Student of the Month - Shepherd - Age 11

Student of the Month - Shepherd - Age 11

When did you start at Aerial Fun & Fitness? I started in August 2023.

Why did you start aerials? I started aerials because it looked fun! I first saw it on YouTube and that made me want to try it. I love to try new things.

What made you come back and stick with it? I really liked the people. Everyone was really nice. I love aerial

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? Keep trying and do your best. It can be hard at first but don’t give up!

What have been some of your challenges? Some tricks are challenging if you try them for the first time. But after trying them a few times, I can figure it out.

What apparatuses do you train on? I do hammock, lyra, and sling.

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it? All drops, cross back, seahorse, and double horse. I like drops because they’re scary at first but after you’ve done it, it’s fun! Something I like about cross back is it’s challenging at first, then you can learn to do a lot of things from it. Seahorse is pretty, fun, and you can do perch from it! I love the drops from double horse. 

One word that defines you? Courageous. I’m not scared to try new and challenging things!

What path would you like aerial to take for you? I want to perform in concerts, musicals, and the circus!

Gwen - Student of the Month - June 2024

Gwen - Student of the Month

When did you start at the studio?
Late July/ early August of 2023

Why did you start?
I had aged out of most colorguard performance opportunities around 2020 and was looking to pick up a new kind of performance art. A lot more aerial videos were starting to show up on my social media feeds around that time, so I'd been interested for a while, but I hadn't found a place close to me to try it out until the studio moved to Hockessin.

What made you come back and stick with it?
I immediately fell in love. Getting to spin and climb was reminiscent of the pole dancing classes I was taking, but the added rolls and drops added another element of excitement. The staff are also super supportive! They encourage me to grow at my own pace and push me to try harder skills they know I'm capable of.

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness?
Give yourself the grace of the 24 hour rule. Sometimes you just need to sleep on a trick before it makes sense.

What have been some of your challenges?
Flexibility. It's something I've always wished I had more of and continuously have to work on. I've made a lot of progress since coming to the studio, and wanting to be able to hold better shapes/lines in the air has given me more motivation to keep working on it.

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio?
Lyra, hammock, and sling, but I would like to add on more.

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
I like leg tangles that keep me supported while allowing me to explore different shapes and expressions. It lets me bring my own creativity and characterization to the pose.

One word that defines you?
Curious

What path would you like aerial to take for you?
I think I'd like to get back into competing/performing again. Not exactly sure how to get there, but it's a goal to strive towards.

Georgia Cox - Student of the Month- Oct / Nov 2022

Georgia Cox
Student of the Month!

Oct / Nov 2022

When did you start at the studio?  I started at the Aerial Fun & Fitness Studio a couple months after Christmas 2021. I was 9 years old.

Why did you start?  The reason why I started aerial hammock was because I thought it would be a great way to challenge myself. 

What made you come back and stick with it?   The reason why I suck with aerial hammock was because Zina was very nice and it was fun learning something new. 

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness?  That if they stick with aerial hammock they will get higher and higher in skills and get more and more flexible along the way. 

What have been some of your challenges? 
Some of my challenges have been trying to do some really hard poses and remembering to breathe. 

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio?
My favorite and the one apparatuses I train in the studio is aerial hammock/sling, but I have tried lyra and silks.

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
My favorite poses on aerial hammock are the ladder climbs and mermaid because they are both fun and challenging poses. 

One word that defines you? 
Bendy. 

What path would you like aerial to take for you? 
I would like aerial hammock to take me on a path that would get me to do my first showcase beautifully. 

GC bye bye. 

Student of the Month - Abby Myhre - August / September 2022

Abby Myhre
Student of the Month!

August / September 2022

When did you start at the studio?   4 years ago

Why did you start?   Was looking for a fun way to get exercise

What made you come back and stick with it?    Aerial fitness was more fun that I could have imagined and the classes are never the same so i don’t get bored. Although classes were challenging I could see and feel improvement after just a few classes.

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? Aerial fitness is the most fun you will have while getting strongWhat have been some of your challenges? 
Remembering to what side i did first. Remembering to breathe and engage my core.

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio?
 Lyra and hammock/sling

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
Delilah in hoop because it’s very bending and graceful feeling! Cross back straddle in hammock just because it’s fun!

