I Took an Anti-Gravity Yoga Class + It Was Exhilarating

As an Aries, I’m pretty textbook. I’m independent, spontaneous, optimistic and impatient. I’ll start a business with confidence, chop off my hair on the fly and follow my heart across the country, sure, but that’s not to say I’m totally fearless. I may daydream about being Kate Bosworth in Blue Crush, but you won’t find me on a surfboard (sharks!), and don’t even talk to me about bungee jumping or skydiving. You get the idea. So when a friend suggested we try anti-gravity yoga, or aerial yoga, my first instinct was “Let’s do it!,” followed immediately by total terror. But since it’s a new year and I desperately want to be a part of Taylor Swift’s #girlsquad, I agreed to a session of this silks-yoga-acrobatic-hybrid fitness class at my local Richmond studio, Fighting Gravity Fitness.

The concept

Christopher Harrison, a New York-based gymnastics specialist and Broadway dancer, founded AntiGravity Fitness in 1991 as a way for retired professional acrobats, dancers and gymnasts to continue their practice out of the (literal) spotlight. He soon realized the mental and physical benefits he and his friends gained from the exercise could be harnessed by everyone, former pro-acrobat or not. He spent eight years developing safe, effective techniques and tools to prepare aerial yoga for the public. Now, there are classes all over the globe — even kids can do it! Which makes my hesitancy over anti-gravity yoga feel even more ridiculous.

The benefits

Because you’re hovering above the ground in silks and using only body resistance to keep yourself in each yoga position, you’re able to stretch, strengthen and soothe your joints and muscles without straining them. Plus, hanging upside down and swinging releases happy hormones that put you in a super good mood. Harrison and the AntiGravity gurus claim the practice can even make you taller. That’s great news for me, since I clock it at just under 5’2″ and slouch like a sullen teen.

The ANTI-GRAVITY YOGA class

There were only four of us in the class and only one person had been before, so I was surrounded by newbies like me. Phew! Way less opportunity for embarrassment. Our instructor Jodi was confident, tiny, toned and upbeat, with a halo of blonde spirals framing her freckled face. So far, so good.

Jodi explained that we’d start every pose by getting inside the silk hammock the same way. You shake it out, stand in front of it with your back to it, put your fingers in (thumbs out) a little more than hip distance apart and scrunch the silks into your fists three times. Then you bend one knee and hop right into that hammock. Easy! I already feel like a circus performer (yass).

From there, Jodi guided us through a series of stretches, poses and positions that varied in difficulty. The modified sun salutations kept your feet on the floor, which I was thankful for, and the swing from the hammock made the transition through the positions feel particularly seamless and easy. There were a few stretches that required different parts of your body on the floor and inside the hammock at the same time. I found the hammock really did help me keep my balance, stretch further and rest my joints, which would have been impossible during a traditional mat session.

At one point, we just sat in the hammocks and swung in them like we were on a playground swing set. Another exercise simply called for us to back up with our chests on the silks as far as possible and just let go, gliding through the air like a flying squirrel or something. That was fun and made us all giggle, which Jodi assured us was the point.

Of course, these gentle positions were sprinkled between death-defying positions that had us doing backflips out of the silks and landing on our feet or dangling upside-down with only the silks around our waists and legs in the hammock, our heads inches from the floor.

Vampire pose had us doing a backflip to end upside down, with our arms and legs stretched behind us. Inverted star made us look like upside-down starfish floating in space. It was a tough pose, and when Jodi kept instructing us to “Just let go and relax,” I did the opposite of letting go and relaxing, which is hanging on for dear life and stressing.

Even though some of the harder poses definitely did NOT help me get my zen on, Jodi did an excellent job of coming around to assist each of us individually and giving us the courage we needed to do the flips and headstands that actually seemed impossible before we did them. Those poses that challenged our trust in ourselves and the silks were cool once they were over but definitely scary while they were happening.

