Beginners Aerial Silk Yoga Series

Getting the motivation and passion to work out can be one of the biggest challenges to finding a normal, healthy routine. Experts say finding elements that are enjoyable make it more likely people will stick with a program that benefits multiple levels of personal health.

"I think on some level we all get tired of using the same machines every day," says Karen Fox, aerial silk instructor at the Steel Fitness Club Riverport in Bethlehem.

Aerial silk workouts involve suspended silk scarves and incorporate strength training with performance based on theatrical dance moves. While the heights look intimidating, the classes do not start at high levels. Most start closer to the ground.

The workout challenges participants to wrap differing lengths of silk around different parts of their body, contorting into different poses to hang suspended from the ceiling. Fighting gravity offers a resistance workout for the muscles.

“I’m trying to not make it hard so everyone is (not) afraid,” Instructor Karen Fox says.

Fox was trained in aerial performance through her work in theater and at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. She is also a certified pilates instructor.