One word that defines you? 
Strong (mind and body)

What path would you like aerial to take for you? 
Aerial has helped me improve pain and discomfort associated with hypermobility and other joint issues. I hope to keep improving strength while improving my stability/flexibility. I would like to continue improving on current skills and learning new one and as always just have fun!

Student of the Month - Jecilyn Stanley - June/July 2022

Student of the Month!
Jecilyn Stanley

June/July 2022

When did you start at the Studio?:
I started at the studio in December 2021. 

Why did you start?:
I am a figure skater, and since I was eight years old, I have wanted to skate with Disney on Ice. I started at the studio because I wanted to build up my skill set and increase my chances of being selected for my dream job. 

What made you come back and stick with it?:

I wanted to try aerials for a long time, and Zina was awesome.  I instantly knew I could learn a lot from her! I knew she could help me achieve my dream! It’s also really fun to fly! 
 

What would you tell someone just starting Aerial Fitness?:

Engage your core, listen to your body, and HOLD ON!  
 

What have been some of your challenges?:

Some of my challenges have been engaging my core, listening to my body, and holding on! Zina is awesome at providing gentle reminders to assist me.  
 

What apparatuses do you train on in the studio?:

I have worked mostly in the Hammock, but I have also done a little bit of Lyra.  I am hoping to get to learn a little more about everything. 
 

  Your favorite poses(s) and why do you like it?:

There is a specific pose that I really like. I like this pose because I like being upside down and it feels natural.  
 

  One word that defines you?:

Determined. (Also…EMPLOYED!!)  I got my dream job! I’ll be leaving this June for my first tour with Disney on Ice!
 

  What path would you like Aerial to take you?

I will be attending Aerials Camp with Disney on Ice. I am hoping to not only skate with Disney on Ice, but also to fly with them too! I cannot thank Zina enough!

Student of the Month - Rachael Brunner-Henry - March/April 2022

Student of the Month
Rachael  Brunner-Henry

March/April 2022
Showing our new Double Hammock classes we are adding in .

When did you start at the studio?:

     October 2021.

Why did you start?:

     I was in the process of trying out a lot of different exercise classes and thought aerial hammock sounded fun.

What made you come back and stick with it?:

    I was so amazed at what my body could do in the first class, and how supportive the teachers, and students were. I was hooked!

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness?:

    Just do it! Trust the instructors, ask questions, and have fun! 

What have been some of your challenges?:

     I can get frustrated when a move doesn’t come easy to me. I can get pretty fixated on trying to master a move.

What apparatuses do you train on in the studio?
     Hammock, bungee, and I have recently started dabbling with Lyra.

Your favorite pose(s) and why do you like it?:
     I really like the climbing Horse. It’s a love/hate relationship haha. I love how powerful I feel when I climb up to horse, and learning different moves from horse has really made it one of my favorites.

One word that defines you?:
    Relentless

What path would you like aerial to take for you?:
    I don’t have a set path for aerial but whatever path it is, I am happy to go down it. As long as it’s fun and challenging, I’m in! 

Student of the Month - Bria Gracia - Feb 2022

Student of the Month - Bria Gracia - Feb 2022

When did you start at the studio?
I started the summer of 2020.
 
Why did you start?
I just moved to Delaware for school,and wanted to find a yoga studio. I had a lot of experience with Vinyasa yoga,and figured I would give aerial a try! (And I've always wanted to be in the circus since I was a kid - this was the closest thing).
 
What made you come back and stick with it?
Yoga in the air is wayyyy different than yoga on the ground, and I loved that I was able to move my body in new ways. Plus, everyone was so supportive and friendly! 
 
What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness?
1) Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. 2) Move at your own pace. 3) Have fun with it.
 
What have been some of your challenges?
Getting comfortable with poses that involve standing in the hammock. I don't have a fear of heights, but this took some getting used to.
 
What apparatuses do you train on in the studio?
Silk hammock for the most part! I also love bungee fitness and attend those classes when I can.
 
Your favorite pose(s) and why do you like it?
Back walk overs! It's definitely a move that keeps me humble lol. It took a little while to learn but after sticking with it it's one of my favorites! Even after nailing it, the pose still requires me to be mindful of things like: hand placement, engaging the right muscles, and overall body control. I apply this thinking to other poses and flows as well.
 
