It's been called the greatest show on earth and now some are calling it the greatest workout on earth. In this gym, students learn the ropes of a whole new kind of exercise class.

It's called a circus workout. Longtime circus performer and trainer Carrie Heller says it's a great way to get in shape.

"What's happening really is that you're lifting your own body weight. You're turning your body upside down in space, and you're having to engage your core," said Carrie Heller, MSW,Director of the Circus Arts Institute.

Blake Lanier wanted to give his boring strength training routine a new twist.

"It's because of my regular life that I think the craziness of this is so appealing," said Blake.

Wendy was looking for a little spice into her workout.

The circus workout adds spice to exercise.

"It always piques someone's interest when I say, 'I study trapeze.' It's kind of sexy, too," she said.

Strength training can burn between 200 and 400 calories. An exercise physiology study found this eight-week circus program improved overall strength by as much as 20 percent.

It may look like an exercise class you'd flip for, but Dr. Mark Flood says exercise a little caution.

"At minimum, see your physician first," he said.

It's definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you've always wanted to join the circus, it could be the next best thing.

In Seattle the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts offers classes for adults and children. Call them at 206-652-4433.