New air barre workout turns ballet upside-down

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The snow and ice has more people looking indoors for their workouts. There is a class that will take you to new heights while giving you a good core and arm workout - it is called the "Anti-Gravity Air Barre Workout", and it is turning ballet a little bit upside-down.

Christopher Harrison likes to get off the ground - all of his anti-gravity classes use silky hammocks, and his air barre classes are no different.

While the fabric, like a barre, helps you balance, you work your core and arms a little more than in a traditional ballet class. You will leap a little higher, even getting a little hang time. You will also go horizontal and up in the air for a whirl.

However, getting off the ground is only part of the fun - going upside-down is a big component. The moves are called "inversions, but there is no compression on your spine or neck.

"The inversions make you feel fantastic - strong and balanced, it's fantastic," says Geneva Khooshabi.



Even with no ballet experience, air barre is accessible.

"I started out without having any dance experience - this class gives me confidence," said Christyne.

So channel your inner Giselle, and cap it off with a rest in your own cocoon before the finale.

Air barre classes are 75 minutes long at the AntiGravity Lab in Manhattan. An introductory class is $10. Packages are available, and you will get the 'hang' of it, so to speak, in several classes. It is also safe and helpful for those with back or neck injuries.