Published: Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, 9:00p.m. Updated 24 hours ago

COLUMBUS, Ohio During a class in Yoga on High, 13 women spent part of the hour tapping their inner 5-year-olds rather than their spiritual selves.

Like youngsters on a playground, they squealed in delight while swinging in hammocks 3 feet off the ground, their legs stretched in front of them.

Following the lead of studio owner Michele Vinbury, the baker's dozen some more readily than others shifted into a move called an angel flip.

Although initially reluctant, 64-year-old Babaaritah Clark decided to give it a go, somersaulting forward while tangled in the stretchy fabric.

Wow, that was wild, said Clark, a Columbus resident.

Like Clark, others are gradually discovering the adventure and health benefits of aerial yoga.

The exercise, which began popping up in major cities such as New York in 2006, is just making its way to central Ohio. It blends traditional floor yoga with aerial arts, minus the intimidation.

Moves that might be more difficult on the ground become manageable with the support of high-density nylon hammocks, Vinbury said.

It's playful, she said. They're swinging, and they're having fun. But then they come up against an edge. I think people are surprised at what they can do.

Original post:
Ohio aerial yoga classes take workouts to new heights