A new way to get in shape by defying gravity is drawing inspiration from the big top. NY1's Kafi Drexel filed the following report.

At the New York Circus Arts Academy in Long Island City, students are learning the fine art of flying whether it is sailing from trapezes or going air bound on a trampoline. The school's founder, aerialist and performer Cypher Zero, says the idea is to make what you see in contemporary circus performance more accessible to everyone.

"We've seen a shift in the last 10 years where people want to participate in things," Zero said. "They don't just want to be consumers. They can come here and instead of just be the audience, they can be the performers. They can be the participants."

You can get professional training at the school, but most come recreationally in what for many is a dramatic shift to their regular workout routine.

"I'm a dancer as well so I've always thought it was a really neat way to use your strength and flexibility and that sense of flying. I guess I'm looking for something different. I also teach yoga and pilates and I just wanted something I couldn't do," said participant Rachel Sattler.

"It's exciting and it is rewarding. It's something that you know I got tired of going to the gym and it is the best workout you could ever imagine," said participant Jason Davies.

You don't have to come in with the skill of a pro. Cypher says the key to doing it all starts with the basics.

Strapping into their "flipper wheel" helps newbies get used to the idea of flying through the air. Then it's on to the aerial hoop, followed up by suspending in the air from fabrics, or what they call "silks" for beginner inversions or upsidedown moves.

"Most people are athletic and can put themselves into almost any position one or two times. But what it comes down to is their bodies will start to take injuries after several months," Zero said. "We have things staggered in a way so there are exciting new things to learn at every level. But we don't put people into big jumps or big movements faster than they are ready. It's not just to be able to do it all at once, but to be able to do it and have their bodies sustain it. So what we really do is teach a sustainable approach to circus arts."

Before you know it, not only are participants in great shape, but they are also flying high.