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!

Teacher Training Rebrand

Zina's Aerialosophy 
(get it aerial + philosophy) 

Feb 2022

So excited to announce 3 big items:
1.  Look for our NEW videos we are starting this month for tips and tricks about aerial fitness.  

2. Our teacher training program is getting a face lift.  After 8 yrs of training and coaching new teachers -  we are rebranding with  Aerial Technique TM.  We have come a long ways in 8 years and offer Hammock levels 1 - 3, Bungee, Lyra, and NEW this year Double Hammock and Cardio drumming coming this summer.  We cover aerial fitness to aerial arts.  Add your style.  Also starting our Approved location certificate.  This means that a location has gone above and beyond teacher training to learn more about rigging, training, systems to be an approved location under Aerial Technique TM which is part of our Aerial Fun & Fitness TM family. 

3.  Get ready for our 10 years celebration coming soon. We made it thru a lot and thanks to you we are still thriving and growing our community.


You do you, each day!

     I celebrate you!  Zina    

Teacher Tidbits Corner - JoAnne Stout

Teacher Tidbits Corner - JoAnne Stout

Feb 2022
Consistency

I’m sure everyone has heard one or more instructor say that the “pinchiness” will get less uncomfortable over time, or that your hands won’t be as sore over time, or that you will be able to remember the names of the poses over time.  We say this, not only because we want to see your smiling faces each week, but also because it is true.  Consistently coming to class will help minimize these concerns.  Below I offer a few examples of how consistency will help you progress through your aerial journey.

Grip Strength

When you first start training on an apparatus, you may find that your hands and forearms become sore very quickly.  This may be due to a lack of grip strength.  The muscles of the hand, wrist, and forearm are small and somewhat delicate and are often overlooked during strength and mobility training.  As grip strength is very important with all aerial activities, it’s important to strengthen these smaller muscles that tire quickly.  Developing your grip strength will also help us to avoid injuries, and from a safety aspect, allows us to have the strength necessary to hold and exit poses safely.  Grip strength will help you to actively hold your weight, invert, and be confident with your hands while moving through poses.  When your main focus is not wondering if you can hold on to the bar or fabric, you can focus on proper form and mechanics.  Grip strength develops over time with experience and practice, so consistency is key!

Muscle Memory

Anytime I’m driving down the highway towards Newark, I find I turn into the studio shopping center, even when that’s not where I’m intending to go.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to turn around and hope to get my step-son to the bus stop in time.  I’ve driven to the studio so often that it’s like I’m on auto-pilot.  I’m sure most people are familiar with the phrase, “It’s just like riding a bike”, meaning once you’ve learned it, you’ll always remember how to do it.  These are both loose examples of muscle memory.  A more formal definition is that when a motion is repeated over time, a long-term muscle memory is created for that task, eventually allowing it to be performed with little to no conscious effort.  Repetition can be achieved by consistently coming to class!

Memorizing Pose Names

What I hear the most from students is that they find it challenging to remember all the names of the poses.  We end up playing numerous games of charades trying to figure out what pose they are referring to at that time.  You have probably also noticed that many of our pose names are unique to our studio.  One of my funniest stories involves our “Cat Stuck in the Tree” pose.  That pose is one of our student’s superpowers.  So much so, that in one of my classes, we have changed the pose name to “Pat Stuck in the Tree”.  A newer student came back to class, and said she tried to google “Pat Stuck in the Tree”, so she could practice it at home, and she said she didn’t have any success finding that pose.  We all continue to laugh at that!  I use numerous fun ways to try and help.  The one I use most frequently is flash cards.  Once every couple of months, each student randomly selects flash cards that have a name and level of a pose.  We then take turns turning over the cards and all doing the pose.  Another method I have used is having a “warm up” flow that we do at the start of each class for a month or so.  I’ve seen other instructors dedicate a class to poses that are similar, such as “bats and butterflies”.   While all these methods should help you memorize the pose names, the best method is to consistently come to class!

To stay consistent with the theme of my article, SEE YOU IN CLASS soon!

