Students of the Month - Erin and Cole Chretien - October 2021

Students of the Month
Erin and Cole Chretien
Mother and Son Duo October 2021
 

When and Why did you start? 
Erin:  I started in June 2021. I had been wanting to do it for a long time, but kept putting it off.  My friend invited me to a class in Dover, and I went with her and loved it! But Dover is an hour from my house so I knew that wouldn't work. I looked up local aerial yoga and found Aerial Fun and Fitness!  After I took my first class, Cole said he wanted to try it, so I hosted a private party, and he came and loved it.
Cole:  I don't remember the date but I know it was in the summer. It just sounded really fun and I wanted to do it when I saw it.  

What made you come back and stick with it? 
Erin:  I hate exercise but this always looked fun. I thought it would be easy and gentle. But I never realized how hard you work! Even though I was out of shape, I didn't mind putting the work in. I just really love it and wanted to keep coming back!
Cole:  Just the amount of fun I was having when I did it and doing all the flips and stuff.

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? 
Erin:  I would tell them to just keep trying.  Everyone is so supportive. You don't feel embarrassed if you can't do something. Things really do get easier and your body starts to get used to the hammock, especially when it is in rope form.
Cole:  Keep your muscles straight and have your core strong and just have fun with it.

What have been some of your challenges? 
Erin:  Standing on rope and hip hang. It hurt so bad when I started. JoAnne always said you get used to it and you really do. Also I have a weak core so flips are more difficult.
Cole:  Trying to get up into horse; it's hard.

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio?  
Erin:  I have only tried hammock so far.
Cole:  I use a silk period. I use the shorter ones preferably the purple ones.

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
Erin:  I like pigeon and scorpion. I like the stretches of these poses. I am really bad at remembering the names.
Cole:  I like the chicken wing flip without touching the ground because you can just hang there for as long as you want and as long as you don't put your head down the blood doesn't rush to your head.

One word that defines you? 
Erin:  I'll go with creative. I love anything where I can be creative. I think that is a reason why I love aerial.
Cole:  Weird

What path would you like aerial to take for you? 
Erin:  I want to get stronger and just be consistent. I never stick with any kind of exercise. I also want to continue learning with Cole! It is so great to share this with him.  We are both really excited to be in showcase!
Cole:  Getting into more complicated flips and cool positions and shapes.