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
You’re there to explore, move, and learn the foundation safely. What to Wear and Bring
-THE GYM PEOPLE HIGH WAISTED LEGGINGS -SENDESTAR WATER BOTTLE -SG TRAINING FIT Three Must-Know Tips for First-Time Aerialists 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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Choosing between aerial silks and lyra (aerial hoop) can feel like a big decision, especially if you’re just starting your aerial journey. Each apparatus has its own unique challenges, strengths, and learning curves. As someone who has trained on both, I can tell you firsthand that neither is easy—but one may suit you better depending on your body, goals, and preferences.
My Aerial Journey: How I Discovered My Favorite Apparatus I didn’t actually start with either silks or lyra—I began with pole dance. But I quickly ran into a big problem: my hands were just too sweaty to grip the pole! No matter how much I chalked up or wiped my hands, I found myself sliding right off. It was frustrating because I loved the movement and strength required for pole dance, but my body just didn’t cooperate with it. That’s when I found aerial silks. It was still extremely hard, but at least I wasn’t slipping off the apparatus like I did with pole. Instead of relying on grip strength alone, silks allowed me to use wraps and techniques to hold myself up. I committed to training regularly, and even though it took time, I started to see real progress. A year into my silks training, I decided to try lyra (aerial hoop). And let me tell you—I was NOT prepared for how painful and challenging it would be! Unlike silks, where you can use wraps and fabric to support yourself, lyra is a metal hoop that digs into your body. On top of that, you have to invert right away to get into the hoop, which requires a lot of core and upper body strength from the very start. After that first class, I didn’t take another lyra class for an entire year. But eventually, I gave it another shot. Slowly but surely, I got better, and I even performed a couple of pieces on the hoop. However, time became a big factor for me. When I first started aerial, I had hours a day to train. Now, my schedule is packed, and I need to focus my efforts. Since I personally find silks to be better for full-body strength and a little kinder on my body, I chose to dedicate my time to it. But that doesn’t mean you have to choose just one! If you’re wondering which apparatus is right for you, here are some key things to consider. Aerial Silks: The Pros and Cons Pros: ✅ Uses wraps to help with grip (great if you have sweaty hands!) ✅ Builds full-body strength, especially core and grip strength ✅ Easier on the body in terms of impact (less metal digging into you) ✅ Offers endless creativity with wraps, drops, and sequences Cons: ❌ Requires a lot of patience—it can take a while to feel confident in the air ❌ If you’re afraid of heights, it may feel intimidating (silks are usually rigged higher than lyra) ❌ Wraps can be confusing to learn at first Lyra (Aerial Hoop): The Pros and Cons Pros: ✅ Great for fast progress—you can learn beautiful poses quickly ✅ Develops core and upper body strength very effectively ✅ Often lower to the ground, making it feel less intimidating ✅ Can incorporate dynamic movement like spinning and swinging Cons: ❌ Painful at first! The hoop digs into your legs, back, and hips ❌ Requires immediate inverting strength—you have to get into the hoop right away ❌ Can be rough on the lower back, especially with repeated tricks So, Which One is Right for You? At the end of the day, you don’t have to choose—many aerialists train in both! But if you do want to focus on one, think about what’s most important to you:
What about you? Have you tried both silks and lyra? Which one do you prefer? Let me know in the comments! CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW to check out these Practice Aerial Silks and Lyra I use to train AT HOME from Amazon: (Paid Commissions Earned on Affiliate Links: For as long as I can remember, I have been a dancer and a musical theatre performer. Movement was my life. But at 23, everything changed. After undergoing an appendectomy via laparoscopy, I started experiencing a sudden, sharp pain shooting from my lower back down my leg during a yoga class. It was so severe that I had to remain in Child’s Pose for the rest of the session, barely able to roll up my mat and hobble out of the studio. I assumed I had simply tweaked something and that the pain would fade. But it didn’t. Walking became difficult, and I began seeking treatment—chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, massage therapy—anything that might offer relief. An