Boynton Beach Insider

Fly & Flow Fitness is Palm Beach County’s only aerial yoga, barre, and aerial tricks studio. The unique studio, which is located within Ocean Plaza, 640 East Ocean Avenue, recently celebrated their 4-year anniversary! We are so proud that this locally-owned, small business has chosen Boynton Beach as their home. In celebration of their milestone, we decided to get an inside look with Stacy Brookman, owner and instructor, on what has made her studio a success.

What inspired you to open an aerial yoga studio?

As an attorney, I turned to traditional mat yoga to calm my mind and lengthen my body.  But after a friend introduced me to aerial yoga many years ago, I was immediately taken with not just the playfulness of an aerial practice, but that it afforded an incredible workout and an elevated savasana. Originally a student, I then became an aerial yoga certified teacher at Defy Gravity in Boca Raton.  When Defy Gravity closed, the students and instructors wanted a place to continue practicing, so I opened Fly & Flow Fitness. I feel so fortunate that the instructors and many students followed their aerial path to Fly & Flow Fitness in Boynton Beach. 

What sets Fly & Flow Fitness apart from other aerial yoga studios?

When I decided to create Fly & Flow Fitness, I wanted a community-minded studio, where students and instructors felt at home. We only provide space for 10 students at a time, which creates a sense of belonging and friendship among students and instructors.  We are also an aerial-only studio so we commit ourselves to one craft. Fly & Flow Fitness offers a variety of classes on four different aerial apparatuses: [1] 2-point hammocks for aerial yoga, fitness, and tricks; [2] A handle-based 2-point swing for aerial Pilates; [3] Lyra, which uses an aerial metal hoop suspended from the ceiling; and [4] Split Silks.

Students will find stretching and strength building challenges, ending inside a silken cocoon for savasana in Yoga Fly, focus on core and all-over body sculpting in Pilates Fly and Fly Fit, decompress in our restorative-based Gentle Fly, channel grace and empowerment in Lyra, or build incredible flexibility and upper body strength in Split Silks. We also offer Fly Girls aerial tricks classes designed specifically for tween-teen girls, as well as host aerial parties, team building, and private sessions.

What types of obstacles have you faced as a small business owner?

The only true obstacles faced were during the pandemic. When COVID-19 mandated a shutdown, we had just celebrated our one-year anniversary. We considered offering online classes, but parts of an aerial practice contain an element of safety and spotting needs that mat yoga doesn’t and most students don’t have their own swings hung in their homes. So, during the shutdown, we decided to record in the studio and upload those sessions for anyone to watch for free on our Fly & Flow Fitness YouTube Channel.  Since reopening, we offer students the opportunity to order their own personal use swing in their favorite color.  When you come into the studio now, the original all blue swings are now replaced by students’ rainbow of swings.

What are three things that you’d like people to know about your business?

First, when you come into Fly & Flow Fitness, the instructors know your name; we want every student to feel seen and welcome. Second, while aerial arts may appear intimidating, it is available to everybody.  Literally EVERY BODY.  All of our aerial equipment holds over 2,000 pounds and can be adjusted to fit any height or size. And lastly, because aerial always offers a progression in physical challenges, you’ll forget you’re getting an incredible workout!

You offer a variety of different classes, who are your instructors and what can you share about their various styles?

Fly & Flow Fitness just celebrated its 4-year anniversary and has grown from four instructors to twelve since opening our doors. We want each instructor to bring her own personality and skill set to the studio.  Marissa, Brandy, Jane, Anita, Zahara, Lisa, and I focus on aerial yoga and fitness; Jill, Nicole, and Bea share their love of Split Silks; Brooke is devoted to Lyra and Pilates; and Katina brings her talent for Tibetan bowl sound bath workshops. We are excited to continue adding to our Flight Staff during our next teacher training June 2-4, 2023.

What type of assistance have you received from the Boynton Beach CRA?

Fly & Flow Fitness is beyond grateful for the continued support from the Boynton Beach CRA.  Not only did the CRA provide rent assistance during our first year, but when we spent months closed without any income during the pandemic, the CRA graciously supported us with additional short-term rent assistance. The entire CRA team, including those that help small local businesses like Fly & Flow Fitness with marketing opportunities, is simply amazing. There is no doubt the Boynton Beach CRA made a positive impact, and continues to do so, for our studio.