Aerial arts, or aerial exercise, is an art form involving hanging hoops or ropes. The activity can appear challenging, consisting of climbing, wrapping, twisting, and contorting while suspended. However, local dance studios offer variations and levels for different skill levels. Here are a few ways this exercise can help your child or teen.

What Are the Benefits of Aerial Exercise?

1. Increased Flexibility & Coordination

Unlike other exercises and regular stretching, aerial arts use silks, or ropes, to help the body gain flexibility with less impact. With yoga, flexibility is limited by the ground and gravity. In contrast, the body will have more freedom to move while being suspended.

Even an experienced yogi will try new positions and achieve deeper stretches in muscles they haven't used before with aerial arts. Apart from flexibility, your child can also improve coordination as they practice balancing and contorting in the air. If they spend too much time in front of a tablet or have too much energy, an hour of aerial exercise will leave them feeling lighter and more relaxed.

2. Improved Upper Body & Core Strength

Another benefit to aerial exercise is gradual lean muscle growth. Children and teens do not need to go into this activity with existing upper body or core strength because those will develop as they learn and practice new moves.

Unlike going to the gym or doing exercises at home, this workout allows them to stay healthy while having fun. Change is gradual and sustainable with consistency, and performers of aerial arts are often surprised to learn what they are capable of.

3. Better Mental Health

With the COVID-19 pandemic, both parents and their children are more isolated than ever before, which is where group, tension-relieving activities like aerial arts come in. While doing this activity, children and their parents will have a community to support them inside and outside the dance studio.

Most people feel deep relaxation while doing aerial arts due to the deep stretches in muscles that become stiff through work and school. As your child relieves physical tension, it will help them reduce stress and improve their mood.

If your child wants to try aerial arts at a local dance studio, look no further than Elite Dance and Performing Arts in Woodland Hills, CA. At this San Fernando Valley facility, both teens and children can find a wide variety of dance classes, including acrobatics, hip-hop, ballet, and jazz. They pride themselves on their community-oriented, family-friendly environment, providing an annual showcase for families to watch their little ones perform. Visit their website to learn more about their aerial exercise classes, or call (818) 704-1490 for any questions.