With endless options around the city for ways to squeeze in a workout — beyond just going to the gym and bee-lining it to the elliptical — we sent Alison to a class that would not only challenge her whole body, but require much more grace than any spinning session. Aerial dance (think: Cirque du Soleil-style) asks to students to not only call upon their physical strength but test their ability to do it all while suspended from silk ribbons, secured to the ceiling.

Heather Hammond, Helium's main instructor and co-founder, recommends twice-a-week, consistent classes to really take your practice to new heights (pun intended), but at least once-weekly commitments can help students gain a "sense of accomplishment, [overcome] fears," and improve your upper-body strength. We're talking toned arms that could even impress MObama.