FAQ
Q: What if I fail / conditionally pass a training?
A:
In instances where we feel that a trainee is not ready to teach and may need more training, we encourage that person to audit another training. Auditing a training must be completed within 6 months of the original training. Audit fee is $300, regardless of the type of training.Q: Can I audit a training I previously took as a refresher?
A:
Yes! We actually encourage that. The audit fee for any training is $300. Taking a refresher does not extend AGDA membership.Q: For Practitioners:
Q: For Instructors:
Q: How long are AntiGravity® Fitness Instructor Trainings?
A:
The hours of most trainings are generally 9:00AM to 5:00PM, with a midday lunch-break (subject to the discretion of "AntiGravity® Fitness” and the "Instructor Trainer").
Q: What differentiates AntiGravity® Fitness from their aerial competitors?
A:
AG® Fitness is the only aerial yoga program that is certified by the governing bodies of America and the EU. Christopher Harrison is the originator of the suspension fitness and aerial yoga genres and the inventor of the silk hammock apparatus. He has put 10 years into developing the technique and along with his international team they have put many years into creating the program. He personally sees to it that all trainings are in line with his standards and that the manuals are very thorough.
Q: Can anyone do Aerial Yoga and Suspension Fitness?
A:
Provided one does not have any of the contraindications listed herein and barring any physical abnormalities, anyone who can do at least 3 consecutive sit ups can do AntiGravity Aerial Yoga and Suspension Fitness. AntiGravity®
Yoga Restorative (one of our Specialty Courses) is more gently therapeutic and therefore more accessible to all. To do all of the exercises in AG®
Fitness, it is easiest for someone who maintains a consistent fitness regime and has a strong core.
Q: How hard is it?
A:
First of all it depends on which AG®
Fitness class you take and which instructor you have. No matter what, YOU monitor your own resistance so each class is as hard as or as easy as you choose to work. AG®
Yoga Restorative is easier to execute than AG®
Aerial Yoga or Suspension Fitness. If you can do 3 consecutive sit ups, you can do AG®
Aerial Yoga or Suspension Fitness.
Q: What are the contraindications (aka precautions) for AG Fitness techniques?
A:
Pregnancy, glaucoma, recent surgery (esp. shoulder, eyes, back, hips, hands or wrist), heart disease, very high or low blood pressure, 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 discogenic disease, recent stroke, artificial hips, radiculitis (inflammation of nerve root in spine), severe muscle spasms, botox injections (within 6 hours)
Q: Will I be successful in my first class?
A:
Yes! Everyone leaves the class a success! Since this is a suspension class with deep philosophy, there is no competition nor ego encouraged. Everyone works at their own pace
Q: What should I wear?
A:
Wear workout wear that covers armpits (sleeve) and legs. Cotton or cotton blend fabric is best (non-slippery). Tops: sports bra for females. Not too loose for guys. Remember, you will be upside down.
Bottoms: If wearing tights make certain they are opaqe (non-see through). If wearing sweats, tight around cuff of legs is best. No socks (unless they are sticky). You may need sticky gloves if you have weak grip. PLEASE NO JEWELRY
Q: What should I bring?
A:
Water, sweat towel and an open mind --- NO JEWELRY
Q: Do I need to be a yoga practitioner?
A:
No. But you will need an open mind.
Q: Do I need to be physically fit?
A:
Not necessarily. AG Fitness is easier than regular yoga because the AntiGravity Hammock supports you in your poses. However, AG Fitness is easiest for someone who maintains a consistent fitness regime and has a strong core
Q: Which AntiGravity® Aerial Yoga or Suspension Fitness class is best for me?
A:
This depends on your fitness level. We recommend that everyone start with a AG Fundamentals group class or private course. In any case, remember that you are always encouraged to work at a level that feels natural to you.
Q: How do I find an AG Fitness class in my area?
A:
We will post all authorized AntiGravity® Fitness centers and studios on our locations page. Their links will be our website. Class schedules should be available via their link.
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:
If one has a strong propensity for dizziness or a “hips over head” spatial awareness style dyslexia this could be a challenge. Ginger candy before class can help
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: Are all aerial yoga classes alike?
A:
AntiGravity® Fitness is the original aerial yoga technique. Over 7 years went into the development of the technique after Mr. Harrison created the apparatus. He created a very specific nomenclature and sequencing that can be done safely. AntiGravity® is the only aerial yoga/fitness technique certified by the AFAA. Any other aerial yoga technique is a knock-off from the original and should be considered risky.
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). The points in the ceiling in an AG Fitness approved center have been placed by a professional contractor and certified by an engineer and are rated to hold at least 1000 lbs (4.5kn)(454kgs) per set up).
Q: How yoga-like is AntiGravity® Aerial Yoga?
A:
This depends on your instructor. Although it is a hybrid technique, the class is a perfect formula for a body/mind/spirit class that brings about awareness. AG Fitness Aerial Yoga classes in fitness gyms do not tend to be as spirit based as they are in yoga studios. Every class starts with a levitating meditation and ends with a floating sivasana.
Q: What if I am afraid?
A:
The difference between fear and excitement in the body is relaxation. In AG®
Fitness we bring ourselves to presence before we begin class. During an inversion you are only 3 inches off the ground. Remember what FDR said, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself” and Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do something every day that truly scares you”. In truth, over 6000 people practice AG® techniques safely every day. You can do it too!
Q: What if I am afraid of heights?
A:
During an inversion you are only 3 inches off the ground. During 75% of the moves you are distributing your weight between the hammock and the floor.
Q: How many days are AntiGravity® Fitness Instructor Trainings?
A:
There are different levels of Certified AntiGravity Fitness Instructors. Level One is achieved by taking AntiGravity Fundamentals 1 & 2 which is a four day training. Please refer to the "How to Become an AG Fitness Instructor" icon on our Homepage for more details.
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: Can AntiGravity® Fitness techniques heal my back pain?
A:
Our licensed centers, instructors and practitioners around the globe all have amazing testimonials of healing through our zero-compression inversions. We are currently having studies commissioned in order to gather concrete evidence, until then you will only know by coming to class.
Q: Is this the same apparatus that Pink flew on in the Grammy Awards?
A:
Yes. The Harrison AntiGravity® Hammock (invented by Christopher Harrison) is often used in performance as well as in fitness. In performance we often use it off of one point rather than two. Original Founding Member and AG® Associate Choreographer Dreya Weber created the set for Pink on the apparatus and combined it with the AntiGravity® Carousel originally used for AntiGravity’s performance at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.