 The verdict

Obviously, this wasn’t my usual yogic nirvana, all blissed out and serene. I felt exhilarated, strong and damn proud of myself for doing a handful of backflips and headstands — all before 10:30am. The adrenaline from aerial yoga was awesome, but I wasn’t able to get out of my head and stop worrying about hurting myself. So I have a hard time thinking of this as a yoga class, even though you’re doing yoga poses. If you’re into active group fitness classes and want to switch up your spin class routine or power yoga, I’d give this a go. But if you’re looking to slow your mind and de-stress, I’d say stick to the mat.

Would you try anti-gravity yoga? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know your thoughts!

(Photos via Fighting Gravity Fitness and Getty)

Even if you weren’t exactly in line for the Olympic gymnastics team as a kid (another reason Simone Biles is so impressive, honestly), chances are, you look back on those days as ones of your peak flexibility. Like running, remembering things, and making new friends, bending gradually gets harder as you age. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your flex! Here’s why you lose your bendiness — and how to get it back.


Why Your Flexibility Stalls

Brit + Co

As though going through puberty weren’t enough of a struggle, it’s also the time when you start to lose your natural flexibility. “No one is more flexible in their life than they are as a child,” says Dr. Leython Williams, a doctor of physical therapy at Athletico Physical Therapy. “However, during puberty, children often become temporarily less flexible. Some children have slow growth spurts, while others grow very quickly. This temporary decrease in muscle length/flexibility is a result of their bones growing faster than their muscles and tendons can stretch.”

Note that Dr. Williams refers to this particular loss of flexibility as temporary — meaning we can’t blame puberty for the fact our toes seem to be getting farther away every time we try to touch them.

Brit + Co

“There is no specific age when we wake up and our flexibility has ‘officially declined.’ However, it is a fact that as we age our flexibility decreases, which leads to decreased functional ability and mobility,” he explains. “As our bodies get older, we lose a small amount of flexibility as a result of the normal aging processes. There is loss of water in our tissues and intervertebral discs, increased stiffness in our joints, and a loss of elasticity in muscles and tendons. In our 20s and 30s, it is important that we develop a consistent static and dynamic stretching regimen to establish and maintain flexibility and range of motion more easily into our older years.”

That’s right: What you do now matters later. And this isn’t just about keeping up in yoga, Dr. Williams cautions. “It becomes imperative that we stretch regularly to decrease our likelihood of various injuries.” Jill Belland, co-founder of Barre Belle, agrees. “It’s easy to feel invincible if you’re young and injury free! Flexibility will reduce your risk of injury: What doesn’t bend will break. Increased range of motion, balance, and mobility are all linked to flexibility and contribute to overall strength and fitness.”

How to Get It Back

Brit + Co

When you’re a kid, flexibility comes naturally; when you’re an adult, you have to take responsibility for improving and maintaining it. “Peak flexibility age for adults can differ person to person and depends largely on their physical activity habits,” says Dr. Rachelle Reed, PhD, Pure Barre’s manager of training development and barre kinesiologist. “Notably, flexibility can be improved at any age when flexibility training is incorporated into a regular exercise routine. It’s important for adults to be strategic about including flexibility training into their workouts, because maintaining flexibility and physical function as we move into middle and older adulthood is associated with better quality of life and independent living.”

There’s no one flexibility standard everyone has to meet, Belland reassures: “There is no golden rule for what perfect flexibility is person to person, but there are simple markers such as touching your toes from a forward fold for hamstrings/lower back, or reaching for your hands behind your back, with one hand behind the head and the other behind the waist, for shoulder mobility. You don’t need to be a contortionist; moving around with fluidity in your everyday life and having good range of motion in your favorite activities without feeling pain or tension is a better way to gauge your own personal goals.”

Brit + Co

But where do you start if you want to improve your flexibility? Dr. Reed explains, “There are two main types of flexibility training that you should aim to incorporate into your routine: Dynamic stretching, where a stretch is performed by moving through a challenging but attainable range of motion several times in a row, and static stretching, where a stretch is held in a challenging but attainable position for a longer period of time (at least 10-30 seconds).”