MRI showed nothing abnormal, and I was diagnosed with sciatica. Yet, nothing relieved the pain. At the time, I was a dance major at Santa Monica College, and suddenly, I couldn’t participate in classes. Occasionally, the pain would ease, and I’d seize the opportunity to audition. About a year into my symptoms, I landed a national tour as a dancer with My Little Pony Live. I was terrified the pain would return, so I kept prescription painkillers on hand. But strangely, as soon as rehearsals began, the pain completely disappeared. For over two years of touring, I was pain-free—until it came back with a vengeance right before my next tour with Sesame Street Live. In the two months between contracts, I desperately sought answers, but nothing helped. One night, while staying at my parents’ house, the pain was so intense I couldn’t even roll over to grab the Advil on my nightstand. I had to scream for help. I was devastated, knowing I had no choice but to drop out of the tour. I went back to college in NY while I continued my search for answers. After another year of chiropractic care, acupressure, physical therapy, and pain management, a second MRI finally revealed severe inflammation in both sacroiliac joints. At last, I had a diagnosis: Sacroiliitis. With this diagnosis came the recommendation for cortisone shots. The first injection gave me complete relief for the first time in years. I returned to dance classes, feeling like myself again. But within six months, the pain returned. A second shot lasted only four months, and a third barely worked. My doctor told me I was no longer a candidate for cortisone injections and that I’d likely have to rely on medication for the rest of my life. I was also advised to stop dancing, running, or jumping—forever. The thought of giving up movement devastated me. I fell into a deep depression. I still felt healthy, but I was in constant pain. I couldn’t accept a future reliant on medication with debilitating side effects. So, I stopped seeing doctors and started doing my own research. A Holistic Approach: Healing Through Diet and Movement I kept asking myself: If I have inflammation, could an anti-inflammatory diet help? I began diving into books, YouTube videos, and documentaries. Influences like Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Terry Wahls, and even Tony Robbins’ Living Health guided me. Slowly, I made small changes: eliminating gluten, refined sugar, alcohol, and chemicals while adding more leafy greens and anti-inflammatory supplements. During this time, I discovered aerial silks. This was a turning point. Aerial allowed me to dance again without the harsh impact on my sacrum. I also noticed that the hanging motions provided relief. As I progressed, I became interested in flexibility training, particularly core and pelvic strengthening. Pilates-style butt and thigh exercises became a game-changer. Strengthening the muscles around my sacrum provided much-needed support, reducing flare-ups. Over time, I noticed a dramatic shift. Now, at 45, more than 20 years after my first flare-up, I feel better than ever. I’m not perfect—indulging in inflammatory foods can trigger discomfort—but I haven’t experienced pain severe enough to leave me immobile in years. What Helped Me Most?
Final Thoughts I also do Pilates-style strength training 3-4 times a week—Bailey Brown’s YouTube workouts are my favorite. Maintaining a mostly anti-inflammatory diet has been crucial to my recovery. Another lesson I’ve learned is that stress plays a significant role in my flare-ups too. When I am overly stressed, my body tenses up, and the pain can return. Over the years, I have worked on not just managing my physical health but also reducing stress through meditation, breath work, and prioritizing a balanced lifestyle. Taking time for self-care, surrounding myself with supportive people, and making sure I don't overwork myself has been just as important as my diet and exercise routine. I also maintain a mostly anti-inflammatory diet. If you’re interested in what I eat, you can watch the video below! For anyone struggling with chronic pain, know that there is hope. You don’t have to accept a future of endless pain management. With the right combination of diet, movement, and mindset, you can find relief. If you have any questions or want to share your journey, I’d love to hear from you in the comments! When I first started seriously training in aerial and flexibility back in 2017, I was in a completely different place in my life. At the time, I was a full-time actress and performer, and one of my biggest motivators was the dream of booking aerial and contortion gigs. I wanted to be strong, flexible, and capable of performing at a professional level.
