Aerial Outdoors

Zina's Aerialosophy _ (get it aerial + philosophy)__

June / July 2021

Summer Cross Training -

We all want to be outdoors in the summer and it's great time for cross training.   Going to the beach, walking, hiking, or if you have your own aerial rig at home to be outdoors in the fresh air.

Here are some tips for your home rig:

1. Let someone know that you're on your apparatus and when you are done.

2. Only do things you know and can get out of.  Lots of stories out there of getting stuck.

3. Make sure you have a crash mat, and best to have a spotter (for anything new, you can get stuck, see above.) 

4. Check the weather.  Use Rust stopper and lubricant (Sta-Bil is one brand) for the steel parts of 

   1. Most of them will rust (unless they are made from Aluminum / Magnesium), where there are joints.

   2. Cover or take down your rig in bad weather.  (if taller than your house, think lighting rod, and without sands bags it could blow over)

5. Home Rigs (price point under $1,000) are not rated for drops or dynamic motion.  A 150lbs person could generate 900+ lbs of force.  Make sure to check your paperwork and what it is rated for. 

6. Watch your step, when hanging and unhanging your apparatus.  Bring a hat if the sun is in your eyes so you can see well to clip in and out.

7. If you're outdoors your feet can get a little dirty and if your mat is black it's going to get really hot, think burn your feet…

   1. So try adding a wet towel on one end on your mat to wipe off your feet 

   2. Also maybe add a white towel or a light-colored towel in the middle of your mat or a light yoga mat to reflect the heat off of your black mat.  

   3. You could possibly attach a tarp to keep the sun off if needed.

8. Slip or Stick

   1. Chalk for the sweaty hands  vs. rosin.  Watch for the sweaty hands which is better for fabric but if you're on a lyra make sure you have some chalk.

   2. Sweaty skin on fabric super sticky, 

   3. Sweaty hands and legs on untaped lyra super slick 

9. For those of you with an outdoor rig I created a Facebook group, to share tips and tricks “we love our rigs”  private group.

10. Since wearing polyester leggings all summer helps the sweat and stick factor, they are not breathable so try adding in some coconut oil, cranberry juice and or raw apple cider vinegar to your diet keep away unwanted yeast, and fungus.

11. Got some tips that work for you?  We would love to hear, share them in the group.