How do you know how far to go? “Our muscles have a natural stretch reflex that prevents us from going too far into a stretch, which can also cause injury,” Belland tells us. “Aim to gently stretch through this reflex. The key to increasing flexibility is about time under tension: It takes around 20 seconds to ease through the stretch reflex. Reintroduce the stretch and hold it for 10 seconds longer, working up to one minute. The second time you introduce a stretch, the stretch reflex will diminish, allowing your body to get deeper into your stretch and also building better muscle memory.”

Brit + Co

If you’re still worried about injuring yourself — especially if you’ve been injured in the past — Dr. Williams recommends seeing a physical therapist for guided stretches. Belland reminds us that you don’t have to go to the gym or spend hours on stretching. “Stretch a little bit every day when you can fit it in after a workout or in front of the TV. If you just don’t think you’ll stretch on your own, getting to a yoga or a barre class is helpful if you need the accountability of a dedicated time and space.”

Speaking of the gym, just as your phys ed teacher told you, stretching is especially important before and after a workout. “Far too often active individuals begin their workouts without a dynamic stretch,” Dr. Williams says. “Dynamic stretching increases one’s range of movement and blood flow to soft tissues prior to physical exertion and/or sport performance. This type of stretching is vital in improving performance and reducing the risk for injury.”

But you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit — in fact, stretching is an important antidote to all that sitting those of us with desk-based jobs tend to do. “Sitting at your desk all day can lead to decreased flexibility in hip flexors and hamstrings by keeping them in a shortened position for a prolonged period of time,” Dr. Williams warns. “Consider a standing desk or work station or taking several breaks throughout your work day to stand up and stretch.”

Instead of looking back on your kid-level flexibility as a long-ago dream, mix in a little bit of stretching into your new daily routine — especially if you work at a desk! You might never get your legs behind your head, but your older self will thank you for it. Check out The Best Time to Stretch During Your Workout for more!

Lead image via Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

If you're hunting for a new TV drama because you've already rewatched all of Brit + Co's best true crime documentaries, then don't you worry because Apple TV's new show is exactly the kind of thriller we've been waiting for — and it's perfect for true crime fans. But the best part is that Amy Adams is starring and executive producing! Here's everything we know about Cape Fear, coming to Apple TV+ soon...and The 10 Best True Crime-Inspired Books to hold you over until it premieres.

Keep reading for the latest news on Amy Adams' Cape Fear, coming to Apple TV+ soon.

Is there a Cape Fear remake coming out?

Amazon

Yes, we're getting a brand new Cape Fear, which is based on John D. MacDonald’s novel. This Apple TV show, which was greenlit in November 2024 and will have 10 episodes, will be led by Amy Adams, who will executive produce along costar Javier Bardem, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg. Nick Antosca will write.

The movie follows J. Lee Thompson's 1962 movie and Martin Scorsese's 1991 movie.

What is Cape Fear about?

Attorneys Amanda (Amy Adams) and Steve are happily married and enjoying their life together. But when a killer from their past, Max Cady (Javier Bardem), gets released from prison, his presence threatens the life they've built together.

Just like Only Murders in the Building is a comical, campy look at true crime, and Big Little Lies is a sensual, feminist approach to mystery, Cape Fear takes a Hitchcock angle (even though it's totally going to hold me over until Big Little Lies season 3). According to the official synopsis, it's "an examination of America’s obsession with true crime in the 21st century."

Who's in the Cape Fear cast?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Amy Adams and Javier Bardem star in Cape Fear as Amanda and Max, respectively. Stay tuned for the full cast list!

Is Cape Fear on Apple TV?

Universal

The new Cape Fear show is coming to Apple TV soon (check back here for the official Cape Fear release date), but you can watch both adaptations of the novel on the streamer now.

Figuring out what to stream is never easy. Read up on The 8 Best TV Shows On Paramount+ This Month for some great ideas!