One word that defines you?
Determined.
 
What path would you like aerial to take for you?
To allow me to continue to get stronger, push boundaries with my fitness, and love moving my body!

Student of the Month - Shanua Waltz -Dec 2021

Student of the Month

Shauna Waltz
Dec 2021


When did you start at the studio?  I started aerial fitness in march 2021. 

Why did you start?   I started to help cope with my anxiety.

What made you come back and stick with it?  I came back to aerial, because it was fun, different, and I felt like it came naturally to me.

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness?  To someone just starting aerial fitness, I would tell them you don't always get everything on the first try, but you just have to keep trying and pushing through even when you feel like giving up.

What have been some of your challenges?   My biggest challenge has been wanting to let my anxiety get the best of me when not getting everything on my first try.  It's been a challenge to continue wanting to try things, so I could keep moving forward.

What apparatuses do you train on in the studio?  Aerial Hammock

Your favorite pose(s) and why do you like it?  My favorite pose is inverted manta ray.  It's my favorite pose, because it's pretty, and on my first couple tries, I could not figure out how to invert, so now being able to do it, is a big accomplishment for me.

One word that defines you?  Motivated

What path would you like aerial to take for you?  I want to keep doing aerial to get really good at it, and maybe even teach it. and that way it can help people the way it helped me.

 

Student of the Month - Alicia Rivera - Nov 2021

Student of the Month
Alicia Rivera
Nov 2021

When did you start at the studio? October 2018

Why did you start? My sister had bought me a gift certificate to attend an aerial yoga class at a different location.  I attended with a friend and instantly fell in love.  Sadly, that studio was too far for me to attend on a regular basis.  Fast forward, a year goes by, and a coworker was telling me how she went to an aerial yoga studio locally.  I instantly signed up and have been attending ever since.  

What made you come back and stick with it? I already knew before I visited AFF that I wanted to pursue Aerial Yoga; however, when I observed the positive, inviting, and uplifting environment in which all of this takes place, I knew this was the place for me.

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? Do not get discouraged when you fail.  It is those experiences that help us evolve and improve our skills. I also encourage others not to compare yourself to others.  Everyone comes in at varying levels of fitness and different type of fitness backgrounds which puts everyone on a different pace.  I am not super competitive, so I already had the mentality that the only person I am in competition with in this space is myself, and they preach this from day one.  I'd also mention that, while it's fun to try different apparatuses, when you find one you like, stick with it, because if your goal is to advance to some of the higher-level moves/activities, consistent practice is how it's going to happen. 

What have been some of your challenges? In general, I am not a flexible person, and while I have definitely gained flexibility since starting, this is something that I think will always be a challenge for me.  The good news is more times than less there are ways for you to overcome any hurdle, and sometimes it just takes time.  

What apparatuses do you train on in the studio? I have the most practice with hammock; however, I have tried bungee, and I did entertain Lyra for a bit (surprisingly to me I loved it)!  Unfortunately, I found I didn't have the core/upper body strength to practice without developing overuse injuries to my hands so I paused and will revisit when I get stronger.

Your favorite pose(s) and why do you like it?  Seahorse was probably my first favorite pose because it is a challenging climb in which a lot of the things need to happen at the same time.  It was also the first pose that I found despite my lack of flexibility (which made it more challenging), I was still able to accomplish it. Anything acrobatic!  I LOVE to do a variety of flips and LOVE being inverted.  

One word that defines you? Determined

What path would you like aerial to take for you? If my life would ever allow it, I would definitely entertain teaching.  Often throughout my adulthood I've been told I am a good teacher and I think it would be fun to teach others in such a fun, uplifting, and rewarding environment.  In class I get so excited when classmates nail that one move that they've been trying so hard to achieve and to be a part of that process would be beyond rewarding for me.

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.

Students of the Month - Holly and Leslie - Sep 2021

Sep 2021

Two students to be spotlighted this month, because Leslie and Holly go together like peanut butter and jelly, peas and carrots, and cookies and milk. Fostering and cultivating friendships is a huge part of the culture at the studio.

