AIR® Aerial Fitness - South Loop — Local services in Chicago

This is in response to Tierra C, as I cannot reply directly. I'm the instructor from the 6:30 pm Candlelight Flow. The studio capacity is 18, there were 16 students in class, and your group included 8 them. I emphasize that bc the class was a public class, not a private event, and the expectation is that every student present has the same ability to safely enjoy and participate in it.

Our no-phones policy is clearly communicated, via email and in the studio itself, and the reason is ensuring that safety is prioritized first and foremost and ensuring that all students feel comfortable participating w/o fear of inevitably ending up in the back of someone else's video, which can then be posted or shared without their knowledge or consent. If you recall, I clearly announced the opportunity to take photos or film after class ended and offered to take photos. One of the members of your group asked for a group photo while I talked to another student, at which point I excused myself and walked over to the middle of the studio, suggesting where you could all pose and asking for someone's phone. I then repeated myself twice more before one of you handed me a phone.

I find your assessment of me "looking at [you] dumb" immature and insulting, as you acknowledged that I was teaching another class while you waited, and there was a red sign on the door that informed everyone of that. While I have no control over how early students arrive to an upcoming class, and can't control your "waiting outside for over 10 minutes," I unlocked the door and flipped the sign at 6:20, at which point various students started coming in and out of the studio. We are a small space w/o the ability to accommodate waiting students - just as I would not unlock the door and allow newcomers to disrupt your experience prior to class ending, I did not do that to the 5:30 class.

I asked your group to quiet down various times, both as a courtesy to other students, and because several of the students, including from your group, were in the studio for the first time. I began demonstrations by stating "watch me first" and clearly explaining the proper hammock placement as well as safety and body cues - as is my job and responsibility. Aerial fitness/yoga can not only be challenging but also extremely dangerous. Allowing your group to continue chatting would have been rude to the other participants and incredibly unsafe, especially as at least a few of the members of your group seemed distracted talking to each other, and at least one was busy setting up their phone to film and missed crucial parts of my safety demonstration for that pose. I'm unsure why you took such great offense at my reminders to stop talking while I was actively teaching a public class of 16 adult students, but please know that there are legitimate reasons for that, and the same rules are enforced for all other classes. That said, we offer private classes where the focus is entirely on your group, and chatting or laughing is absolutely permitted, as everyone present actively consents to that particular environment. Last night's Candlelight Flow class was simply never meant to mimic that, nor was your group given any more or less consideration than any other students present. I walked around and provided frequent individualized assistance, mostly to members of your group, so stating that I "did not give a damn" because you were not white was completely baseless, especially given that all but three of the students were students of color.

I "kicked everyone out" and locked the door at 7:43, after class ended at 7:20 pm. Again, you are always welcome to book the studio for additional time. I was not responsible for sanitizing the studio, as we have very specific agreements and expectations in place for that.

Overall, while I'm disappointed to hear you didn't enjoy your experience, your depiction of events is not accurate, and it sounds as though a private class would've suited your needs much better than a public one. There was simply no way for me to meet those...

I enjoyed the actions of doing the aerial fitness class, but my experience was not good. I was 5-7 minutes late, as it was my first time to the building, raining, and I had to walk 2 blocks to get there. The instructor Amy was decent enough to allow me to enter the studio while the other members were stretching. The instructor asked if it was my first time, I told her yes. From there, the guided lesson was very fast paced and not beginner friendly. The website advertised the class to be open to all levels of fitness. The website should be changed, and classes should be divided by fitness level and experience. My friend and I should not have been in that class with that instructor for our first experience. Additionally, when I asked the instructor for assistance, she commented to “just do it like this” with no additional help. She was half way across the room and did not try to assist me in any way. I received a phone call from a friend who also paid for the experience and the instructor had me go to the restroom to take my call. I would be more understanding if I was causing a disturbance while on the phone, but this was not the case. The call was less than 60 seconds. When my friend did arrive, the instructor had the door locked and sent her away and told her to “reschedule”. The instructor helped others who were struggling during the class, however she did not assist me in any way. When the class was over, we were allowed to take a few more minutes to try the poses we learned and to take pictures. With it being my first time, it would have been common decency for the instructor to at the LEAST offer to take a picture. She stood behind the counter and put her coat on and waited for everyone to eventually leave the studio. I would not recommend booking a class with Amy if you are a beginner or need personal attention while trying something new. She’s okay if you are advanced in...

LOVED IT!!!! I actually took a class here in 2017 and it was okay. I randomly decided to go back in the summer of 2023 and I’ve been taking drop in classes since! LOVE THIS STUDIO AND CANT RECOMMEND ENOUGH!!! I’ve only taken their fundamentals classes but they’re so fun! It’s a killer workout and very beginner friendly. I like that they focus on the strength and conditioning you actually need for when you’re ready to move onto advanced classes. (I’m fine with beginner classes for now lol) The instructor was really nice and energetic and really broke down the aerial moves sequence then showed us so everyone in the class could get up on the silks. We were able to stop or keep going with the moves we felt comfortable with. I’ve taken classes with most of the instructors and have had the same positive experience with each one. Ruby, Sarah and Rae are my favorite instructors! I’m a heavier girl so I get very self conscious about workouts involving me lift my body weight but I was able to do it and the instructor came around to help me when I got stuck. YALL I FELT SO EMPOWERED! I like this way more than pilates. I’ve tried three Pilates studios and felt out of place and not welcome. I’m a woman of color and curvier build so I don’t always feel welcomed in a lot of fitness spaces. I think the reason I keep coming back to this location specifically is because of how inclusive and welcoming the environment is. Awesome community! The only downside is parking but there’s usually a lot of street parking so no biggie. Even though I only stick to fundamentals classes I always get a good workout and cute pictures. I’m taking a themed class there this week so I’ll try and update my review with pictures...