Alison's Verdict: "I haven't done a pull up since 1990 — or a push up. Eating healthy-ish, lite meditation, and running a couple times a week has kept me comfortable in my high-waisted jeans. I like my basic workout routine, but I've always been curious about trendy feel-good fitness classes that have gained a cult following around New York, resulting in Fire Island-worthy abdominals, upper body strength, and — most attractive — unwavering self confidence.

I consider myself a cautionary risk-taker, so I immediately imagined myself flipping through the air with ease in an impossibly chic unitard. Reality set in before my first silks class at Hype Gym, as the blood from my toes rushed to my head during our strengthening mat warmup. Silks hung from the ceiling of the studio space, ready for my classmates and me to shimmy up, wrap around our feet and rolling ourselves into mid-air splits.

The hour would begin with a thorough stretching sesh to warm up muscles you never knew you had. From the floor we'd move to to the silks themselves, using core muscles — or in my case, the help of my spotter — to reach the ceiling of the studio. Tricks would progress throughout the class, each one easily adaptable to the performer's skill level, ending with a cool down and a lot of water intake. I was continually awestruck at the open class's aerialists' ability to commit intricate moves to memory, reciting them back with what seemed like no effort.

My assent was a bit more novice. Luckily, I was in the angelic hands of Heather Hammond, a trained dancer and performer, who appreciated my wide-eyed willingness to learn despite the noodley state of my biceps. Part focus, part developing muscle mass, part Heather's individual guidance and encouragement, I was soon able to fling myself upside down into multiple graceful-esque poses. I left feeling the kind of proud I only get from 6+ mile runs in the rain.

The days between classes were spent popping Advil and toasting my newfound sport (and bruises). With each class — though sore — I gained more height in climbs and resolution in myself. Instead of envisioning my debut on the Brooklyn acrobatic scene, my aspirations had shifted to developing a stronger body and nurtured, hungry spirit. I wasn't ashamed of my flushed face, but happy with my progress in such a short time. I doubt I will be mastering the 'kidney crusher' [Ed note: It's a trick in which the silks wrap tightly around your back, crushing your kidneys in 'a good way,' Heather says.] anytime soon, but would definitely recommend Heather's classes to anyone looking to exercise their muscles or self esteem."