Posted on Tue, Jun. 17, 2008

Imagine you're a Cirque du Soleil aerialist weaving your way up into a fabric hammock while suspended in the air. The sense of freedom and power proves exhilarating. You execute complex yoga positions with ease because your body isn't smack on a cold, hard floor. Hang upside down and . . . let go! . . . you're a sky diver on a soft trapeze. Then, wrap yourself in a cocoon of soft fabric and pull it around you, close your eyes, and just float. Ahhh, so this is what it felt like in the womb.

This is Crunch's new Antigravity Yoga Wings class and the venue, known for its creative fitness courses, will be hard-pressed to top this one.

It's a blast.

The theory is that fitness students can hold challenging positions longer thanks to a fabric hammock. It can help you move into more daring, inverted poses to relieve compressed joints, stimulate blood flow and align the body.

There's so much going on that the class boasts two instructors: Carole Steinhauser, who guides students in the more yoga-centric moves and post-exercise meditation; and Robin Retherford, a former dancer and fitness enthusiast who leads us in the strength-building skills.

''It's a fun, inventive class,'' says Retherford, who cheerleads her students into trying positions. ``You are able to fuse Pilates, yoga and aerial acrobatics into one class.''

From a practical sense, Steinhauser notes that Antigravity Yoga, which has been in Miami only for two weeks, can ``help you strengthen your core and move from your center.''

As for me? I've always envied the aerial acts at Cirque du Soleil. Now I know what it feels like and can't wait to try it again.