PWR. While rehearsals have already begun for that show, you can still attend classes, and maybe even join next year’s showcase!
Elite Aerial Arts is at 143 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village, Diliman, Quezon City. Rates start at P400 per class. For more information, visit Elite Aerial Arts’s official website.
Footworks Dance Studio
Also located in Quezon City, Footworks Dance Studio has five poles, four aerial hoops, and four aerial silks. You can take pole fitness, spinning pole, and lyrical pole classes (yes, they’re all different classes), as well as aerial hoop and aerial silks. There’s also a pole “after-hours” class to help students become more confident in their own skin. Still a bit unsure of what to do? Take their pole foundation classes, which help you understand how your body works in relation to the pole. If you’re a bit shy, you can also take a private class with your friends or just by yourself.
Footworks Dance Studio is at 3/F The Oracle Hotel and Residences, 317 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Rates start at P500 per class. For more information, visit Footworks Dance Studio’s official Facebook page.
Pole Dolls Dance Studio
If you want to try acroyoga, visit Pole Doll Dance Studio every Monday night, when they hold one of their newest classes. You can also take static pole, spinning pole, aerial hoop, aerial silks, and aerial hammock classes. Those who are brave enough can also take their steamy exotic pole classes. A dance background may also help (but isn’t required), as the Pole Dolls consider themselves as a dance group who mixes contemporary dance and hip-hop with aerial fitness.
Pole Dolls Dance Studio is at 2/F Sparta Philippines, 126 Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong. Rates start at P600 per class. For more information, visit Pole Dolls Dance Studios’ Facebook page.
Polecats Manila
Polecats Manila will be celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, so it might be a good time to check out their studio as they will be having workshops from international pole stars Michelle Shimmy and Maddie Sparkle, as well as aerial hoop classes for kids this April. Rehearsals for their annual recital Stellar will also begin in summer. But if you just want to try our their regular classes, you can choose from their static pole, spinning pole, aerial hoop, and aerial silks classes. While they have mixed classes, there are also separate beginner and intermediate ones so you won’t feel intimidated if it’s your first time.
Polecats Manila’s main studio is at 22/F Strata 100, F. Ortigas Jr. Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. They also hold classes in 360 Fitness Club Makati at 7/F Dolmar Gold Building, C. Palanca Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, and Beyond Yoga at Westgate Center, Alabang. Rates start at P600 per class. For more information, visit Polecats Manila’s official website.