Getting In Shape With The Greatest Of Ease

FERNDALE (WWJ) - A growing number of women are fulfilling their dreams of joining the circus ... by taking flying classes to get in shape.  WWJ's Sandra McNeill reports on a new way for high flyers to stay in shape.

Jessica Reynolds teaches the aerial classes on Cirque de Soliel silks, rings and of course, the trapeze.  She says the classes are drawing women from college age to 65.

What can a 65-year-old do? "Everything that I can do, I have one set do more than I can do," said Reynolds.

McNeill says imagine doing a pull up and then pulling your legs over your head ...

"Your hands are going to hurt in places that you didn't realize were muscles, your shoulders are going to hurt, every part of your body is going to hurt - this is a full body workout," added Reynolds.

Stephanie McKowski started in July - and says she has gotten really strong.

"Even my grip - if someone is struggling to open a pop - they'll hand it to me, I twist it open - no problem," said McKowski laughing.

McKowski says she loves the feeling of flying; "I love it, I love it." She said you get over the fear of heights - "I just don't look down. You get over the fear, because if you let go - it's a long way down."

"It's what we call a big, giant gym for adults, this is our playground for adults," said Reynolds.

Reynolds teaches the aerial classes from her Pole Addiction studio in Ferndale.