Students of the Month
Leslie Healey and Holly Bryk

When and Why did you start? 
Holly:  I started at the current location when it opened, however I have been a student of Zina's for twelve years. I began with her when she came to my place of employment and taught yoga.  Honestly, I began because the class was convenient, Zina came to us. I had not tried Yoga before. Then I followed Zina to her studio.
Leslie:  About 10 years ago, Zina came to my school and offered floor yoga classes once a week. A group of us started, and Zina's personality hooked us.  Stress!!!  Also, it was so convenient.

What made you come back and stick with it? 
Holly:  Zina made me feel comfortable as a beginning student. She was patient and understanding. She differentiated based on students' needs, abilities, and comfort levels. She pushed me out of my comfort zone just enough to make me want to persist and persevere. And Zina is awesome about celebrating her students' successes. Actually, all of the aerial instructors at the studio are knowledgeable and patient. They are awesome at identifying students' strengths and challenges providing options to meet the needs of each individual.
Leslie:  I felt stronger right away. I was not very flexible, and had to practice hard to get even simple poses, but  it made me feel good.

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? 
Holly:  Aerial fitness is a fun and challenging way to work out. Try all of the aerial fitness options to discover your preference. What you like may just surprise you. Some days your body will cooperate and everything will be spot on. Other days your body will have a mind of its own and your workout will not go as planned, and that is okay.
Leslie:  Well, it is not about being good at it. It is about the routine of doing it which becomes essential to your happiness and self image.

What have been some of your challenges? 
Holly:  Fear has been my biggest challenge; fear and trust in my abilities. Fear of flipping, fear of being upside down, and fear of falling. It took me MONTHS to even attempt to flip, but I did it.
Leslie:  I am at the top of my game in my profession (Lit teacher), so doing something that I am not a natural at, takes perseverance, so I work on that every day. I now believe that spending time on activities that are not necessarily your natural talent is NECESSARY for mental health  and happiness. It also puts me in touch with how it feels to be a student--that helps me in my job.

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio?  
Holly:  I train in the hammock, both low and high. I also train on lyra, and I have participated in cardio drumming and bungee classes. I am looking forward to trying out the dance fitness class.
Leslie:  I love low hammock, because I love being upside down. Really. I also do high hammock, a little lyra, and Zina also trains me, so I love the circuit. Deadlifting is awesome. I tried bungee once, and it was was so much fun that I am pretty sure I laughed for the entire hour.

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
Holly:  Currently, my favorite poses on the lyra are inside mermaid and outside mermaid, especially outside mermaid because that has been a challenging pose for me, and I am still working to perfect it.
Leslie:  Sleeping bear for cool down. All the bat poses!

One word that defines you? 
Holly:  Persistent
Leslie:  Optimistic. Curious.

What path would you like aerial to take for you? 
Holly:  I would like to continue building my strength, confidence and grace and let go of my fear. Lyra has helped me to do that more than any other apparatus. I hope to continue my aerial journey on lyra.
Leslie:  Stronger stronger stronger - that is what I am going for, as getting older is no joke!

Student of the Month - Chris Funk July 2021

Student of the Month
Chris Funk

July 2021

When and Why did you start? 
January 2020.  I've always been interested in aerial but was afraid to go outside of my comfort zone. My boyfriend got me a class card for Christmas that year to help encourage me and I've been hooked ever since!

 
What made you come back and stick with it? 
I stuck with aerial because I left every class feeling strong and proud that I could do things I never imagined I would be able to do. It has given me a lot of confidence and has been a great way for me to exercise and build a lot of strength while having a lot of fun. I also really loved the fun and encouraging environment and how everyone roots for each other. 
 
What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? 
For someone just starting, I would say be patient with yourself and try not to compare your progress to other students. Those are both things I struggled a lot with, but everyone is so different and everyone has their unique strengths. It's important to focus on yourself and what you can do and go from there. It makes it that much more rewarding when you finally are able to do something you have been struggling with.

What have been some of your challenges? 
As many people at the studio know, my nemesis for a long time was cat stuck in a tree because I had trouble keeping my hips up. I still struggle with keeping my hips up in some moves, but I've gotten a lot better with it. Other than that, my biggest challenge is probably remembering how to get into more complicated poses and remembering longer flows. It takes a while for me to build muscle memory so I have to be patient with myself when it comes to that. 
 