Engage your core?

Teacher Tidbits Corner - January 2021

Technique Tips from Kelsey

“What does it mean when your teacher tells you to “engage your core?!” Your core is your foundation for all other movements. When you are able to consistently engage your core muscles, all of your upper and lower body movements will be more controlled.

Here are different tips to engage your core:
• Bring your bellybutton to your spine
• Tuck your tailbone slightly
• Brace as though someone is about to punch you in the stomach
• Keep your ribcage closed
• Don’t hold your breath

What tip makes the most sense to you and your body?

Gratitude

Zina's Aerialosophy  (get it aerial + philosophy)

January 2021 is here.

We will THRIVE not just survive. Thriving is a choice. Yes, this is a deliberate mental choice to shift your thinking. Your challenge this month is to change your mental state. Every day write down 3 things you are grateful for or thankful for. Gratitude is one way to thrive.

One one my entries this month was being thankful we are open for business to create a safe space, thankful we are all united in something to challenge us physically, mentally and some days emotionally, thankful for all of my great teachers, thankful for all of our students, and ALL of you who make this studio such a great place. In fact as I listen and watch sometimes, this is a dream come true. We have a true blessing to be together and cheer each other on.

Love, Monkeys and SeaHorses,
Zina

Long Term Success

Zina's Aerial Philosphy Corner - Feburary 2021
You may have seen our studio sign "We train and coach for your long term success, not instant gratification." So you might wonder what that all means... Cliff notes: We, the teachers will train you for skills when you have mastered the progressions. For example: if you are doing a knee hang climb and your shoulders are still riding up to your ears (you have squashed grapefriut between you ear and shoulder and have hypothical juice dripping down), you will need to have stable shoulders to invert hanging by your arms (think double wrist wrap candle stick / pencil). A couple of questions to ask yourself when you climb... Is my core active (core is front, sides and back body)? Where do I feel the climb? Do my shoulders forget when I learn a new skill? Am I breathing? These will help you tune into your mind body connection to create those beautiful strong shoulders. You got this.

Technique Tips - Toes

Teacher Tidbits Corner - Feb 2021

Technique Tips from Kelsey

Pointing Your Toes:
What exactly does it mean to "point your toes"? Pointing your toes continues the line of your leg and allows shapes to appear more graceful and aesthetically pleasing.

Here are different tips to point your toes:

• Think about lengthening over the top of your foot.

• Don't crunch your toes under your foot.

• Keep your toes in line with your ankles.

• Practice pointing your toes for a short amount of time, and then work towards increasing the length of time to avoid cramps.

Love of Lyra

Teacher Tidbits Corner - March 2021

Love of Lyra from Ann Marie Savini

You walk into the studio and notice two metal hoops suspended from the ceiling. You wonder what are they and what are they used for? Well wonder no longer, because I am about to tell you. These metal hoops are called Lyras or Aerial Hoop, and they are used in our Lyra classes to perform acrobatic poses and flows.

Out of all the classes that are offered at Aerial Fun and Fitness, the Lyra is definitely my favorite. The first time I saw the Lyra I knew that I was in for a challenge. The poses require deliberate and controlled movements that come together in a beautiful aerial dance. I enjoy putting these movements together with music and performing in our showcases.

Putting the moves together to make a flow is like creating and solving a puzzle. How do you get from one pose to another? How many poses can you do from one pose? How can you make the movement flow and look graceful? These are just a few of the things to consider when choreographing a routine.

I love participating in Lyra classes so much that I decided to teach it as well. The best part of teaching is seeing your student's eyes light up when they learn to do something new, especially when they do not think that they can do it in the first place. I like seeing my students progress and improve their skills.

Are you a new Student?

Teacher Tidbits Corner - JoAnne Stout - May 2021

I’ll never forget a good friend of mine reaching out to me about the studio. Knowing me as she does, she told me that she knew of a workout she knew I’d be sure to love. Fast forward six years later, and I’m now an instructor, and I have the opportunity to spread the passion I have for aerial to new students. When I love something I go all out, so in less than 12 months, with three of those occurring during the time of COVID-19 shutdown, I went to teacher training for all three hammock levels and for bungee fitness.

