Lake Life Review

Hanging Around (Literally): Trying Aerial Yoga in Spirit Lake

Confession time.

Joy and I had been talking about doing a Lake Life Review on aerial yoga for a while. You know how those ideas go, “maybe next year… when I’m a little more fit… a little more ready…” Well, a year
passed, and nothing changed except the calendar. So I made a decision: I’d take the pictures.

And that’s how I found myself walking into The Studio Yoga & Barre in downtown Spirit Lake, fully intending to stay safely on the ground.

Owned by Amanda Jorgenson, the studio offers far more than just aerial yoga. From traditional yoga and barre classes to stand-up paddleboard yoga on West Lake Okoboji in the summer, private sessions, group parties, and even a boutique featuring popular athletic brands, it’s truly a wellness hub for the Iowa Great Lakes area. And yes, every skill level and every body is welcome. (Do you remember our Lake Life Review back in 2022 on the paddleboard yoga, if not, go to www.lakelifeokoboji.com and search yoga and find the article, it was so fun!)

But on this day, we were there for aerial yoga.

“You Should Try It.”

I started by asking Amanda who typically takes her aerial classes. She mentioned kids, teens, and adults, then quickly corrected herself. “This is really for anyone,” she said. She told me about a group of teenage boys who had recently come in, a little rowdy at first, but left surprised at how much they loved it. She hosts everything from birthday parties to bachelorette parties, along with regular classes. Her biggest message? You just have to try. Somewhere in that conversation, she looked at me, still in my church dress, and asked, “So… you’re not doing it?”

I hesitated. Gave the usual excuses.

That’s when she smiled and said something simple: “These silks can hold more than you can imagine. You should try.” She went on to explain that not all aerial yoga looks the same. Some classes are more gentle, using the silks for support without full inversions. Others, like the one we were about to watch, can be more challenging depending on the group. Her approach? She doesn’t say “easier.” She says, “Let me show you the more chill way.” I loved that.

Setting the Tone

Before anything began, Amanda gathered the group in a circle. Let me introduce them: my daughter Fran and her roommates Katelyn, Taylor, and Tessa, all sophomores at Dordt, plus Joy and her daughters Charlotte, a sophomore at Northwestern, and Anna, a sophomore at Spirit Lake High School. I guess you had to be a sophomore to be part of this crew!

Instead of jumping right into movement, Amanda talked to them, really talked. About life. About health. About how fitness doesn’t have to look like exhaustion and sweat to be effective. She shared her own story, how she once thrived on intense gym workouts. Running and the Weights! But, after having kids, found that pace unsustainable. Yoga became something different. Something grounding. “The mat has four corners,” she said. “And inside those four corners, that’s my space.” A space not for taking care of others. Not for multitasking. Just for being present. It was powerful. And you could feel the girls settling in, not just physically, but mentally.

Up in the Air

Then it began. At first, it was simple, just getting used to the silk, leaning back, trusting it. But within minutes, they were wrapping, lifting, balancing, and yes… flipping.

Anna was fearless from the start, swinging her feet up without hesitation. Before long, they were perched in the silks like they were sitting on tree branches. Then came the “baby drop,” a moment that sounded intimidating but, somehow, they were ready for it.

Each move built on the last, quietly creating confidence. Amanda guided them through it all, constantly cueing what to notice, where they felt the stretch, how their body was responding. And just like she had said earlier, even without the heavy breathing of a traditional workout, their bodies were working.

By the end, there was shaking. And she reassured them, that’s a good thing. This means everything is engaged. The final move? A wrap and flip into what looked like a cocoon; like each of them was suspended in their own little hammock.

Wiggle It Out

Then came my favorite moment to watch. Amanda told them to turn on their side, in their cocoon and
wiggle. “Like a fish,” she said. “Wiggle out your worries. Your frustrations. Whatever you brought in with you, leave it here.”

I looked over at Charlotte, who took that instruction very seriously, full-body, aggressive fish wiggles. We all laughed about it later, but honestly? She got it.

After that, everything slowed. Amanda gently stopped each silk from swinging. The girls laid back, weightless, supported. She offered them suggestions to use this time, to find their peace. Feel your breath, reflect or even use the time to pray.

She described it as feeling like being held, like God’s hands lifting you up. And in that quiet moment, with everything else paused, you could tell they all needed it.

Coming Back Down

When they finally stepped out of the silks, every single one of them was smiling. Even Joy, who will be the first to tell you she’s not a “yoga person,” did incredible. And while the younger girls picked things up quickly, she kept right up with them (with a few “chill” modifications along the way). We had to practically peel Anna away, she was ready to keep going.

The Real Review

After we finished, we headed over to Topog Coffeehouse. With some of us enjoying ice cream, others digging into acai bowls, and a few opting for lattes, it was the perfect spot to sit, relax, and relive the
experience. Listening to the girls talk about what challenged them and what they loved most was half the fun. They all agreed, it was something they likely never would have tried on their own, but now?

They’re already searching a date to do it again. That says everything.

Final Thoughts (And Another Confession)

Someone had to take the pictures. But here’s the truth, I volunteered. And after watching the entire experience unfold, I kind of wish I hadn’t. Because Amanda has a way of making you feel welcome. Capable.

Comfortable enough to try something you might otherwise talk yourself out of. So whether you’re 6 or 60, active or just getting started…don’t wait a year like I did. Just try it.

I have a feeling you won’t regret it. The Studio Yoga & Barre is located at 1618 Hill Ave., in the upstairs
loft at Allure and Co. in downtown Spirit Lake. Learn more about Amanda and her classes on social media or by visiting www.studioyogabarre.com.

Also, make sure to sign up for her new class she’s offering, Reformer Pilates. She’s very excited to provide this new opportunity to our community.

Joy, maybe we should sign up!