I dove in headfirst. I joined the unlimited class program at Body & Pole, spending hours in the studio nearly every day. Some weekends, I was practically living there, bouncing from class to class, pushing my body to its limits. While my drive was strong, my approach wasn’t sustainable. The constant overtraining led to injuries—setbacks that forced me to take months off at a time. A Forced Shift in Focus Then came 2020. Like so many others, the pandemic forced me to take an unexpected break from aerial training. With no access to the studio, I pivoted to focusing on flexibility training at home. To my surprise, I noticed something: I was injured less. I was recovering better, feeling stronger, and moving in a way that felt good rather than just pushing through pain. When I returned to Body & Pole in 2021 as part of their work-study program, I decided to train more smartly. I cut down on the number of classes I took, prioritized rest days, and found a balance that worked. This approach kept me feeling strong and capable—until I started teaching. Realizing Teaching Wasn’t Sustainable for Me When I began teaching at Body & Pole, I didn’t expect it to take such a toll on my body. Demoing the same skills over and over again—often favoring the same side—started to create imbalances. Minor injuries, which I might have been able to recover from with proper rest, became chronic issues because I had to keep teaching through them. Before long, I realized that regular teaching wasn’t sustainable for me. At 45, I’ve come to terms with the fact that my body is different from when I started this journey. I also have different responsibilities and priorities. My parents are getting older, and I no longer feel comfortable taking gigs that would pull me away from NYC and them for months at a time. I also want to spend more time with my husband. In addition, The idea of putting my body through high-pressure training and performance schedules no longer appeals to me in the same way it once did. Shifting Goals Doesn’t Mean Giving Up That doesn’t mean I’ve stopped loving aerial or flexibility training—it just means I’m choosing to engage with it in a way that aligns with my life right now. Instead of chasing high-intensity gigs, I’m focusing on creating content—things like my YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok, where I can still film and practice whenever I want, without the pressure of performing on a schedule. More than ever, I’m interested in building a career that gives me freedom—one where I can work from anywhere and be present for my family when they need me. I’m still passionate about movement, but I’m embracing a new season where I get to train and create on my own terms. Your Goals Can Shift Too—And That’s Okay If you’ve ever felt like your fitness, training, or career goals have changed, I want you to know: that’s completely okay. It’s natural for priorities to shift, for bodies to change, and for new passions to emerge. What once felt like the ultimate goal might not feel right anymore, and forcing yourself to stick with something just because it used to be important isn’t the answer. Your journey is yours, and it’s meant to evolve. Whether you’re dialing back, shifting focus, or chasing something entirely new, give yourself permission to embrace the change. What is a goal you have had that has changed over time? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your story! (Since this BLOG POST mentioned a lot of injuries I thought I would include some affiliate links for Injury Prevention Products:)-Commissions Earned on all Affiliate links. Injury Prevention & Recovery Must-Haves Over the years, I've learned that training smarter, not harder, is key—especially as we get older. These are some of my favorite tools that help with injury prevention and recovery so I can keep moving without pushing my body too far: ✅ Foam Roller – Perfect for releasing tight muscles and preventing stiffness after training. ✅ Massage Ball Set – Helps target deep muscle knots, especially in the shoulders and back. ✅ Epsom Salt Soak – A warm bath with Epsom salt is a game-changer for muscle recovery. ✅ KT Tape for Support – Great for minor injuries or extra joint stability while training. Taking care of your body is just as important as training! These small recovery habits make a huge difference in staying strong and injury-free. The Supplements I Take to Support Aerial Silks and Flexibility Training (and Why I Take Them!)3/6/2025 As an aerialist and flexibility instructor, I know firsthand how demanding this type of training can be on the body. Staying strong, mobile, and injury-free requires more than just consistent practice — it means taking care of your body from the inside out. Over the years, I've developed a supplement routine that helps me support my muscles, joints, and overall wellness, so I can keep doing what I love. Below are the supplements I take to support my aerial silks and flexibility training, and why I choose each one.
