Introduction to Aerial Pilates: What You Need to Know

Introduction to Aerial Pilates: What You Need to Know

Welcome to the beautiful combination of Aerial arts and the Pilates method
Aerial Pilates is a unique and exciting fusion of the Pilates method and aerial arts. Combining the strength, flexibility, and powerhouse focus of Pilates with the grace and artistry of aerial movements, Aerial Pilates offers a connecting, dynamic yet vulnerable and challenging workout experience, it's unique!  

Let's explore the basics of Aerial Pilates, its benefits, and how you can get started on your aerial journey.

What is Aerial Pilates?
Aerial Pilates, involves performing Pilates exercises while suspended from an aerial hammock. The aerial element adds an extra dimension to the practice, challenging your balance, strength, and coordination in new and exciting ways. Aerial Pilates stays strong to the Pilates principles, including focus on breath, and centring while incorporating aerial techniques such as inversions, and Aerial-specific movements.

Benefits of Aerial Pilates
Aerial Pilates works deep, whether that's your range of motions, tapping into your inner strength or mentally.  It's great for helping to develop a strong practice that's equally fun. The aerial apparatus provides an unstable surface, requiring consistent awareness and natural engagement of the centre to maintain balance and control.

increase movement range

Aerial Pilates movements can take you into positions that are naturally lengthening movements, helping to improve flexibility and range of motion. The support of the aerial apparatus can also assist in achieving deeper stretches and the balance of strength to support that movement into or out of the position. 

Improved Body Awareness and Control

Aerial Pilates challenges your proprioception and body awareness as you navigate the aerial apparatus. This heightened awareness translates to better control and coordination in your movements, both on and off the apparatus.  Essentially a better connection with your sense of self too!  It's powerful.

Full-Body Workout Fun

Aerial Pilates targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously, providing a natural full-body workout. It helps to build strength in the upper body, centre, and lower body, right and left, front and back, all dimensions physically and mentally all over! 

Getting Started with Aerial Pilates?

To ensure a safe and effective Aerial Pilates practice, it is important to have a qualified instructor who has experience and understands the safety aspects in full.  From the safe setting up of appropriate equipment to the use of exercises.  Look for instructors who have certification.  Or if you're looking for an Aerial Pilates Teacher Training course, ensure it covers rigging awareness and safety. 

Start with the basics and a great foundation

If you are new to Aerial Pilates, begin with simple steps, classes or workshops. This will introduce you to the foundational connections and movements of Aerial Pilates.

Slowly build from a great foundation, for both strength and flexibility.  Take steps, trusting in the process of the bigger picture.  By meeting yourself where you are you'll have a great experience of feeling connections and increasing your self-awareness too. 

Progress Gradually.  As you gain strength and confidence, you can progress to more challenging Aerial Pilates exercises and sequences. Always listen to your body and work at your own pace. 

Aerial Pilates offers a unique and exhilarating way to lift your Pilates practice and explore the world of aerial arts. With its numerous benefits for strength, flexibility, body awareness and controlology, Aerial Pilates is a fantastic addition to bring a peaceful, uplifting energy to your body, mind and life! 

 So, grab a (safely rigging) hammock and get ready to take your Pilates practice to the clouds with Aerial Pilates!

See you in the clouds

Debbie 

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