What apparatuses do you train on at the studio?  
I started with hammock and it is still my main apparatus, but I started taking Lyra classes a few months ago which has been a fun challenge.

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
 I really like horse because there's a lot you can do from there. Other than that I love anything involving flips because they're so much fun. I also love sleeping bear for relaxation and heron and sloth for stretching.

One word that defines you? 
Determined. I can be very stubborn when I don't get something on the first try and won't rest until I get it. That's actually something I've had to work on because sometimes you need to have patience and give yourself a break so you don't wear yourself out. 

What path would you like aerial to take for you? 
I always want to have aerial as a hobby, and maybe one day I would like to get certified to teach classes. I would love to have a home rig one day so I can practice more often and come up with my own flows. 

Editor Note:   Chris recently announced that she has accepted an amazing out of state opportunity.  While she will no longer be able to be a weekly regular at the studio, she will ALWAYS be a part of our aerial family and has promised to come back at every chance she gets.  Join us in wishing her well on this next adventure!

Student of the Month - Tya Pope - June 2021

Student of the Month
Tya Pope

June 2021

 

When did you start at the studio? 
I signed up for my first class January 1st, 2019.

Why did you start? 
Each year I try to challenge myself to do something new that I've always wanted to try. After seeing the studio many times, I decided it was time to just do it. I'm so glad I did!

What made you come back and stick with it? 
I loved the environment and instructors. Everyone is so kind and patient. You need a lot of patience with me. I'm not the most confident, but I wanted to prove to myself I could do it if I stuck with it. I ended up doing the Student Showcase almost right out of the gate. That was the thing I needed to show me, you know what, you can do this.

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? 
If you've always wanted to do it, this is the perfect studio for you. If you're not really sure, this is the perfect studio for you. If you've never considered aerial and you're reading this, this is the right studio for you.

What have been some of your challenges? 
Consistency and confidence. You get better with practice and I beat myself up over how much work I still need for some of the basics. That in turn leads me to avoiding then it becomes a vicious circle. My confidence has grown for sure, but I still have some way to go.

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio? 
I'm pretty much Hammock only, but I have taken a class or two on Lyra. I would really love to do silks.

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
 Sleeping bear and other relaxation poses. After a great class I love being able to just lay in the Hammock and say to myself, Tya you did it, while I gently swing back and forth. It's such a great feeling.

One word that defines you? 
Meticulous

What path would you like aerial to take for you? 
I would love to get to a place where I go to class and I'm not paranoid about being in the front. I want to feel comfortable and confident in growing while still learning. I want to learn to give myself grace. All of these things will undoubtedly transfer into my day to day life. I think that's the beauty of aerial. So much of what I learn about myself in the studio are life lessons I can take home. I'm so grateful to Zina, Kelsey, and all the folks who make the studio such a warm and welcoming place to be.

Student of the Month - Pat Hammond - May 2021

Student of the Month
Pat Hammond

 May 2021

When did you start at the studio? 
 I started about 4-5 years ago.

Why did you start? 
My daughter was doing teacher training and needed a few “guinea
pigs” to practice on. So, she invited me and her future mother-in-law to a beginner
hammock class. I wasn’t sure it was for me at the time, but I made it through!

What made you come back and stick with it? 
 AFF offered a hammock class for people 50+, so I decided that might be a sign for me to go back and try it again. My instructor was Janice, who was very patient and encouraging, and I made some nice friends, so I actually stuck with it and started to see steady improvements.

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? 
Try to stick with it, especially if you are a middle-aged person. Try not to get discouraged by younger people who pick up a move that you’ve been trying to do for months the first time they attempt it. If you don’t give up on yourself, you will eventually be doing things that you didn’t even know your body
could do and your mind will be stronger too.

What have been some of your challenges? 
I have poor body awareness and need to practice a new move multiple times to get it in my brain. Unfortunately, I don’t always have the strength and stamina to practice some of the more difficult moves as many times as I need to in order to really “learn” it. This makes my progress slow and frustrating at times, as I think I have “mastered” a move one week, but then lose it or have to go back to tagging
the next week. I also have a terrible memory for what moves are called!

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio? 
Right now, just hammock, but I have enjoyed bungee in the past also.
 
Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
I like Sailboat, Around the World, Cat Stuck in a Tree- I guess I like to rotate (or those may be the only names that I can remember!)
 