The Intro Beginner class is one of my favorites to instruct. I’ve had students come through that have ranged in age from 8 to 81. I’ve had husbands and wives come in together. I’ve taught a great grandmother, granddaughter, and great granddaughter. I’ve taught existing friends, and so many others that have become new friends. I’ve had the opportunity to instruct a bride and her bridesmaids, a birthday girl and her cohorts, and co-workers for team building outings. I’ve seen new mothers, mothers and daughters together, and grandmothers checking things off their bucket lists. Students are teachers, medical professionals, bankers, magicians, students, bus drivers, child care workers, stay at home moms, chemists, and from every other line of work. There have been students that are gymnasts, cheerleaders, body builders, those without an exercise program, and those that haven’t found a workout program that they love yet. Then there are the students that, during class, turn to me, and I see the same spark of passion in their eyes that reflects from mine. They’re hooked and quickly become part of our aerial family.

There are three things I’d like to impart to new and existing students. First, please do not measure your progress by comparing yourself to other students. Instead, look to your own progressions each week. What challenge have you now accomplished that was perhaps not doable a few weeks ago? Keep that mindset when meeting your next challenge. Everyone has their own “super power”, as Zina is known to say. Cheer each other on when a challenge is met. Secondly, “We train and coach for your long term success, not instant gratification”. That probably doesn’t need much clarification, but to me that means “slow your roll” and take your time progressing to each pose and each level. We’d like you to be part of our aerial family for a long time. Lastly, have fun. There’s a reason we call the studio “our happy place”! As they say advice is easier given than taken, so thankfully I have Zina by my side to remind me of these things!

To most of my intro classes, I tell the story of my very first class that I attended with my husband and which was taught by Karly. When it came time for the angel wing flip out, my husband went right over and to the ground. I, on the other hand, looked at Karly like she was crazy (same look I get from many students!), and I told her that I couldn’t. I did eventually do it, and I haven’t stopped flipping since. Take “can’t” out of your vocabulary and walk out of the studio feeling like so many have told me they felt - empowered, strong, graceful, determined, flexible, and happy.

See you at the studio!
JoAnne

Let’s talk about Stretch..ba-by

Teacher Tidbits Corner - May 2021

Let’s talk about Stretch..ba-by
By Laura Rafferty

Did you know it takes about 30 seconds for a stretch to be effective? This is because it takes the first 10 seconds for your brain to convince your body that a tiger, shark or small child/pet isn't trying to pull your leg off (for example). After that, your muscle will relax and let the stretch
happen. This reflex is designed to protect your muscles from overstretching. In Intro classes, we often tell new students to trust the fabric and themselves. The stretch reflex is a great reminder that we should trust ourselves, because our bodies are programmed to try their best not to let us
down.

However, if you feel uncomfortable for longer than 10 seconds, you are probably pushing too far, too fast. Stretching should not be painful, especially in your joints. If you feel pressure or pain in your joints, you may need to adjust your body alignment during the stretch, or quite possibly your bone structure prevents you from stretching any further. Also, bouncing during a stretch (ballistic stretching) can cause muscle or nerve damage, and honestly, just looks ridiculous, so let’s not do that.

Before you stretch, you should warm up for at least 5-10 minutes. Jumping jacks,
jogging/marching in place, speed walking to the nearest bathroom in an emergency or even quietly side shuffling down the hallways of your home trying to hide from your kids are all great options. Also, since stretching elongates the muscles, it weakens them too so it is best to save the deep stretching for after a super fun strenuous aerial class. Stretching is great for increasing your range of motion and reducing your risk of injury along with many other amazing health benefits.

Aerial hammocks are great tools to assist in stretching, but they can also put us in some pretty crazy, awkward positions that our bodies aren't used to being in, which can sometimes cause a deeper stretch than expected. So if you tend to be bendier than the average person, activating your muscles while stretching them, strengthening the muscles surrounding your joints, and listening to your body when it yells at you to stop can all help keep you from injury.

