Alternative Yoga in NYC

Corporate ladders, construction ladders and … yoga ladders?

Thanks to the Shen Tao studio, one of mankind's most useful (practically and metaphorically) climbing tools is now a stretching contraption the likes of which you've never seen.

And ladders are just the beginning. Take a class at this Manhattan training den, and you might be doing your vinyasas with the help of swivel stands or rolling carts.

So how does it work? Resistance bands are attached to weight tracks, which allows for wider range of motion. This unique approach was cobbled together with suggestions from expert dancers, gymnasts and martial artists.

And the Shen Tao studio is famous for more than yoga.

Potential stretch seekers can find injury rehab, personal training, studio rental and "bodywork." That's yoga-speak for "professional massage" (not a euphemism for happy endings, you perv!).

You can even raise your fitness goals with their trampoline-based jumping class.

But since trampolines lack a really great business metaphor, we can't recommend it … unless you bring a golden parachute.

Shen Tao Studio; Classes begin at $15; Map