Fitness fans flock to try out high-flying exercise craze

Championed by Hollywood stars including Gwyneth Paltrow, aerial yoga is the new trend to hit Leeds after teaching duo Amanda Franklin and David Fleming set up a studio in Meanwood. Aerial yoga involves working out while suspended in a hanging trapeze or hammock, on the basis that, with the weight of the body supported, users can stretch into their yoga moves – creating ‘optimal postural alignment’ – through physical relaxation rather than effort.

Ms Fleming revealed they have been putting on extra classes as more sign up to try the technique.

She said: “We started with a series of beginner workshops because no-one around here had done it before. We kept putting them on and they kept filling up. Then we started doing classes on Thursday nights and Sunday evenings, once we had enough people.”

She added: “The fact the hammock supports you means you can really kind of let go and relax into postures. But the underlying principle is fun. I’m not one for ‘exercise’, but I do love moving freely, having fun with movement and enjoying a sense of ‘play’.”

For more information visit www.accessmovement.devhub.com/yoga.