Beginners Aerial Guide

Want to fly? Your first aerial class is calling!

Having spent years tying myself in knots in the silks and spinning around on the hoop, I understand the excitement before going to your first aerial class. Or maybe you’re experiencing some anxiety of trying something new that’s completely out of your comfort zone. And I just want to say, both of these feelings are completely valid!

With all this in mind, I’ve created this handy little guide that draws upon my experiences to offer you a clear picture of what to expect, ensuring you feel confident and excited to embark on your aerial journey.

Curious to know more about how to prepare for your first lesson? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know before you take to the air!

Aerial Hoop or Aerial Silks? What’s the difference?

Aerial Hoop: (also known as lyra) is a large steal ring that is suspended in the air. This allows a large range of movements and transitions that can be done on the ground, underneath the hoop, inside the hoop and on top!

Aerial Silks: (also known as tissue or fabric) are two pieces of material hanging from one point allowing for climbs, locks, transitions, spins and drops! The silks can also be tied into a knot to allow even more possibilities for moves, wraps and support.

Soaring into the Studio: What to Expect in Your First Aerial Class

Your initial aerial class is designed to be an accessible and enjoyable introduction to your chosen discipline, expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere with like minded people. Each class will begin with a warm-up, focusing on joint mobility and activating the muscles to help prep your body for the session ahead. You’ll then be introduced to fundamental techniques of your chosen discipline, such as basic climbs, holds, dismounts and wraps.

Your safety is the of the up most important during classes, and your instructors will provide clear demonstrations and will provide individual guidance when needed. You’ll learn about proper body positioning and how to engage the correct muscles to support yourself, so don’t be surprised if you feel muscles you didn’t know you had! The class will then finish with a gentle cool-down with stretches to help aid muscle recovery and prevent any muscle soreness over the next few days. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere, and the instructors are there to support you every step of the way in your introduction to aerial.

Getting Ready to Fly: Essential Preparations for Your Aerial Adventure

Close-fitting activewear such as leggings and t-shirts are the best. It may be worth doubling up the leggings (especially for hoop!) or thigh high leg warmers to help prevent bruising on the back of the knees until you’re used to being on the equipment.

A fitted top that covers your midriff is also a good idea for comfort and safety. Especially when you start to learn more wraps on the silks, as this will help prevent friction burns.

Avoid clothing with zips, buttons, or anything that could cause damage to the equipment

No shoes! Bare feet/socks are usually the norm in classes. However if you’re not a fan of bare feet and afraid you’ll slip too much in socks, grip socks are amazing! These are really good for warm ups, especially when the studio has a slippery floor. They are also great for getting your foot grip on the silks helping with climbs and footlocks. These can be purchased online from places like Amazon or on the high-street in shops such as Primark.

Fitness gloves, not only are these good for lifting weights at the gym but they’re also really good for helping with grip on the hoop too! These can then be removed when you feel that you’re grip strength has improved. The studio will also have rosin available to help out with grip.

A water bottle filled with water (or squash) to stay hydrated, and most studios will have an aera where you can refill your bottle. At our studio we have a small kitchen available for you to refill and if you’ve forgotten your bottle don’t panic as we also have plastic cups available for you to use.

Your phone for taking your own progression photos to see how far you’ve come in a short space of time and let’s be honest to flex your new skills on Instagram!

A positive attitude and a willingness to try!

Inform your instructor of any injuries or medical conditions. This allows them to adapt any moves planned to help suit your needs.

Make sure you arrive on time so that you can properly warm up with the rest of the class, some studios have a late attendance policy which stops anyone from joining in if they arrive 15 minutes late.

Remove any jewellery as this can get caught on the equipment which not only damages it but can cause yourself an injury.

Your First Flight Plan: What a Typical Introductory Aerial Class Looks Like

Warm-up (10-15 minutes):
Gentle exercises to warm up your muscles, get the blood pumping around the body and to mobilise your joints. This will usually involve some form of cardio, dynamic stretches and some strength exercises to help prep your body for the class. These usually focus on shoulders, wrists, core, and legs – all crucial for aerial work!

Introduction to the Apparatus (5 minutes):
Your instructor will introduce you to your chosen discipline, explaining basic safety and how to grip and interact with the equipment.

Fundamental Techniques (20-30 minutes):
Aerial Hoop: Basic hand holds, how to safely perform mounts and dismounts, simple poses under and inside the hoop and introductory spins.
Aerial Silks: Learning simple poses in the knot/hitch (when the silks are tied together), then moving on to basic footlocks, wrist wraps, and introductory climbs.
The main focus of this section is to build a solid foundation of aerial technique by building up strength and understanding of body awareness in the air.

Practice and Guidance (10-15 minutes):
You’ll have the opportunity to practice the techniques you’ve been shown under the watchful eye of your instructor, who will provide individual feedback and adjustments. If you’d like any photos or videos this is a great time to get those too!

Cool-down (10-15 minutes):
This will include gentle stretches to help aid your muscles to recover and prevent any muscle soreness (DOMs) over the next few days after your class.

Taking the Plunge: Finding the Right Aerial Studio for You

Location and Schedule: Look for a studio that is conveniently located to you and offers class times that fit your schedule.

Instructor Qualifications: Ensure the instructors are experienced and have the relevant qualifications for teaching aerial classes, with a strong emphasis on safety.

Class Sizes: Smaller class sizes often mean more individual attention from the instructor, and a great way to build fast friendships.

Studio Atmosphere: Consider trying a taster session to get a feel for the studio’s atmosphere and whether it’s a good fit for you.

Check Reviews: Look online on places like Google and Facebook for reviews from other students to get an idea of their experiences.

Many studios offer introductory packages/taster classes for newcomers, which can be a great way to try out aerial hoop or aerial silks without a big commitment.

Conclusion: Your Aerial Journey Awaits

Taking that first step into an aerial class can feel daunting, but the rewards – increased strength, flexibility, confidence, and the sheer joy of movement – are truly exhilarating. Whether you’re drawn to the elegant flow of aerial silks or the dynamic artistry of the aerial hoop, your first class is the beginning of an incredible journey.

Ready to experience the magic for yourself? Check out our range of classes at the studio here, we have classes to suit any age and experience level, so you’re bound to find something that works for you! So, what are you waiting for? Book that first class and let your aerial adventure truly take flight!

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