Is Aerial Silks Good Exercise? What Adult Beginners Actually Notice
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Yes, and it's one of the more complete workouts you can do. Aerial silks builds strength, flexibility and coordination at the same time. But most adults who stick with it don't talk about it as exercise at all. They talk about the first time they climbed to the top, or held a shape they were sure they couldn't do.
Here's an honest look at what aerial silks does for your body, what to expect when you start, and how to tell if it's for you.
What aerial silks actually works
Aerial silks (also called aerial fabric or tissu) uses two long lengths of fabric hung from the ceiling. You climb, wrap, hang and hold shapes, all while supporting your own bodyweight.
That means you're working:
Grip and forearms. Holding on is the first thing you'll notice. Grip strength builds steadily with regular training.
Shoulders and upper back. Pulling yourself up and holding positions builds strength through your shoulders, lats and upper back.
Core. Lifting your legs, turning upside down and staying steady in the air all come from your middle.
Legs. Foot locks, leg wraps and climbing technique use your legs more than most people expect.
Flexibility. Many shapes ask for open hips and shoulders. Flexibility improves as you train, and you don't need it to start.
Coordination and focus. Remembering a sequence of wraps while you're off the ground takes concentration. It's hard to think about your inbox when you're upside down.
Because you're always moving your own bodyweight, the strength you build is the useful kind: pulling, lifting, holding and controlling your body.
Do you need to be fit or strong to start?
No. This is the biggest myth that stops adults booking a first class.
Our adult beginner classes need no fitness, flexibility or experience. Coaches break every skill into small steps and give options for different bodies, so you work at the level you're at today.
You build strength for aerial by doing aerial. You don't need to get fit first.
Am I too old?
We train adults of all ages, including members well over 50. Coaches adapt every class to your body and your goals. Age matters far less than starting at the right level and building up steadily.
If you have an injury or a health condition, tell your coach before class, and check with your GP or physio if you're unsure whether aerial suits you right now.
What your first few classes feel like
We'd rather you know what's coming:
Your forearms will get tired. Grip is usually the first thing to fade. It improves week by week.
You might not climb on day one. That's normal. Coaches teach climbing in stages, starting close to the floor.
The fabric can rub. Wraps and foot locks can leave some redness or light bruising on your legs and feet at first. Long leggings help, and it settles as your technique improves.
You'll feel it the next day. Expect some muscle soreness, particularly in your forearms, shoulders and core.
You'll probably surprise yourself. Small wins come early, like your first foot lock or your first time upside down.
How often should you train?
Once a week is a good start, and you'll notice changes. Most adults progress best with three classes a week, and our 3x weekly membership also includes free open training in staffed hours, so you can practise between classes.
Many aerialists also take a handstand or acro class. The shoulder strength and body control you build on the floor carry straight over to the silks.
How it compares with the gym, yoga and pole
Every kind of exercise has its place. Here's how aerial silks sits next to a few common options:
The gym is easy to measure: weights, reps and times. Aerial builds strength too, but you measure progress in skills, like your first climb or your first drop.
Yoga builds flexibility and calm. Aerial shares some of that, with a lot more grip and upper body work.
Pole is also a strength-based apparatus with a great community. Silks adds height and fabric, so you can climb, wrap and drop in ways a pole doesn't allow.
Plenty of people do more than one. There's no rule that says you have to choose.
Training safely
Safety comes first in every class. We teach strength before height, use crash mats under every apparatus, and keep classes to a maximum of 8 so coaches can spot you and correct your technique. You'll learn skills low down first and only go higher when you're ready.
Tell your coach about any injuries, and don't try new skills on silks at home without a qualified coach and properly rated rigging.
What to wear
Leggings that cover your knees
A fitted top that covers your underarms
No zips, buttons or jewellery
Hair tied back
A water bottle
Most classes are done barefoot or in grip socks.
How to start at CircArts
If you're brand new, start with Aerial Newbie, made for complete beginners, or go straight into Aerial Silks, our Level 1 class for climbs, foot locks, wraps and your first drops, taught step by step. You'll find every time on the adult class timetable.
Classes run in our 7 metre high aerial studio in Grovedale, with a maximum of 8 students per class and working circus artists as coaches. You'll move through Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels at your own pace. Performing in our shows is totally optional.
The easiest way to try it is our Starter Pass: any three beginner classes within 14 days, currently $55.
Ready to try your first climb?
If you've been watching aerial videos and thinking "I could never do that", there's a good chance you can. You just have to start.
See adult aerial classes in Geelong and get your Starter Pass