Fit, fantastic and flying high

A drastically reducing wallet width is often matched by a rapidly expanding waistline for Aussie expats in the UK. But there’s a fit and fantastic circus in London starting to turn things around.

This year Antipodeans are trying something new to keep in shape – and this summer, running off to join the circus is high on the agenda.

If it’s freaks you’re after then you’ll be bitterly disappointed with this circus. In fact, there are no lions to be tamed or ringmasters and clowns. Just an attractive group of budding acrobats that dangle from long colourful pieces of silk strung from a very high ceiling. Silks, as they’re known, are stuck somewhere between aerial acrobatics and pole dancing from a bed sheet, providing one hell of a workout.

Following a year in Argentina, the owners and founders of Flying Fantastic brought the idea of silks (and toned muscles) back to London with them. After months of searching for a suitable space, their acrobatic circus regime Flying Fantastic was launched, and quickly gained a loyal following. Every Tuesday, classes are packed with eager candidates looking to improve on technique, toning, flexibility and skill. Heather Grass from Geelong, Victoria, is one returning Aussie customer who can’t get enough of the action.

“The entire learning process has been great and each week I have progressed and can now complete moves I couldn’t do at the beginning,” said Heather, who has attended several classes in the past month and despite being a bit of a clown, had no previous experience.

“The first week I could barely climb, but now I can climb and go upside down. Each time feels like I’ve done a long gym session where you get to laugh at each other and walk away satisfied. There’s nothing I don’t like about it and it’s very addictive.”

Classes are run by circus-trained instructors, one of whom is currently a competitor on the X-Factor television series. Between instructions, they often demonstrate difficult manoeuvres to inspire their charges (and probably show-off a little). Regardless, watching them fall gracefully – and precariously – through material is enthralling. The connotations that come with the word ‘circus’ are easily forgotten. This is like a personal coaching session from Circque De Solei.

Males make up about 20 percent of participants and their upper arm strength gives them an automatic advantage. Instructors stress there is no pressure to perform and no experience necessary. There will always be a move for everyone and although some take longer to grasp it than others, it does happen eventually.

If you’re looking for a unique way to turn the Heathrow injection into re-jection, consider London’s Flying Fantastic.

Classes are held every Tuesday evening at the Wilditch Community Centre, 48 Culvert Road, Battersea, SW11 5BB. For prices and times, visit their website www.flyingfantastic.co.uk