Spinal Tap

Thanks to your sedentary lifestyle, you likely only engage three or four of the 33 vertebra in your spine. But what all you aging, office hunchbacks probably don’t realize is that your longevity, and not just your posture, is linked to the health of your spine. Circus freaks like contortionists...

By Amanda McCorquodale

May 12, 2011

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Thanks to your sedentary lifestyle, you likely only engage three or four of the 33 vertebra in your spine. But what all you aging, office hunchbacks probably don’t realize is that your longevity, and not just your posture, is linked to the health of your spine. Circus freaks like contortionists and acrobats just live longer. So think of South Florida Circus Art School’s (15161 NE 21st Ave., North Miami Beach) curriculum as a veritable fountain of youth as well as a damned good time.

Learn to twist and bend your body into shapes, which may be illegal in some states, in contortion and flexibility, and master grips and core strength in their aerial fitness classes. Or combine both body alignment and midair tricks at their daily Flying Yoga class. All of the classes are taught by master-level circus performers, and Laurie Allen, owner of SFCAS, says she’s had students as young as 6 and as old as 60. The school is closed on Mondays, and Tuesday’s Flying Yoga class meets at 9 a.m. and costs $25. Call 954-540-1344, or visit sfcas.com.
Tuesdays, 9 a.m., 2011

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