1. Pureco Organic Turmeric Ginger Black Pepper Supplement Why I Take It: Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, which is essential when you're constantly putting your body through the strain of aerial training and deep stretching. The added ginger helps with muscle recovery and digestion, while black pepper enhances absorption so I can get the most out of every capsule. Affiliate Link: Pureco Organic Turmeric Ginger Black Pepper Supplement 2. Omnibiotics Organic Vitamin D3 Supplement 5000 IU Why I Take It: Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, muscle function, and overall energy — all things that help me perform at my best during training. Since I'm often indoors training or teaching, this high-potency vegan supplement helps me maintain healthy levels year-round. Affiliate Link: Omnibiotics Organic Vitamin D3 Supplement 3. Rainbow Light Women's One High-Potency Daily Multivitamin Why I Take It: Aerial training is a full-body workout, and I need a comprehensive multivitamin to cover all my bases. This vegetarian multivitamin not only provides essential nutrients but also includes biotin for hair and skin health and ashwagandha to support stress management — both of which are so important for recovery and performance. Affiliate Link: Rainbow Light Women's One Multivitamin 4. Wiley's Finest Wild Alaskan Fish Oil Easy Swallow Minis Why I Take It: Omega-3s are great for joint health, heart health, and reducing inflammation — all things that help me feel my best after intense aerial and flexibility sessions. These easy-to-swallow capsules are one of my favorites because they're high in EPA and DHA without any fishy aftertaste. Affiliate Link: Wiley's Finest Wild Alaskan Fish Oil 5. LES Labs Magnesium Citrate Why I Take It: Magnesium is one of my secret weapons for recovery! It helps with muscle relaxation, stress relief, and better sleep — all things that are absolutely essential when you're training several times a week. This brand is non-GMO and easy on my stomach, making it a staple in my routine. Affiliate Link: LES Labs Magnesium Citrate These supplements help me support my body so I can continue improving my aerial silks skills and flexibility without constantly battling soreness or fatigue. Of course, supplements are just one piece of the puzzle — proper hydration, rest, and smart training are just as important! If you're considering adding any of these to your routine, always consult with a healthcare professional first to make sure they're right for you. Have you tried any of these supplements? Let me know in the comments what works best for your aerial or flexibility journey! (Paid commissions earned on all affiliate links.) Are you ready to start your aerial silks journey but unsure where to begin? One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is with beginner aerial silks conditioning — both on and off the apparatus. Conditioning builds the strength, endurance, and flexibility you need to climb higher, hold poses longer, and progress faster. In this post, I'll share some simple drills and flexibility exercises to help you build your aerial foundation. Plus, don't miss the Beginner Conditioning on the Aerial Silks video at the bottom for a full follow-along routine! Why Is Conditioning Important for Aerial Silks? Aerial silks isn't just about making pretty shapes in the air — it's a full-body workout that demands strength, flexibility, and body awareness. Regular conditioning helps:
Off-the-Silks Conditioning Drills Don't have access to silks every day? No problem! These drills will help you get stronger at home: 1. Plank Shoulder Taps (Core + Shoulder Stability)
On-the-Silks Conditioning Drills If you have access to silks, these beginner-friendly exercises will help you gain confidence in the air: 1. Climbing Drills
Flexibility for Aerial Silks Don't forget to stretch! These are my top three flexibility exercises for aerialists:
Ready to Train? Follow along with my Beginner Conditioning on the Aerial Silks video below for the exact workout I give my Intro students on the silks to help them get stronger and more flexible! You’ve been stretching consistently but still aren’t seeing the flexibility gains you want, you’re not alone. Many people hit a plateau despite their best efforts. The good news? With a few adjustments, you can break through that barrier and finally unlock greater flexibility. Let’s explore the most common reasons why your progress has stalled—and what you can do to fix it!
