Studio Review: AIR

I was a little nervous going into my first AIR foundation class, since it’s so far from anything I’ve ever done. The structure of the classes however, reassured me that most of my foundation level class was in the same position.

The Space

I’ve been to a couple different studios around Chicago, the River North and Lincoln Park locations. Both were very elegant and minimal, walls lined with mirrors and windows, cushy black mats provided, and of course the blue silks hanging from the ceiling. They’re also pretty minimal in terms of amenities. There are lockers and cubbies for shoes, but no locker room. I didn’t miss this much since I was going right home and wasn’t dripping sweat when I left.

The Workout

The lack of sweat, however, was not for lack of difficulty. We learned the basics of getting up in the silks, while also performing typical calisthenics in a way more exciting way. I never thought I’d actually like a burpee. And I don’t think I will ever do an ab workout as effective as upside down crunches hanging from the silks. The whole class was so fun that I forgot I was even working out, that is until every muscle in my body was sore the next day. 

I loved exploring a workout that was totally unique from anything I’m used to and would recommend anybody try it at least once. (And heads up: AIR is on classpass, making it super easy to check out.)