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If you're interested in finding a new fav sport or exercise,  but are just a little bit nervous about actually taking the plunge and want a few pointers first, Active nzgirl is perfect for you!
Julz Darroch (you might have seen her on Good Morning), our resident fitness guru, will try out a range of new and different fitness classes and bring you her very own verdict.
It's a little like trying before you buy - without you having to ever step foot outside your home! This week she tries her hand at Circus School... No mission to discover alternative exercise classes would be complete without a trip to circus training. I have always thought that if the real job didn’t turn out then joining the circus would be a good back up plan. The professionals look so very cool doing their work on those silky ropes (called ‘tissu’ I have discovered). What I like best about this style of training is that it seems to attract such a variety of people. So off I go!  Pre lessonI’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it. I have discovered there is a Wellington circus trust and they run classes ranging from beginners through to those crazy types that seem weightless and defy gravity, while upside down and keeping their lipstick in place! I’m off to an aerials class, it’s not the ‘easy’ option, but I’ve spoken with the tutor Clo and she’s up for the challenge of having me in her class. When I arrived there were people practicing on the ‘tissu’ and others working in a class with hula hoops, balls and doing cartwheels. It looked relaxed and achievable enough. The people hanging off things make it all look very do-able.  After the lessonI’d like to say I’m running off to join the circus but the way my muscles are hurting I’m not even likely to make it off the couch! The class started off with a warm up then we got to go and play on the equipment- yeehaa! While the aerial work looks graceful it’s bloody hard work! Apparently even when you are really good it still hurts. Not only muscle wise but bruisy wise with bony bits sticking into swingy bits. I managed, after several tries to get on the tissu but that’s as far as I got. No pictures on of me on that as I couldn’t hang for long enough to get a photo! I can confirm that hoisting my entire body weight onto a suspended hoop is not one of my natural talents.  The verdictDespite my whinging about the pain that was a very cool session. It’s a good workout for sure but also there is something very satisfying about working with your body in that way. Aerial work requires good upper body strength so may not be for everybody. The balls and hula hoop class that was going on when I arrived was a ‘circusfit’ class. I caught up their instructor Alice and her style of class is designed to be suitable for everyone and is a great place for beginners who haven’t done any circus stuff before to start. And yes! The beginners class does involve some aerial work. That’s where I’m going next time! Pros It’s a great way to get fit and moving without getting involved in the gym or sports scene, which is not everyone’s thing! It’s a very inclusive environment, and very offbeat! I like that - a great class for an nzgirl. Cons Some of the classes require a base level of strength and body awareness. If you like to be good at something the first time you do it (I put my hand up here) it’s frustrating! Why CAN'T I be at the top swinging upside down after the first go! GRRRRR!  Now it’s your turnWhat you’ll need: You work without shoes, and no special equipment required- it’s all provided for you. Clothing wise fitted tights and top seemed to be the standard get up – I just chucked on my usual gym leggings and singlet and that worked just fine. I went to a class run by the Wellington Circus Trust, you can get info about their classes at www.classes.org.nz or email them at info@circus.org.nz. I went on my usual internet and Yellow Pages search to find other classes around the country with no luck. If there are any nzgirls out there who know of any classes in their local area let us know! Julz
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