1. You’re Not Stretching Consistently Enough Flexibility is all about consistency. Stretching once or twice a week won’t deliver the results you’re looking for. Instead, aim for at least 3-5 stretching sessions each week. Consistent practice allows your muscles to adapt and become more pliable over time. Pro Tip: Incorporate quick daily stretches, even if it’s just 10 minutes, to maintain progress between longer sessions. 2. You’re Not Holding Stretches Long Enough Rushing through stretches won’t cut it. To increase flexibility, hold each stretch for 30-60 seconds. For deeper stretches (like splits or backbends), holding for up to two minutes can yield even better results. Product Recommendation: A yoga timer or stretching app can help you stay accountable and ensure you’re holding each stretch long enough. 3. You’re Stretching Cold Muscles Stretching cold muscles can lead to injury and limit your flexibility gains. Always warm up first to increase blood flow and prepare your muscles. Simple movements like jumping jacks, leg swings, or a quick jog can do the trick. Also, try to train in a warmer setting. It doesn’t have to be boiling hot but I highly recommend training in temperatures above 65 degrees. Pro Tip: Use a heating pad or warm towel on tight areas before stretching to enhance muscle pliability. 4. You’re Ignoring Active Flexibility Passive stretches are great, but don’t forget active flexibility—the ability to control your range of motion. Active flexibility training strengthens the muscles that support your joints, helping you move more freely and safely. Try This: Include exercises like leg lifts, dynamic kicks, and shoulder rotations to balance passive and active flexibility. 5. You’re Not Using the Right Equipment The right tools can significantly improve your flexibility training. Resistance bands, yoga blocks, and stretching straps help you deepen stretches safely and effectively. Commission Earned Affiliate Picks:
6. You’re Not Relaxing Into Your Stretches Tension is the enemy of flexibility. If you’re holding your breath or tensing up during stretches, your muscles won’t release. Focus on deep, slow breaths to relax your body and sink deeper into each stretch. Pro Tip: Inhale deeply, then exhale slowly as you ease into the stretch. Use a foam roller before stretching to release muscle tension. 7. You’re Skipping Rest and Recovery Your muscles need time to repair and adapt. Overstretching without enough recovery can lead to soreness and setbacks. Allow at least one rest day each week, and prioritize good sleep and hydration. Self-Care Tools: A foam roller, massage ball, or percussive massager can help speed up recovery and maintain muscle health. Final Thoughts Improving your flexibility is absolutely possible with the right approach. Stay consistent, use proper techniques, and don’t be afraid to incorporate helpful tools into your routine. With these adjustments, you’ll be hitting your flexibility goals in no time! Looking for the best flexibility tools to speed up your progress? Check out my top-rated picks for training on my AMAZON STOREFRONT (commission earned:) FLEXIBILITY and YOGA TRAINING IDEA BOARD! Flexibility training is an essential part of any fitness routine, whether you're an aerialist, dancer, yogi, or just looking to improve mobility and prevent injuries. The right tools can make stretching more effective, comfortable, and even fun! Here are five must-have tools that will help you take your flexibility to the next level.
1. Yoga Socks – Non-Slip Grips If you’re practicing yoga, Pilates, or any barefoot workout, these non-slip yoga socks provide the perfect balance of grip and support. The straps help keep them secure, preventing slipping while allowing for full range of motion. Whether you’re working on deep lunges or balance-intensive poses, these socks will help you feel grounded and stable. 2. Extra Thick High-Density Yoga MatA good yoga mat is essential for comfortable stretching sessions. This extra-thick, high-density mat provides the perfect cushioning for your joints while maintaining durability for all your flexibility exercises. It's also great for practicing cheststands because it adds a soft cushion for your chin. 3. Yoga Strap A yoga strap is a game-changer for improving flexibility. Whether you’re working on hamstring stretches, shoulder openers, or splits, this durable polyester cotton strap allows you to deepen your stretches gradually without straining. The adjustable D-ring buckle ensures a secure hold, making it a fantastic tool for all levels. 4. Yoga Wheel For those looking to open up their back, shoulders, and hips, the Yoga Wheel is an excellent tool. Designed to help relieve tension and improve spinal flexibility, this wheel provides gentle support for deep backbends and chest openers. The durable material and soft foam padding ensure a comfortable experience while increasing mobility. 5. Yoga Blocks A yoga block is an underrated but essential tool for improving flexibility. Whether you’re using it to modify poses, add stability, or deepen your stretches, blocks helps provide support where you need it. Its soft, non-slip surface and beveled edges make it comfortable and easy to grip. Benefits of Using a Yoga Block:
In Conclusion: Incorporating these tools into your stretching routine will not only enhance your flexibility but also help prevent injuries and improve overall performance. Whether you’re just starting or already deep into your flexibility journey, these essentials will support your progress and make stretching more effective. Check out these tools through my Amazon Associates links to get started on your flexibility goals today! (commission earned on products.) |
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