One word that defines you? 
Grateful- I am so grateful that I have found a fitness routine that I look forward to doing in an environment where everyone (instructors and fellow students) is encouraging and supportive.

What path would you like aerial to take for you? 
I want to continue to get stronger, healthier, and more flexible throughout my 60’s so that I am able to sit on the floor (and get up!) and play with and chase my future grandchildren.

Student of the Month - Jennifer (Jenn) Fox - April 2021

Student of the Month
Jennifer (Jenn) Fox - Aerial Hammock

April 2021
       
 

When did you start at the studio? 
I started several years ago on a whim with a friend. Kelsey was my first instructor and SOLD it for me. I want to say it was about 2015. Since then I came every once in a while, but really started to jump back in this year. I've loved working closely with so many great instructors and other students.
 
Why did you start? 
I am the type of person that gets really into something fitness wise and then gets bored, so I like to change it up every once in a while. Aerial naturally does that for me. Also, I have always been on the larger side, but I always still felt successful at aerial. It is hard to find workouts that you leave feeling confident, another thing it does for me. In my life, I've never been able to do any sort of flips, or hand stands or cartwheels, but after my first angel wing flip out, it was such a freeing feeling and I was hooked. After making the commitment to work on myself this year, I jumped back in because I wanted to see how much more I could do now that I weighed less...and I have been going consistently ever since. I LOVE that aerial is for everyone. Young, old, "big-boned," or slim...everyone can do it and get something out of it.
 
What made you come back and stick with it? 
I LOVE to bring everyone and anyone I know to try an intro class. I even convinced my amazingly supportive husband to try with me. Everyone is always so nervous, but the first thing I tell them is just do what you are comfortable with and enjoy it. The idea of it is far more "scary" than actually doing it. Also, my philosophy is to just keep going. Class doesn't work for you? Try a different instructor. Can't get a move? Keep trying and or do what you can, reaching smaller goals along the way.
 
What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? 
I LOVE to bring everyone and anyone I know to try an intro class. I even convinced my amazingly supportive husband to try with me. Everyone is always so nervous, but the first thing I tell them is just do what you are comfortable with and enjoy it. The idea of it is far more "scary" than actually doing it. Also, my philosophy is to just keep going. Class doesn't work for you? Try a different instructor. Can't get a move? Keep trying and or do what you can, reaching smaller goals along the way.
 
What have been some of your challenges? 
Horse wrap (which involves climbing) is my arch nemesis right now. I'm working on building my core and upper body strength, but I'm getting closer little by little. I also have started to take all of my bruises as battle scars. I show them off proudly because it means I tried something hard today and pushed through. Hip hang was also a bit of a challenge in the start. As someone who has had 2 c-sections and whose weight was mostly in her abdomen, it makes doing hip hang extra difficult. But I've built up a tolerance and now I love it...most of the time. 
 
What apparatuses do you train on at the studio? 
Currently, only aerial hammock. I do love Cardio Drumming as well and hope to EVENTUALLY be able to do Lyra. I'm excited to try Bungee very soon.
 
Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
Flip out, Chicken, flying stick, sleeping bat, baby bat, and sleeping bear. I love all of the flip outs and pocket flip outs because it is working my core hard, but still thrilling. Sleeping bear is my go to relaxation. I feel like it helps with my spine alignment while allowing air into the hammock. And flying stick I just think looks cool. Someday I know when I achieve  horse that will be a favorite as well.
 
One word that defines you? 
Motivated and determined. Even when I can't do something, I keep trying it to the point where I have to tell myself to stop. I KNOW I will get there eventually, it just takes a little more work sometimes. I believe that aerial is another opportunity that has shaped my life, and I'm going to take it with everything I've got and put my all into it.
 
What path would you like aerial to take for you? 
I would love to eventually move into the higher levels and gain even more flexibility and strength, and do Lyra. I'm also hoping to assist in finding a satellite location in Middletown where I think it would be widely popular (as well as closer for me!). Lastly, when we finally buy our next house, I can't WAIT to put my own hammock up to practice in my home whenever I want.

Student of the Month - Bella Ryan March 2021

Student of the Month
Bella Ryan

March 2021

When did you start at the studio? 
I took my first class at age 9 when my Aunt Gina was a temporary instructor at the studio. I started consistently taking classes when I was 11. I am now 14, turning 15 in April!

