You just took the leap and signed up for your first aerial class - you might feel a mix of nervousness and excitement. That's completely normal! I remember walking into my first class flustered, because I didn't know where to go, what to expect or if I would even like the class. Flash to six years later, and I have taught hundreds of first-time students. That's why I compiled a list of 7 things you should you before taking your first aerial class.
1. Aerial silks is one heck of a good workout!
Be prepared to sweat and get a heart-pumping workout when you walk in the doors to your aerial gym. Aerial arts are a low impact, but high intensity way to workout. Sometimes it doesn't feel like you are working out, because of how fun and brain-teasing the skills can be. Even in an intro class, you grip strength, flexibility and mobility will be used to get you into each move. The good news - if you are looking for a non-traditional form of fitness, aerial is a great way to build muscle, lose weight and gain flexibility and mobility.
Our tip: Bring a water bottle and take breaks as needed.
2. The equipment is very strong
Our fabrics and hard apparatuses are made specifically for aerial arts. They are all load tested and can hold thousands of pounds. Our instructors often to doubles and triples routine on a singular apparatus. Additionally, all of our rigging equipment and building structures are engineered to keep you safe. There is no weight limit for using all standard equipment. You are in good hand.
Our tip: Trust putting your body weight into the equipment. If you trust your aerial silk/apparatus, it will trust you back!
3. Wear leggings and short sleeves
Wearing clothing that covers you skin will make for a more comfortable aerial silks class. We recommend wearing full length leggings and a t-shirt. This will keep your armpits, legs and knee pits safe and more comfortable. As you attend more classes, you can choose what clothing best suits your aerial and fitness needs.
Make sure your clothing does not have any exposed zippers, as they are tear aerial silks or hammocks. Also, remove all jewelry and your socks to keep you and the equipment safe.
Our tip: Wear tight fitting workout clothes so they do not get "eaten" by the apparatus.
4. You'll stay close to the ground
Starting off, you will stay close to the ground. You may get an opportunity to try climbing in your first class. Most people take a few weeks to a month to climb for the first time. Be patient - learning the fundamentals on the ground are fun and keep you safe. If you keep showing up to your aerial fitness classes consistently, you will be up in the air in no time!
Our tip: To make faster progress, consider attending open gyms to practice your skills and work on your strength.
5. You are learning a new skill - be patient
I remember my first three months of classes, everything felt foreign and I felt like I was so far behind everyone else. spoiler alert - I wasn't behind, I was just learning. Learning a new skill is difficult and you will need to give yourself patience. With practice, you will accomplish any nemesis skills and gain the strength to do skills you couldn't do before. You are capable, even if you cannot do something your first day.
Our tip: Video the skills you learn during or at the end of class. This will help you remember the pathways, but also help you see your progress. It's also just fun to look back at how far you have come.
6. Your coach will meet you where you are at
There will be people of all fitness levels and fear tolerances in your class. That's fine! Your coach will give you modifications and instructions for each aerial skill. Don't push for the hardest skill - meet yourself where you are at today. You will work up to the harder modifications and skills.
Our tip: Get as many "rep" and tries of a skill in within a class. This will help your brain remember the pathways and will give you the best workout!
7. Ask questions!
Uncertain on how to do a wrap, tie a knot or get out of a skill - speak up! You coach is there to help keep you safe and answer any of your questions. If you don't understand how something is initially taught, ask for it to be explained in a different way. We are patient with you and want to make sure you have a great experience in your class. No question in a dumb question - we promise!
Our tip: Have question before your class? Message us! We're happy to answer your questions so you show up to class feeling confident.
Most importantly - have fun in your class. It will be hard and intimidating, but learning any new skill is. A year from now, you'll be so happy you took the leap to try it. I never thought six years ago that I would be owning an aerial studio, performing aerial at dozens events per year and helping others accomplish their fitness goals - but here we are. Trust the process, ask questions and we'll see you up in the air.
Great tips here!