What to Expect in Your First Aerial Class

Soooooo, you’ve signed up for your first aerial class! Whether you're drawn to the elegance of silks, the thrill of the hoop, or just want to try something new, you're in for a fun ride. Aerial arts are a combination of strength, grace, and a little bit of magic — but let’s be real, your first class might feel a tiny bit intimidating. No worries, though! Here’s the lowdown on what to expect, and what to watch out for, so you can walk in like a pro (even if you're secretly a little nervous).

1. Don’t Stress, We’ve All Been There

Let’s just get this out of the way: Everyone starts somewhere, and chances are, your classmates and instructor have all been the "newbie" at some point too. Aerialists are some of the friendliest folks around, so if you're worried about looking silly, just know that you're in good company. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, take breaks, or tell your instructor if something feels off — we’ve all had those awkward first moments, and we promise it gets better!

2. What to Wear: Comfort is Key (and Avoid the Flare)

You’re going to want to wear clothes that let you move freely but aren’t too loose. Think form-fitting leggings (or pants) and a fitted (or tuckable)  top that won’t fly up when you’re upside down — trust us, this is not the time for flowy sleeves! And, if you’re doing silks, maybe consider long sleeves to save your armpits from fabric burns (yes, it’s a thing). You'll also be barefoot, so make sure your feet are clean and ready for action. If you’re a cold footed person, most studios should be cool with wearing socks, just know that some things might be a bit harder with socks on. 

3. Warm-Up Like You Mean It

Expect to start with a solid warm-up. This shouldn’t just be a quick stretch and call it a day. Your body is about to work muscles it didn’t even know existed, so expect some good stretching, maybe a little cardio, and definitely some technique-building on the floor or on your apparatus. Don’t worry — no one’s asking you to climb to the top of the silks on your first day (even if you're secretly a superhero). Take your time, focus on learning the basics, and remember that slow progress is still progress!

4. You’ll Feel Strong AF (aerial fun)... but with Some Soreness

Aerial work is a full-body workout — your arms, core, and grip will get a serious workout. The first time you pull yourself up on the silks or hoist yourself onto the hoop, you'll probably feel like the strongest thing ever. Just don’t be surprised when you wake up the next day or two and your forearms are sore in ways you didn’t think were possible. Aerial muscles are built over time, so don’t fret — that soreness is fleeting and is part of the process.

5. The Apparatus: It’s Not as Scary as It Looks

Looking at the silks, sling, trapeze, or hoop can be a little like staring down a mountain you have to climb. But don’t worry — they’re not going to bite. At first, the fabric might feel slippery, and the trapeze might seem really high off the ground, but you’ll get the hang of it. Start with simple movements and work your way up — no need to rush! It might feel awkward at first (hello, new grips and weird angles), but give it time. And don’t forget to breathe — the apparatus isn’t going anywhere, and neither are you.

6. Listen to Your Body (Seriously)

Safety is a big deal in aerial classes, so your instructor will teach you proper techniques and guide you every step of the way. But here’s the thing: Your body knows best. If something feels wrong, don’t push through it. Your instructor is there to help you find alternatives or modifications. Don’t worry about keeping up with anyone else; focus on doing what feels right for you. And if you need a break, take one — aerial is a marathon, not a sprint!

7. Grip Fatigue Is Real (and It’s Totally Normal)

Get ready for your grip to be tested. You’ll probably get a few minutes of “wow, I’m strong!” followed by “I can’t hold on for one more second,” or my favorite, the gradual slide down to the floor. The truth is, gripping fabric or a bar is tougher than it looks, and you’ll likely feel your hands start to tire quickly. When that happens, just shake it out and take a breather — grip strength builds over time, so you’ll get stronger with each class.

8. You’ll Be Surprised at How Much Focus It Takes

Aerial is just as much about mental strength as it is about physical strength. You’ll need to focus on your positioning, your breathing, and how you’re holding your body. This is not the time to let your mind wander to your grocery list or that Netflix show you’ve been meaning to catch up on. In fact, being present in the moment is what makes aerial arts so much fun (and, let’s be honest, a bit addictive).There comes a time toward the end of beginning aerial classes when students just stop taking in new information. When that starts happening, try not to get frustrated with yourself, your brain is tired, your body is tired, and it’s almost time for snacks!

9. Oops! Wobbles Happen — It’s Part of the Process

Yes, you may get wobbly once or twice. Or five times. Or maybe you’ll descend faster than you expected or take a little tumble? Believe it or not, that is rare in beginner classes, when the focus is all about building a foundation, and most of the time a “fall” in a beginner class is more like taking a quick step down to the floor. Aerial is about trial and error. Sometimes you nail a move on the first try, sometimes you definitely don’t. Either way, the goal is to learn, laugh it off, and keep going. The floor is padded and you have mats for a reason, and your instructor will be there to help you feel comfortable and safe.

10. Perfection Isn’t the Goal — Progress Is

Your first class is not about looking flawless (because, spoiler alert, no one does). It’s about getting the basics down and getting an idea of what your body is capable of. So if you don’t manage to execute that complicated twist or perfect climb, don’t sweat it. Aerial is a journey, and that first step is all about discovering your strength and building confidence. So, take your time, enjoy the ride, and celebrate the small wins!

Welcome to the Air!

Your first aerial class is going to be a mix of challenge, fun, and maybe a little bit of awkwardness — but guess what? That’s part of the charm. The more you show up, the more you’ll improve. So throw on your comfiest clothes, show up with an open mind, and remember: The sky’s the limit (and you’re going to crush it). Welcome to the aerial world — it’s going to be a blast!

Ready to take flight? Let’s do this!