I’m a fairly active person. I enjoy hiking in the mountains, hot girl walks, dripping sweat at pilates, and working on my defense skills in boxing. I have yet to find runningincredibly enjoyable, like the people my age rapidly signing up for marathons, but I’ll indulge in a solid 3-mile jog about once a week. So when I was asked to join a wellness weekend in the Bahamas with actress Gwenyth Paltrow’s media brand, Goop, I thought it’d be a breeze. For the most part, it was. Emphasis on ‘for the most part.

Olivia Bria

Goop's wellness retreat in the Bahamas.

Wellness is an umbrella term — it looks and feels different to each individual person. Despite the fact that I just named five exercises I attempt to partake in weekly — life gets busy! — I really try to branch out of my usual workouts, due to both the need for a challenge and a general interest in looking for new ways to move my body. What are my most recent exercise acquisitions? Breakdancing, hot yoga, and, well, getting TORCH’D. Goop booked us with celebrity trainer, Isaac Boots, to add the last workout to that list.

Boots has a long roster of celeb clients: Vanessa Hudgens, Kelly Ripa, Jessica Chastain, Gwenyth Paltrow (of course!) and more. I’ve always been a bit envious of how the celebrities of today are able to build at-home gyms and call for private sessions in a flash. Yet, beyond the affordability aspect, I’ve been more curious on how they become so fit — diet and personal chefs aside — with such busy schedules.

I found out in the Bahamas. And the workout is not as easy as it looks.

Isaac Boots

Isaac Boots, Gwenyth Paltrow's celebrity trainer.

Boots first created virtual at-home sessions to teach TORCH’D classes during the pandemic, with the main premise of the workout focusing on the flow of body resistance, dance conditioning, and targeted repetition with the intention of burning fat. We — the other gal pal journalists and influencers on the trip — were set to complete two morning classes, both Saturday and Sunday. I, unfortunately, missed my connecting flight on Friday and wasn’t able to make it to the Saturday class due to a series of unfortunate travel events (let’s not rehash it, for my sake). But, after talking to the girls who were able to attend that morning session, it seems that the only thing I missed was waking up really sore on Sunday. My quads thanked me for that missed flight.

Olivia Bria

The group Torch'd workout class at Goop's Bahamas retreat.

Group fitness is also something I’ve gotten used to over the years, especially when moving to LA where it's common practice, but going into workouts that I’ve never done before is intimidating. Exercising in front of others, especially when you aren’t familiar with the form of exercise, can be a particularly vulnerable activity.

Therefore, before attending the 45-minute TORCH’D session, I searched for the workouts online to study them a little. I’ll admit, I didn’t think they looked that difficult. But boy, was I absolutely proved wrong. Keep in mind that the Sunday session was outdoors, and although on a shaded rooftop with a stunning ocean view, the Bahamas was in the middle of a heat wave. I already didn’t stand a chance against my already innately sweaty and red-faced self during any form of physical movement.

Isaac Boots

Isaac Boots, Gwenyth Paltrow's celebrity trainer.

Boots started the music — an upbeat, EDM like tune — to get us moving to the rhythm.

We began with small movements like arm circles and donkey kicks, pulsed for a bit, and then went ‘double time’ (AKA we picked up our speed). Those rotations would continue throughout the workout. It was during the pulsing portions of the workout where I really felt it target my biceps, triceps, and glutes. A burning sensation formed in my upper arms and legs several times, making it hard to keep going. There were a few instances when I had to take a quick break to get back into it. It was during those breaks when I noticed I wasn’t the only one taking a breather.

As I’ve grown sick of my mundane daily gym routine, I’ve noticed that having fun while I workout is a priority. Boots’ liveliness and charisma matched with his eagerness to teach really helped me get out of my own head (I have the tendency to become frustrated and want to quit during certain moves.)

