VALDOSTA – I flew. 

Not in the literal sense but I did fly.

Recently, I was one of nine participants in a Grounded Aerial bungee fitness class hosted by Hang Out Yoga.

Karen Fuhrman, Grounded Aerial founder and artistic director, led the group, which included not only myself, but also Hang Out Yoga instructor Erika Bennett and owner Sherri Henschke.

The class was Valdosta’s introduction to bungee fitness, an interactive exercise program that is scheduled to debut at Hang Out Yoga this summer.

As the eager ladies all lined up to get fitted for their harnesses, one in particular began to feel quite nervous – me.

I’d never been in a bungee before, let alone, participate in bungee fitness. I soon learned that I was in a no judgement zone.

Following a brief warmup, and a few stretch exercises with the bungee, it was time for the real work to begin.

Fuhrman guided the group through various movements including one identified as car.

The position starts with balled fists and arms in front of the body. The participant is to back up and allow the body to slide forward in a squatting stance across the floor in different directions.

I’d begun to get comfortable with the movement during its slow pace, but Fuhrman had another thought in mind.

She pressed the gas on car and sped up the pace, making it more challenging for beginners like myself.

Everyone seemed to adapt, and the atmosphere was somewhat encouraging. What started off as a group of strangers experiencing a new class turned into familiar faces helping one another.

Later in the session, Fuhrman had us jump high and fly. We ran at an angle and jumped with arms stretched toward the ceiling. This was a motion repeated numerous times.

Bennett and Henschke will soon be teaching some of these moves once the program is in full swing at Hang Out Yoga.

Both yoga instructors endured a 16-hour Grounded Aerial bungee training with Fuhrman and Jason Heartsfield, Grounded Aerial co-owner. Participants are also tasked with taking a written, movement and teaching exam.

Bennett confirmed she and Henschke are now certified bungee instructors, and they are readying Hang Out Yoga for the new courses.

Henschke said Hang Out Yoga is always on the hunt for new additions to the studio.

“We are trying to add every little bit of knowledge, anything to have fun in Valdosta,” she said.

Bringing bungee fitness to Valdosta will be a big asset to the community as it will allow people to let go, trust and will bring out their inner-child, Henschke said.

“Hopefully, it’ll have a huge impact where (it’ll be) just a place to bring out your inner child, let go for an hour (and) be a kid again … have fun and just go with it,” she said.

The bungee aerobic workout is a lifestyle impact, Fuhrman and Henschke both agreed.

“I always say that the body conditioning is just a side benefit of it all,” Fuhrman said, “but I think the main benefit is self-empowerment and the combining of the mind, body and spirit as one entity that’s not separate from themselves.”

In trusting the bungee, Fuhrman recommends taking baby steps. She adds the bungee is safe.

Bungee fitness can be for anyone even for those who have not exercised in a while, she said.

“It’s as advanced or as beginner as the person needs, and as a good teacher, you make sure that the person is comfortable with it,” she said.

Transforming from a performance-only business to a certification program, Grounded Aerial has been to 15 countries and is now in Valdosta.

With a few more bungee classes at Hang Out Yoga, I may become a frequent flier.

Updates on the exact date for these sessions to begin can be found on the studio’s Facebook and Instagram pages, staff said.

Visit groundedaerial.com for more information about the international program.