On Saturday I decided to try something new! I had heard about a local gym called Body by X from a student. She had tried an Aerial Yoga/Fitness class there. I decided I should check it out! When I arrived I was greeted by the instructor and owner, Nadia McClinton. Her and her husband Xavier (the X in Body by X) own this gym located in Corte Madera. The space is cool, with “graffiti” on one wall and inspirational posters on the other. At the center of the space is a wood floor and around the perimeter is the fitness equipment. The class had the aerial swings hanging from the ceiling. There were 8 of us in class.
Nadia took us through a series of exercises like pushups with your feet suspended in the ropes, and plank style exercises all while you are suspended. It’s hard to explain, but it was very liberating and also unleashed the child in you! Nothing quite like flipping upside down and all around to make you feel more like you are playing rather than getting a really good workout!
The class was set up in two rows. I was in the front row and the back row seemed to consist of the “regulars” who all seemed very familiar with the exercises and may have been gymnasts as well. The girl right behind me was very helpful in cueing me. While hanging upside down I’d get confused at which way was front or back. She would also be hanging upside down telling me what to do and which way to go! I thought that was pretty cool that she was so helpful!
At one point I just got nervous system overload and had to come out of the swing! I repositioned myself and got back into the game! At one point I was in a suspended side plank with only one hand hanging onto the swing, Nadia came over and told me to let go! Let go!? “Trust yourself” she said, so I did and swung upside down and laughed! She said, “I knew you could do it!” Wow! Very cool!
This is a very unique class experience! Like nothing I’ve done before and I loved it! I will be back to try again! Let me know if you want to join me!
Check out their website at www.getfitmarin.com The first photo was what it looked like when I arrived. The last two photos are of Nadia in action!
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