Why I Love Aerial Fun and Fitness
Teacher Tidbits Corner - June 2021
Why I Love Aerial Fun and Fitness
By Janice Giannini
For anyone who doesn’t know me, I started with Zina/AFF about 7 years ago. Initially, it was to get stronger for my creative arts ballroom dancing. I went through teacher training and realized I can do this; it’s a lot of fun.
I was not the most adventuress student initially. The first time we got into hip-hang I wouldn’t let go. Seriously! When Zina demonstrated sacrum wrap to invert, I didn’t. So she met me where I was, and we used the folded belt wrap, and I slowly became comfortable with inverting.
At this point, I enjoy it all: low-hammock, hip-height hammock, Lyra (yes even that), bungee, and silks. It’s great exercise. It’s a ton of fun! I get to meet awesome people! I also look forward to the day when everyone is comfortable again with Thai - Assisted stretch.
I enjoy teaching, sharing what I have learned, and helping people exercise with fun and laughter.
Low-hammock offers excellent stretching. Being closer to the ground makes it easier to develop some skills and gain confidence. You may think that the low-hammock is easier than hip-height hammock. While that’s true for some positions, it’s more challenging for others. It’s marvelous for developing flexibility, as you are so close to the floor. Hip-height hammock is amazing for all the above as well as strength and flying through the air. Look, mom, I can fly!! Bungee is an outstanding cardio work-out and doing cool stuff that I am not able to do without assistance. Think handstands. Lyra doesn’t let me cheat. The hammock will mold to the body, Lyra not so much. It’s excellent for alignment, strength, flexibility, and did I say FUN.
I enjoy teaching Thai-assisted stretch. It offers a way for me to help people truly relax. In our culture, we are always” on”. Taking time to just “be” is essential and very difficult for most people.
What do I love about AFF? We meet you where you are. If you are a gymnast, great; if you have never done any exercise in your entire life, great; and if you are somewhere in between, great; we start where you need to start and build from there. It’s all okay.
So whether you are an accomplished gymnast, have been sitting in a conference room for 30 years (my story), sitting on the sofa for 20 years, or somewhere in between; Come hang with us. I guarantee you will leave laughing!