I now understand now how a lot of celeb women — like Gwenyth — exercise with time constraints. Workouts like Torch'd are simple and tough, but effective at toning all the right places. While I would 10/10 recommend this class to anyone, I (and my sore muscles) definitely encourage you to take a rest day (or two) afterwards. 😉

Looking for more exercise tips? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

Header image via Olivia Bria

Not only does Emily Henry's new novel Great Big Beautiful Life drop on April 22, but every single one of the author's already-published rom-coms is being adapted for the screen. Okay, that's majorly impressive! People We Meet On Vacation, starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, will be coming to Netflix soon, and considering Beach Read was the second adaptation announced, it looks like Emily's first rom-com could be our next film. And fans have been spiraling about who could play January and Gus even before the Emily Henry movie was confirmed.

Well there are two actors at the top of the rumor mill for the Beach Read movie — and I am crossing all my fingers and toes we see them in the beloved roles.

Here's everything we know about the Emily HenryBeach Read movie cast rumors.

Did the Beach Read movie already find its Gus and January?

Jeff Spicer/Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

When Paul Mescal and Ayo Edebiri started posting selfies together, fans immediately picked up on their chemistry — and started calling for the two actors to star in a rom-com together. "The Paul Mescal and Ayo Edebiri romcom is imminent," one X user tweeted.

And when Emily Henry reposted one of their selfies on her story? Fans of the author's first romance novel immediately fancast the two actors as Gus and January. And with their personalities, and the way they complement each other, there's literally no one else I could see playing these roles at the moment.

While Emily "can’t confirm or deny anything with casting for any movie," the author did admit that "they would be amazing. I actually saw them being discussed [online] for several different roles — and I definitely have a favorite. But it’s fun, because different adaptations would either have one of them playing to type, or one of those adaptations would have them both playing to type, and one of them would have them both playing against type. It’s an interesting thing. I mean, they’re great, they could do anything.”

Are Paul Mescal and Ayo Edebiri in a rom-com together?

Paul Mescal and Ayo Edebiri haven't officially joined a rom-com together, but after Paul told Awards Watch he wants to do a romance movie with Ayo in "the next five years," The Bear actress agreed she's game...on one condition.

"If somebody writes us a good script," she says. "It has to be in an About Time vibe. Something that’s got, like, a heart, so he can still flex his drama muscles where it’s like, the covert rom-com. Like, still a rom-com, but we got to get something inventive."

Is Beach Read going to be a movie?

Amazon

Yes, the Beach Read movie is coming soon! Writer-director Yulin Kuang told Brit + Co exclusively that she "really cares" about giving fans of the book a good experience.

"I truly believe that art belongs to the audience once it's out in the world," she says. "And so saying too much, it feels prescriptive, you know? So I hope they enjoy it. I hope that they know that a lot of care is going into the adaptations. I remember what it's like to be watching with anxious hearts about the announcements of all my favorite adaptations. And so that's the main thing. I hope they know that I really, really care."

Who do you want to see in the Beach Read cast? Drop your favorite fancasts on Facebook and check out how You Can Read A Part Of Emily Henry's Great Big Beautiful Life Right Now!

It's yet another week, bringing us to the halfway mark of March, the rejuvenating Spring Equinox, and Aries season! Every zodiac sign is in for their own unique experience, and I'm here to break it down for you. From Aries to Aquarius, here's what your sign can expect for the week ahead in your horoscope, according to the stars!

Scroll to see your zodiac sign's weekly horoscope for March 16-23!

Júlia Lafulla

The Sun enters Aries on March 20, marking the start of the astrological New Year. The Spring Equinox is a time of hope and renewal, as flowers break through the frozen ground and the days grow progressively longer. Embrace the promise of spring and consciously uplift your spirit in the week ahead.

The Sun forms several beneficial aspects with other planets this week, encouraging us to explore deeply, appreciate beauty, and live with purpose and meaning.

On March 19, the Sun and Neptune align in the final degrees of Pisces, offering an opportunity to connect with our higher selves, recognize the unity of all things, and experience unconditional love. This ethereal energy is fleeting yet lingers for a few days. On March 22, the Sun conjoins Venus, the planet of earthly love, helping us rise above petty disagreements and focus on expressing and receiving love.

