Aerial Fitness at our Age?!

Contributed by: Marty Sinclair, The Hive Overland Park

I love trying out new things. New restaurants, new gift shops, new theaters...but trying out a silks class as a middle-stage woman? Aerial fitness at our age?! I was not too sure about that one, but, I was willing to give it a whirl along with several other brave souls!

First, a little background on what the heck this is. Aerial fitness classes are a unique and engaging form of exercise that incorporates various apparatuses, such as silks, hoops, and trapeze, to provide a full-body workout in a fun and challenging way. Here are some basics about aerial fitness classes:

1. Apparatuses: Aerial fitness classes typically use different apparatuses or equipment, including aerial silks (also known as aerial fabric or tissue), aerial hoops (lyra), aerial straps, static trapeze, and more. Each apparatus offers a distinct experience and targets different muscle groups.

2. Strength and Flexibility: Aerial fitness classes are known for building upper body and core strength as participants use their arms and upper body to support their weight. They also promote flexibility as many movements require stretching the body.

3. Full-Body Workout: Aerial fitness engages not only the upper body but also the lower body, as well as the core muscles. The act of climbing, hanging, and performing various tricks in the air activates and tones multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

4. Balance and Coordination: Aerial classes improve balance and coordination, as participants learn to control their movements while suspended in the air. This also enhances body awareness.

5. Beginner-Friendly: Many aerial fitness classes are designed to accommodate all levels of participants, including beginners (and those of us in the middle stage). They often start with foundational moves and progressively advance as students gain confidence and skills.

We arrived in our "form fitting" clothes to the studio and were greeted by two young women (who could have been my daughters). Oh boy!

Turns out they could not have been more patient, supportive and encouraging as we all apprehensively stepped onto the mats.

We began with some basic stretching and then started in on a basic first pose. It was a bit challenging but doable. All I could think of was, "Okay, I may survive this hour!".

As we moved into different poses, it was so cool to watch how the confidence in our group grew. Our instructors moved slowly and made sure each one of us was using proper technique as well as adapting things to fit everyone's fitness and comfort level. Suddenly women were climbing up the silks, hanging upside down and challenging themselves in all kinds of new ways. I was so impressed!

We ended the session by getting into the "cocoon" pose while one of the instructors turned off all of the lights and turned on some stars and soothing music. This was my favorite part and we all agreed that we could have stayed in the cacoon for a long time. It was really relaxing to allow your mind and body to be wrapped in the silks.

Aerial fitness classes are not only a challenging workout but also a creative and empowering form of exercise. They cater to a wide range of fitness levels and are an excellent way to have fun while staying in shape. You should, without a doubt, give it a try!

What new form of exercise should we try next?! Let us know in the comments.