Social Workout

Trampoline Effect

Adventures in Shen Tao

How to describe Shen Tao? Imagine a three hour ballet class, conducted on a trampoline, and featuring pullies and 20 lb weights strapped to your ankles. Or don't imagine that, and just know that I've had long term relationships that asked less of me than this class. And maybe given me less too...

Shen Tao combines ballet, urban rebounding, and Pilates. It's extra physical, and yet also has a yogic touchy-feely, finding-a-connection-with-your-emotional-center element.

"Three-hours is intense," I remarked the first time I walked into Shen Tao Studios. Bill Hedber, Shen Tao's creator, looked at me with pity. Over time, I learned that Bill sees S.T. less as a fitness class and more as mind-body "practice" akin to yoga. He's so dedicated, that he has started giving away the classes for free: Starting this week classes are by donation only....

New York