Why did you start? 
I took gymnastics at my school from about 3rd-5th grade, but once I switched schools for middle school, I had to find a new physical activity. I had never been sporty so I thought aerial yoga/fitness would be a good option to try again!

What made you come back and stick with it? 
Aerial fitness was something I genuinely enjoyed and found fun!

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? 
It may feel like your progress is slow when you first start and a lot of positions will be uncomfortable and painful, but you need to give your body time to adjust. It WILL get better as you continue doing it!

What have been some of your challenges? 
Wow, so much. I have improved a ton since I first started and I have overcome a lot. I think a big one is pinching in the fabric— I remember when I started taking level 2-3 classes with Karly, almost every move felt pinchy and painful. Since then, I have managed to just about master her whole lesson plan with much more comfortability in the fabric. When almost every move felt pinchy, now it is just an occasional feeling that usually happens when I get the fabric on the wrong place.

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio? 
Just hammock! I have tried lyra, bungee, and silks as well but have not kept up with any of them.

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
Hmm I can’t really think of a favorite pose, but I do like doing flip-flops, which is inverting into a hip hang, moving the fabric down to your calves, and bringing your legs back and forth above your head while keeping your upper body grounded. I worked on these a lot with Karly when we did virtual classes during quarantine and I made a lot of progress with them! They make me feel strong.

One word that defines you? 
I would say committed. I don’t focus on many hobbies/skills—mainly flute and aerial fitness —but I’ve been doing both for a while and I work on them a lot!

What path would you like aerial to take for you? 
I want to proceed to the highest level possible and get as strong as I can along the way!

Student of the Month - Sierra Jarmon - Feb 2021

Student of the Month
Sierra Jarmon -

Feb 2021

When did you start at the studio? 
I began my journey at the end of October 2020.

Why did you start? 
About 6 months before Covid, I had just discovered aerial yoga.  I kept procrastinating about trying it until one day I knew I needed a workout routine that I could stick with, because it's fun.

What made you come back and stick with it? 
The amount of fun that I have doing this makes me feel like I'm not even working out.  Also, it provides me lots of relief from my back pain, and accomplishing a new pose is always so rewarding!

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? 
I would say don't overthink anything.  Just do what comes naturally to your body.

What have been some of your challenges? 
Poses and exercises requiring upper body strength have been, by far, my biggest challenge.  But the more classes I come to, the stronger I get!

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio? 
I currently only train on the hammock.  Very soon I plan on trying Lyra. 

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
Sacrum Wrap Inversion and any Butterfly pose

One word that defines you? 
Adventurous 

What path would you like aerial to take for you? 
I think I would like to keep progressing one level at a time.  As I keep progressing, I want to continue to increase my flexibility and core & upper body strength.

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.

Deena Nekoukar - Student of the Month - Sep 2020

Deena Nekoukar - Student of the Month

Sep 2020

When did you start at the studio?

• Six years ago.

Why did you start aerial?

• I saw someone doing aerial yoga on America’s Got Talent and I thought that looked like fun. There was a studio 5 minutes away, so I called and signed up for a class.

What made you come back and stick with it?

• It was so much fun, and when I flipped, I was hooked! Zina made me laugh, every class was different, and Zina never doubted me.

What would you tell someone just starting aerial
fitness?

• You aren’t going to throw up. Classes are super fun and just do the best you can do. It takes more than one class to be successful.

What have been some of your challenges?

• All of it. Every class is a challenge. Every class I try to pick a flow that I did ok with. It takes me a long time to understand other poses, and that’s ok. If I show up for class, I’m already ahead of the game.

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio?

• Lyra, hammock, and silks.

Your fav pose(s), and why do you like it?

• I love tic tocs. They are super fun. I also enjoy shoulder stands, flipping, and restorative bat. And nap time!

One word that defines you?

• Outgoing

What path would you like aerial to take for you?

• Upside down. Lol. Aerial and Zina have changed my life. I know I’m stronger physically and mentally now. I would like to eventually be able to do silks effortlessly. Oh, and a handstand without the hammock support! 

Some of the alternative training Deena and her family did during the covid break. This was taken right before the parks were closed.