“I created Rising Goddess Fitness because I truly believe in what aerial fitness can do for a person—not only physically but also mentally and emotionally,” says Michelle Tenuta, owner and instructor of the Rising Goddess aerial fitness studio in Westmont. “I wanted to create a space where people feel welcome, empowered, and part of something really unique.”

In eight short years, Tenuta has gone from an aerial fitness novice to the owner of the largest studio of its type in the Chicago suburbs.

“If you’d asked me 10 years ago if I ever thought I’d quit my corporate job and open an aerial fitness studio, I would have never imagined that to be something in my future,” she says.

But while going through a divorce, she felt the need to branch out and try something new. With zero prior experience in dance or gymnastics, she tried aerial fitness—which basically means you move and stretch your body while in the air via aerial hammocks, aerial hoops, or poles.

She was hooked.

“It isn’t often that you find something, especially as an adult, that makes you grow in so many ways,” Tenuta says. “Second only to my family, I credit aerial fitness with helping me navigate one of the most challenging times in my life.”

It soon became her goal and her focus to share this creative, empowering approach to fitness with as many people as she could. In late 2013, she opened Rising Goddess Fitness. In just over three years, Tenuta’s business has grown steadily, and she and her business partner Laurial Hides are already expanding the space—doubling it, in fact—allowing for more class types and an expanded schedule.

“It’s been so incredible to see aerial fitness grow in popularity as a mainstream fitness modality,” Tenuta says. “The number one misconception I hear is ‘Wow! That looks so fun! But I could never do that!’ We absolutely love to show people that not only can they do it, but they can be awesome at it, too.”

Most current class offerings at Rising Goddess are aerial-based on the three main apparatus types, but other classes include Hula Hoop Fitness, which utilizes a weighted hoop for a total body workout; Bollyx, a Bollywood-inspired dance class; Around the Bend, a stretch class focused on improving flexibility; and Piyo, which is a combination of Pilates and Yoga.

“In addition to classes for adults, we also have a youth program with classes in aerial hammocks, aerial hoop, and hula hoop for kids ages 9 and up,” Tenuta says.

The studio also hosts private parties and events for a girls’ night out, bachelorette party, or other celebration. Tenuta stresses that no matter where you are on your fitness journey, you will feel safe and welcome at her studio.

“We use a tiered approach to instruction that honors safe progression. All students begin in an entry-level class, where the expectation is that you’ve had no prior experience. You literally start at the ground and work your way up over time,” she explains. “I get so much joy out of seeing students realize what they are capable of doing. All it takes is being willing to give it a try and believing in yourself.”

The reason aerial fitness is such a good workout is that it works the entire body—building total body strength.

“Through the skills that you learn during classes, you will develop strength, build endurance and stamina, and gain flexibility. It’s really like the ultimate all-in-one workout,” she says.

Plus, there’s a big focus on building a positive self-image in addition to building stronger muscles.

“It’s important to us that not only do students see physical results, but that they understand that no matter what, they are beautiful inside and out.”

And that’s certainly one of the reasons her studio has grown in popularity and reach—25 instructors and counting.

“When I think about the philosophy behind the studio, it is very much about drawing from within, using both physical and emotional strength you didn’t know you had to rise confidently,” she says, and that inspired the name. “While everyone’s fitness journey is very individual, it’s important to have people supporting you and encouraging you along the way. Sometimes when I am sitting up at the front desk, doing work, I hear the cheers of students encouraging each other on in classes and it brings a huge smile to my face. Life is so hectic outside of the studio and there’s so much that can weigh us down. At the studio, everything is very much about uplifting each other. I really can’t think of a better place to be.”

Rising Goddess Fitness is located at 208 E. Chicago Avenue in Westmont. Call 630-824-7485 or visit risinggoddessfitness.com to learn more.