Natalie Davis

In the midst of the Sun’s movements, Venus forms a beneficial sextile to Pluto on March 21. This is the time to deepen connections with loved ones. Seek and share experiences that strengthen and make sacred your relationships.

Two days later, the Sun sextiles Pluto, bringing heightened focus, ambition, and determination to create meaningful change. Be mindful of obsessive tendencies and use this powerful energy to break bad habits and establish beneficial ones.

For a deeper and more personalized look at how these and other transits affect you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a Natal Reading.

Brit + Co

Read Your Sun & Rising Sign For Your Weekly Horoscope!

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

This is your time of year! Use the supportive aspects between the Sun, Neptune, Pluto, and Venus to begin the astrological New Year with love and cosmic abundance. Express your feelings through grand gestures and experience the uplifting energy of profound connections. Take time to communicate with loved ones and show them how much you value your relationships.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

You will benefit greatly from introspection, meditation, or prayer. This spiritual influence can illuminate hidden aspects of your psyche if you are willing to face them honestly. Don’t just focus on perceived shortcomings; acknowledge how far you’ve come. Present yourself to the world with the confidence of an evolving soul.

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

This social week is perfect for group activities and communal experiences. You may find yourself idealizing a more harmonious, cooperative future. Act on your desires to nurture meaningful connections. Your friendships remind you that together, we accomplish more. Express your authentic self and engage in vibrant exchanges of ideas. Keep an open mind and a receptive heart.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Pay attention this week to clues about your place in the world. Reflect on your career path and self-expression. Seek guidance from mentors or respected figures. Engage in deep conversations, but stay grounded as you explore new perspectives. Channel your intensity into transforming the mundane into something sacred.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

This is a time for adventure and self-discovery. Be open to new experiences and unexpected opportunities. Release limiting beliefs and pursue your interests with passion and curiosity. Whether through travel, learning, or creativity, seek out experiences that inspire and elevate you. Approach life with boldness and a full heart.

Brit + Co

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Therapeutic and introspective work will be transformative this week. Whether through professional therapy or personal reflection, embrace any opportunity for growth. Change takes effort, but the rewards are profound. Establish order in your surroundings to create a calm and receptive mind. Let your home be a sanctuary that nurtures your well-being.

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

This week calls for balance in your relationships. Practice compassion and empathy, but do not sacrifice your own needs to keep the peace. Assert yourself with confidence while respecting others. Seek mutual understanding and fairness. If single, focus on self-love and speak to yourself with the same kindness you offer others. Heal unresolved emotional wounds through honest conversations.

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Are you using your time wisely? Take stock of your daily routines and see where you can be more efficient. Avoid excessive screen time and unnecessary distractions. This is a great week to establish new habits that support your well-being. Welcome the changes that come with the arrival of spring and embrace personal growth.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Make joy a priority in your daily life. Be mindful of how you express yourself to others. While it’s important to stay realistic, avoid slipping into negativity. Your natural optimism is vital for your own peace of mind and can inspire those around you. Balance responsibilities with creativity and fun. Infuse your daily life with enthusiasm and find ways to uplift yourself and others.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Your home is your sanctuary. Cultivate a peaceful environment and invite loved ones to share in your space. Strengthen your foundation with care and attention to your inner world. Reflect on what brings you comfort, and surround yourself with people and possessions that nurture your soul. Reflect on how your ancestors emerged from their struggles. Profound ancestral healing is available. Express gratitude for what you have and cherish the love that surrounds you.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

This week, focus on clear and intentional communication. Practice active listening and recognize that not everyone processes information as quickly as you do. You’ll have many great ideas—make sure to express them in ways that others can understand and appreciate. Be patient and strive to foster meaningful connections in your immediate environment.

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

As the Sun spends its last week in your sign, take this time to deepen your commitment to your values. Material possessions may hold increased significance. Reflect on your spending habits—are you using them to fill an emotional void? Your finances will be a key focus this week. Seek sound advice and examine how your relationship with money aligns with your long-term goals and sense of security.

For more insights on how these and other planetary transit impact you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a personalized reading.

Looking for more astrology advice? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!