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!

We are back in the Studio

Teacher Tidbits Corner - Karly Keenan - July 2021

I simply cannot express how happy I am to be back teaching in the studio but to see everyone’s faces! It has been a wild year with more obstacles than usual, but we as individuals saw these new challenges and persevered. Way to go!

If we haven’t had the pleasure to meet yet, I’m Karly and I teach Level 3 Hammock. My teaching style is boot camp fitness with tons of flips & flows. I focus on building strength to have fun in the hammock.

Now that we're back in the studio, we have tons of space to create lines. I would like to challenge you (and myself!) to focus on straight arms/legs and pointed toes. Not only do they make the best pictures, but you will look extremely professional even if you are a newbie! Bonus: It’s practice for the next Showcase!

To Flail or Not to Flail

** Teacher Tidbits Corner - Karly Keenan - October 2021
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Do you ever find yourself spinning/flailing in the silk and wonder, geez how do other people not?  First of all, spinning is not a bad thing! And when it's intentional, it's fun!  But I have a tip, that will not only help your control, but also build strength and look amazing.  The tip; keep your core strong.  Keeping your core strong means abs + back.
* Engage.
* Maintain Alignment.
* Notice your posture.
* Think tall spine.
* Feel strong throughout the movement.

These cues may not work for all poses and flows, but I guarantee that if you keep them in mind, you will notice less hammock flailing.

Showcase Reflections

** Teacher Tidbits Corner - Laura Rafferty - December 2021
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Showcase Reflections

There's a great quote that says, "If you want to know where your heart is, look where your mind goes when it wanders." For me, when I daydream or right before I fall asleep, I am always thinking about how to string together hammock or lyra poses to make different flows. Zina knows what I'm talking about! After telling her about my aerial nerdiness last year after completing my level 3 test out, I think I said, "If you need another teacher to help choreograph for the showcase, I would love to try it." Fast forward months later and Zina asked me if I wanted to choreograph the Hammock Level 2/3 piece. I had never choreographed anything before in my life and was really honored that she trusted me to do it. Thank you, Zina for giving me this opportunity and for all your guidance along the way! It was more challenging than I thought it would be, but I loved every minute of it and learned a lot. Here are 10 things I learned from my first choreography experience...

10) Timing is really important. Like, really, really important. If the timing is off, it can make it look like everyone just decided to freestyle their own routine.

9)  You believe in your group and see their potential even when they are frustrated - we should all feel that way about ourselves too.

8)  It is okay to stop the music and say, "What was that?!" As long as they think you are kidding, it still gets in their heads a little and helps them focus.

7)  There is a magical practice that happens and makes you feel like everything is gonna be alright.

6)  Unfortunately, that magical practice happens much later than you hoped.

5)  There's also a practice that makes you feel like you wanna walk to the bar next door and become a regular.

4) You become so proud of your group and all their hard work, and when they nail it in the final performance, you feel like they are your children and just graduated high school.

3)  Videos during practices are extremely helpful in seeing the "big picture"...and also helpful to point out their mistakes..mistakes that are sometimes being made over and over again. Of course, say it very nicely and follow it with, "You got this!" They won't know you really wanna pull your hair out.

2) Choreographers also can get nervous when filming the final performance.

1) Everyone should always carry confetti in their pocket at all times, just in case the moment should arise.

It is time for Showcase!

** Teacher Tidbits Corner - Kelsey DeMonte - September 2021
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You’ve signed up for the Aerial Fun and Fitness Student Showcase this year... so now what?

