ORLANDO, Fla. — Many Central Florida residents have gym memberships to help keep in shape and to get proper exercise each week.

But some locals have found a different way to stretch their muscles, and it involves no exercise machines.

You will find both residents and tourists in town visiting Orlando Circus School located off International Drive.

What You Need To Know

  • Orlando Circus School is open to anyone who wants to learn trapeze

  • Individual classes along with group sessions available

  • Many regular visitors treat trapeze like going to a gym for a workout

  • All ages are welcome to try the trapeze

Trapeze instructor Justin Mechlich said there are no age requirements.

“Believe it or not, we have had kids as young as 2 years old,” said Mechlich.

Inside the facility, you will find one very large room. The room includes the trapeze, tumbling mats, trampoline, and other circus-related training devices.

“I think anyone can do it. We have returning guests that live in the area. We also have people here in town on vacation,” Mechlich said.

Mechlich has been teaching trapeze here for the past six years. He also works in town on a variety of entertainment shows and venues when not flying high himself.

“It is fun to see people have those aha moments. You know, going up there the first few times, it’s a little shaky. It’s pretty high,” he shared.

Visitors will have to have the confidence to climb a 22-foot ladder that takes guests to the top platform of the trapeze.

There are safety ropes attached to the guest when they swing high into the room along with a net below to catch someone if they should fall.

“I think it’s a good thing for people to come do. Because you’re coming with friends, family, kind of like a thrilling experience. Gives them an opportunity to kind of cheer each other on,” Mechlich said.

Guests will be coached on what to do nearly every step of the way of their session.

“A lot of trapeze initially is about listening, following directions because it’s all timing. The way the swing works, it’s like a big pendulum. So, if you do things at the right time, it’s easier. You do things at the wrong time — it’s harder,” Mechlich explained.

Other related classes at the facility include aerial silks, trampoline and tumbling.

More information is available on the Orlando Circus School website.