Beginner’s Guide to Aerial Silks: What You Need to Know Before Your First Class!

New to aerial silks? Here’s what to expect, what to wear, and why your first class doesn’t need to be perfect—just don’t give up!


Welcome!
So you’ve signed up for your very first aerial silks class—and you’re feeling equal parts excited and totally unsure of what to expect. That’s completely normal! I’ve been in your shoes.
In fact, my first aerial experience was actually a pole class at Body & Pole in NYC… and I hated it.
I felt awkward, got super bruised up, and left thinking, “Aerial just isn’t for me.” But because I had a class package, I decided to try aerial silks instead.

I wasn’t good at it. Not even a little...But I enjoyed it.

I felt safer, less banged up, and even though I didn’t master a single move, I had more fun than I expected. That one class led me down a path that completely changed my training—and eventually, my career.

If you’re curious about trying silks but feeling unsure, let me walk you through what to expect and how to set yourself up for success.


What to Expect in Your First Aerial Silks Class

• Warm-Up: Most classes start with 10–15 minutes of bodyweight movements and stretches to activate your muscles.
• Basic Technique: Expect to learn things like how to climb, do a footlock, or even try a straddle inversion (with help!).
• Lots of Instructor Support: Your coach will demonstrate moves and often spot you as you try them.
• Cool Down: A short stretching session to help your muscles recover.

Don’t worry—you’re not expected to flip or drop or “do tricks” on day one.
You’re there to explore, move, and learn the foundation safely.


What to Wear and Bring

• Fitted leggings and a close-fitting top that covers your waist and armpits
• NO jewelry, zippers, or buttons (they can damage the silks or cause injury)
• A water bottle and maybe a small towel
• Optional: Wrist supports, grippy socks, or a back warmer if you’re prone to tightness

-I’ve listed my favorite Amazon must-haves for aerial beginners in this blog post (includes affiliate links with Paid Commissions Earned!)
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-THE GYM PEOPLE HIGH WAISTED LEGGINGS

-SENDESTAR WATER BOTTLE

-SG TRAINING FIT

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Three Must-Know Tips for First-Time Aerialists
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1. If you don’t like one apparatus—try another!
My first pole class made me think aerial wasn’t for me at all. But trying silks opened up a new world.
Different apparatuses feel totally different. Silks, lyra, hammock, and rope each require different strengths and offer different experiences.
2. Don’t expect to “get it” on day one.
Aerial is humbling. You might not get off the ground—or you might get stuck mid-climb. That’s totally normal.
The goal is not perfection—it’s participation. Give your body a chance to learn.
3. Progress is not always linear.
Some days you’ll feel like you’ve made huge leaps, and other days you’ll feel like you’re back at square one. That’s part of the process, not a sign of failure.


Final Thoughts: You Belong Here
If you’ve ever watched aerialists float through the air and thought,
"That looks amazing... but I could never do that…"
Yes. You. Can.

Every aerialist--every single one—started where you are. Feeling unsure. Feeling awkward. But showing up anyway.

So don’t let that first class be your last just because you didn’t master the climb or nail a pose.
Keep showing up. Keep exploring. Keep having fun.
You never know where it might take you.
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