The student showcase is your opportunity to show your friends, family, and yourself how far you’ve come with your aerial skills. This year, due to COVID, we will be holding the showcase via a live Zoom viewing party mid-November! You might think November is awfully far away, but
here’s a quick breakdown of how we plan our student showcase:
* Students were given the month of July to sign up for our student showcase via Google Forms survey, and the survey closed on August 1st.
* During the month of August, Zina and Kelsey will be working together to assign all students into group pieces and choreographing those pieces. You will hear from us in August with your assigned group and rehearsal time!
* Showcase rehearsals will start during the first week of September. Groups will rehearse once a week, and additional rehearsals may be added as we get closer to the showcase as necessary.
* The first week of November, all group pieces will be professionally filmed. Our wonderful videographers will take the footage and edit it prior to our live viewing party.

Are you new to the student showcase or looking for some tips to make this process as fun and successful as possible? Here are our keys to success in the student showcase:
* Attend as many of your scheduled group rehearsals as possible! This ensures that you have enough time to learn the choreography and commit it all to muscle memory so that when the time comes to perform, you are not as stressed about remembering each step. This also builds comradery within the group and allows everyone to work together cohesively.
* Figure out what your best way of learning is! We tape and share rehearsal videos so you can refer back to them as needed. Some of our favorite memory strategies are watching the rehearsal videos over and over, recording your own voice saying the steps over the music, writing down the sequence of steps, etc. Find what works best for you!
* Go into showcase rehearsals with an open mind and positive attitude! Remember- we have plenty of time from the start of rehearsals until our viewing party to learn and perfect our pieces. They might not look or feel great right from the start, and that is 100% okay! The learning curve for every student will be different, and we promise that with time and practice, all of you will look great by November and have the greatest sense of pride in your hard work.
* HAVE FUN! This is our favorite time of the year not only because you all get to show off all of your hard work, but we get to know all of you so much better. We always talk about how we at Aerial Fun and Fitness are truly an aerial family, and this is magnified during showcase season!

What is Showcase?

** Teacher Tidbits Corner - Ann Marie Savini  - November 2021
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It’s Showcase Time!

Here at Aerial Fun and Fitness we offer students an opportunity to show off what they have learned.  Our annual Student Showcase allows students to express themselves using the skills that they have learned in our aerial fitness classes.

During class, our students learn many poses that increase their strength, flexibility and improve their balance. The poses are often woven together to form flows which are not only fun but help the students to understand how to transition from one pose to another.  So what does this have to do with our annual Student Showcase?  Well, in our Showcase we put together several flows to music so that our students can participate in an “aerial dance”.

All students are welcome to join our Showcase regardless of ability. Everyone has something that they can contribute whether they are a beginner or an experienced student.  We work with each student so that they can be proud of their performance.

We rehearse for several weeks prior to the Showcase.  It is hard work but a lot of fun!  It is really inspiring to see it all come together.  After the first couple rehearsals, you wonder if you are ever going to be able to memorize the routine.  And then there are changes to the routine along the way.  But somehow by the last couple rehearsals, everything seems to come together.  It is so rewarding to see the final result. In addition to participating in the Showcase routines, you get to know the other students in a way that you would never get to know them by just taking a class together.  During rehearsals, the students often get to know each other better and develop friendships.

There is so much communication during rehearsals.   We encourage participation and students are encouraged to make suggestions or provide input to the routines.  Our students have a lot of great ideas and often make significant contributions to the final routine.

Even if you chose not to participate in the Showcase, we encourage you to watch the show.  You will not be disappointed!

It is showcase time.... Ann Marie summed this up so well. Performers remember to breathe and as Kelsey would say "if you mess up, mess up with confidence". My favorite part is how all these different types of people come together. I love watching all this happen. So proud of the teachers for inspiring students, students working together as a team, and all of this coming together to create our version of Aerial ART! - Zina

Breathe and Cubed Core

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

DECEMBER 2021

It's our holiday month… we have so much to do, so many places to be, including on our apparatus. First I'd like to take a moment and thank you for being a part of our studio family!  I'm so thankful for the teachers using their God given talents and gifts,  for the students who create this amazing community,  and for my husband of excellence who makes it possible for me to live my passion and help people with movement and aerial everyday.

