Harding, a lifelong gymnast and professional acrobat who trained at what's now the New England Center for Circus Arts in Vermont, is eager to convert more aerial conditioning enthusiasts.
"You can do 50 sit-ups in a row, or you can do something to freshen up your routine and still get a full body workout," he said, noting that classes include a warm-up, floor stretching, strength training and individualized instruction.
"It's a surprising workout, because you are completely suspended in the air and have to use your arms, feet and core to support yourself. There's definitely no cheating 'cause there's nowhere to go but down," he said. "I've seen people who are afraid of heights challenge their fears and try. ... You have to use your mental capacity to get through it."
Nationally recognized fitness guru Patricia Moreno, who teaches at the prestigious Equinox Fitness Clubs in New York City and has partnerships with Nike and Reebok, also believes the mind-body balance is key to long-term health and wellness.
About seven years ago, the elite instructor created intenSati (pronounced inten-Sah-tee), a word derived from the Buddhist term associated with "mindfulness." The high-energy, cardio workout blends yoga, sculpting exercises and martial arts, with positive spoken affirmations.
"I've been teaching classes for years and began to feel like I needed a better, more inspiring way to motivate my students," said Moreno. "They weren't connecting on a deeper level with what they were doing, so the results weren't always sustainable."
Drawing on her own journey as a 212-pound teenager, Moreno chose a fitness path that evolved into teaching yoga and becoming a life coach. Eventually, she merged the two disciplines with group fitness, which laid the groundwork for intenSati.
Designed to inspire physical, mental and spiritual transformation, it's timely in an era where best-selling books like The Secret promote metaphysical practices as a way to achieve certain goals, Moreno said.
"The moves, like lunges, aren't complicated or overly technical. Anyone can do them," she said.
For every action, there is an accompanying affirmation: For instance, while doing arm circles, students may whisper, "I am so grateful."
The response has been wildly positive. Moreno's company, intenSati Life LLC, offers DVDs and exercise apparel. The original classes have inspired several offshoots, including danceSati, yogaSati, coreSati and warriorSati courses.
