Om Factory NYC — Local services in New York

I signed up for the Starter Pack special offer, which is 4 classes for $100. Each class that I tried had a different instructor, which allowed me to experience different styles of teaching. All of the classes were level 1, and none of them were like the one before, meaning that each class incorporated a different series of moves.

I had attended four classes elsewhere, but I’m definitely still very much a beginner, so I appreciated that the instructors were patient and kind with their guidance. The stand-out class for me was led by Maisah, who is wonderful. She focused on pragmatic safety tips with a fun sense of humor that immediately put me at ease. I definitely saw an increase in my confidence (and maybe even my strength) during my time there.

I will say that at the previous studio I practiced at, the instructors were really intentional about the music, using playlists that led us though the class, and created an immersive experience. Here though, the music wasn’t prioritized, so that is potentially something they could think about doing differently in the future. Also I wished we could have had more time for the shavasana in the hammocks, as that would have allowed for deeper relaxation. On the plus side, every class concluded with 5 minutes of photo time, so you could take pictures in the silks.

If you’re contemplating aerial yoga, I recommend you give it a try, as you’ll be surprised what your body...

At first blush, aerial yoga seems a bit harder than your typical downward dog. But don't be cowed by the silk apparatus & the funky inversions (when you're hanging upside down) - this is definitely something worth trying.

After a few classes, I found the instructor that I felt the most at ease with - Ariel. It's because of her that I'm not afraid to try out moves like the Circus Dismount or the Skydiver. Having someone spot you while you're attempting inversions, & monitor your progress week by week, helps a great deal. Aside from the main instructor, there's generally a teaching assistant in the back of the room & regulars also step in to help newbies. No one puts on airs, there's a genuine sense of community here.

The space is neat and clean. In case you're a bit musty from all the swinging, the changing areas have 2 private, immaculate bathrooms with a shower-stalls. At Om Factory, class schedules change every month & it's ideal to register (and pre-pay) online. Aside from aerial yoga, there's yoga Fight Club, prenatal yoga, and many more options. Additionally, the studio hosts events and workshops on a regular basis.

So forget the bling bling, can you swing swing? I sure can, thanks...

I absolutely love this place and it’s 100% because of the people in it. I’ve taken classes with Ting Ting, Barbara, Kristen, Jessie, Janie, Izzy, Marisa and Amanda and they all have their own style while maintaining an atmosphere of safety and inclusion. I’m a 6’1” woman and they always make sure I have a high enough hammock and enough space around me. Austin greets us at the front desk and asks if we want tea or anything. Everyone is encouraged to push themselves within their own fitness levels, and in 10 months I’ve gone from depressed former figure skater to feeling like a current athlete who can do more tricks and is seeing less fat and more muscles appearing. My current favorite thing is taking open level dance with Izzy (she teaches you that sexy means and looks different for everyone), level 2 yoga with Barbara (she conditions us then differentiates the tricks based on who is signed up for class that day), level 2 tricks with Marisa (where we cheer each other on and have nicknames and work our butts off to get new tricks), and level 2/3 with Amanda, where I learn to be precise, efficient, and push myself mentally and physically to learn and understand...