This is a season to stop and take a breath!   Deep breathing is so important for relaxation response for the nervous system,  brain health, and movement quality.  It helps us process mentally better, it helps us move better, it helps us rest, digest and repair better.  I've learned so much this past year on breathing from Dr. Arianne Missimer that I have to pass it on. 

You have also heard me talk about the core as a cube.  There's a great 3D animation on anatomy and I love this word picture -   the core as a cube - meaning it has a front and back, two sides, and a top and a bottom.  The top and the bottom are especially important when it comes to breathing. For a couple examples:  if we only activate the top (super tense and not relaxed) and not the bottom,  we can have core compensations.   If we only activate the front and not the back we can't support the spine as well, and if we don't know how to activate the sides  we lack breathing options and mobility. 

So for this holiday season stop and take a breath whether it's before you eat, whether it is before class, whether it's before you're frustrated on a shape or flow you are trying to get,  stop and take a breath!

Sometimes when we're feeling anxious (for whatever reason), stop and take a moment,  breathe.  Stopping to take a breath can help you decide the next course of action in a better frame of mind.   You've got this!

 P.s.  Be on the look for our Aerial Fun Christmas card coming out called “The Shapes of Christmas”. 

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.

You Do You

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

MAY 2021

We said last month that aerial fitness is so great for all body types and shapes.  Yes, different sizes and shapes will make different poses and flows easier, while other body types will be more challenging. Know that is OK. YOU DO YOU!  Compare yourself to you, not your neighbor.  

Are you ready to start taking it to a different level?  You are in love with this amazing aerial fitness and now you want to challenge yourself and set some goals to conquer some of these more challenging skills that involve climbing, inversion strength and a strong core for twisting and rotation.  REMINDER:  This type of goals takes TIME. You need to be patient, not compare, but show up and be your strong self. Look at some of our 5 year plus students, the determination pays off.  Yes, the struggle somedays is real.  But it's okay, be where you are each day.  You showed up, that's the first battle! 

There will be days you're not going to get it the first time and that's okay. There will be days you are strong and rested and get everything.  Then there will be some skills we see and may not want to do but admire and say that it is amazing, strong, flexible, etc…  and appreciate the aesthetic (or art) value of said skills.

Next, what is your superpower?  Everyone does something great.  I like to find what everyone's superpower is and build on that.  So can you find your aerial superpower?

The whole point of this is to acknowledge what you do great and give yourself some grace while you're learning your aerial skills and reaching goals. 

You do you, each day!

Stable Joints

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

April 2021

Last month we talked about how great Aerial fitness is for all body types and how important it is to have stable joints - Now let's talk about  how we keep our joints stable and what forces can affect our joint strength and stability.

Aerial fitness skills work in multiple planes (think 3d 360 globe vs 2d flat circle image).  It has an unstable surface that creates more of a three-dimensional effect in our joints in our body as we move in the fabric or another apparatus.  In order to keep a joint stable, this uses outside muscles and deep inside muscles to make us strong and stabilize our joints.  If we load too much weight at once without adapting, we can get stiff, sore, and injured.   This can affect your performance mentally and physically.  We also want to make sure our movement patterns are in good alignment so the joint can move freely without grinding, noises, and or pain.

Assuming no injury - Here are a few things to consider along your aerial fitness journey that can affect joints;  lack of muscle tone, overly tight muscles, hypermobility/double jointed, weight, forces, length of levers (picture arms and legs), and overuse with incorrect alignment or bad form.

Here are some examples that may make a difference for you. See if you can notice a theme. 

• If you have low muscle tone, you will adapt and get stronger, it takes TIME.

• If you have tight muscles causing you to feel stuck, find out why.  This takes TIME.

• If you have hypermobile joints you have to strengthen the muscles around the joint.  This takes TIME.

• If you are carrying extra body weight the muscles need TIME to get stronger. 

Creating stable joints take TIME, dedication, and determination to “DO YOU”!  It does pay off, ask our long term students!  There are so many things you can do in the meantime, so celebrate! Aerial fitness is a great accomplishment at all levels!!