If you are looking for a new way to challenge your body, you might consider signing up for aerial fitness classes. These lessons feature aerial silks originally used by gravity-defying acrobats that offer incredible total-body workouts. With the following guide, you can be ready for your first class.

What to Know About Aerial Silks

What can I expect from my first class?

Aerial fitness classes feature long pieces of silk secured to the ceiling. There are two ribbons per set that you wrap around the body in different ways to achieve assorted positions. Each pose is designed to improve flexibility and tone the body.

Beginner classes focus on simple poses to get you accustomed to the silks. Lessons always start with conditioning exercises that warm the muscles and increase blood circulation, such as gentle stretches and running in place.

How can I prepare?

Since the silks wrap around the body, avoid baggy garments that can get tangled in the materials. Instead, wear tight-fitting clothing, such as yoga pants and tops. Refrain from sporting anything with zippers or embellishments, like sequins and beads, as they can get caught on the ribbons and rip them.

When choosing an outfit, ensure the lower back, armpits, backs of the knees, and stomach are covered to prevent friction burns. If you have long hair, tie it back to keep strands out of your face. Also, avoid applying lotion or sunblock a few hours before the class to maintain a good grip. 

What are the benefits? 

Aerial fitness classes burn calories while conditioning and strengthening muscle groups, including the arms, shoulders, abdominals, and legs. During lessons, you use your core to twist into various positions and hold yourself up. As these muscles become stronger, your balance improves because you’ll have an easier time maintaining your center of gravity. With these classes, you’ll also increase your flexibility and feel the euphoric effect that exercise provides via endorphin rushes. 

What if my upper body strength is lacking? 

This is a common concern for aerial fitness beginners. Most people taking aerial silk classes for the first time are not particularly strong in their upper bodies. Therefore, instructors start with easier moves and eventually graduate to complex ones as their students’ abilities improve. Remember, everyone else in the class is learning like you are, so focus on having fun and building strength with each new session. 

If aerial fitness classes sound perfect for you, visit Body in Balance in Lahaina, HI. Since 2006, this studio has offered numerous exercise class options for area residents that challenge the body and mind, including aerial silks and yoga swings. Call (808) 661-1116 today to sign up for your first class, and visit the website to learn more about their lessons.