Student of the Month - Amanda Cavoto - Jan 2021

Student of the Month
Amanda Cavoto -

Jan 2021

When did you start at the studio? 
I started February 2019 right before Covid shut the world down. 

Why did you start? 
I realized that I was really unfit and unhealthy. It was starting to get in the way of my living a happy life. I knew that if I just tried going to the gym and plugging away on the elliptical, I’d never stick to it. I wanted to find something that I could do that was exercise but didn’t really “feel” like exercise, if that makes sense.

What made you come back and stick with it? 
Once I saw how positively aerial fitness was impacting my life, I was hooked. I remember one photo that was taken where my tricep was POPPIN’. That was a clarifying moment of “Oh, yeah. That’s why I’m doing this! I look great!” I also feel better than I have in a long time.

All of the teachers are amazing. I always feel encouraged and the atmosphere is celebratory of everyone. They truly love to get to know their students. It’s not just like a “professionally friendly” type thing. It’s a true and genuine interest in every person who walks through the door. 

I also really enjoy getting to know the other students. I’ve never met someone who wasn’t happy to be there. When you go there, you know that everyone genuinely cares about you. It’s a family.

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? 
Be patient and don’t compare yourself to others. If you see someone excelling at something you’re struggling with, it’s okay. Everyone’s experience is unique. Having a growth mindset and a willingness to learn is imperative. Don’t beat yourself up! Just showing up to class and putting in work makes you a rockstar!

What have been some of your challenges? 
I think a huge challenge of mine has been getting out of my own head. I tend to overthink what is being taught to me. I also needed to build a lot of arm and core strength and I’m still working on that.

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio? 
I currently train on hammock and lyra.  I’ll be starting bungee classes soon! 

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
When training on hammock, I LOVE Heron pose. I’ve always had tightness in the back of my legs and it’s helped open everything up. I also love any variation of a Butterfly because of how wonderful it is for your hips. I like Flying Stick because it’s just fun!

When I’m training in the Lyra hoop, I really enjoy anything that I can do while spinning. I’m just learning how to put flows together smoothly and I’m enjoying that right now. I will say, I felt very accomplished when I mastered Arabesque.

One word that defines you? 
Determined

What path would you like aerial to take for you? 
I would really like to take it to the highest level I can on the Lyra and on the Hammock. Now that I know I’m capable of it,  I definitely want to be learn to do things I never thought in a million years I’d be capable of doing.