What is Aerial Fitness?

Aerial Fitness is designed to lengthen and strengthen your body; improve your core posture and calm your mind, whilst suspended in the air. Combining the flexibility and holistic benefits of Aerial Yoga and pilates with the amazing strength and core benefits of circus based aerial tricks and sequences.

Aerial Fitness sessions are ideal for:

·         Increasing flexibility

·         Improving upper body strength

·         Increasing core strength and posture

·         Balancing the mind and body

·         Increased focus and body control

·         Boosting muscle tone and empowerment!

CLASS STRUCTURE

Sessions include a variety of ways in which you can use the swings, this includes how to link cardio/strength based moves to create an aerobic/dance style routine; strength exercises to increase core and posture stability and lean muscle definition; fun simple acrobatic/circus aerial style moves which increase strength and improve your skill; and finally aerial yoga moves for flexibility, mind body awareness, relaxation and improved focus.

THE EQUIPMENT

The swings used are made from parachute and silks material and hang from two points on the ceiling, the swings are adjusted to differing heights depending on the exercises being performed and level of the student. This means the class can accommodate differing levels of students at once. The swings also include hand straps which can be added for extra stability on moves and increase the amount of moves which can be performed on the swing.

INVERSION TECHNIQUES

The class involves supported inversion techniques (hanging upside down), these carry many benefits as we spend the majority of our daily life on our feet causing muscle tension in our neck back and shoulders. Therefore when we invert whilst being supported  gravity is able to assist by lengthening the spinal vertebrae, rejuvenating the spinal fluid which benefits the inter-vertebral discs as they become free of compression. This encourages a feeling of ‘weightlessness’ which increases blood flow and circulation. The increased circulation nourishes and relaxes the muscles and offsets the Parasympathetic Nervous System P.N.S (part of the Autonomic Nervous System that tells us to relax). It also encourages the transportation of fresh oxygenated blood around the body and to the brain and the face. This can aid in reversing the aging process by replenishing our outer skin cells. It’s interesting to know the outer skin cells are the last cells to receive nourishment from Oxygen which is why unhealthy habits such as smoking and living in a heavily polluted environment can lead to duller-looking skin, hair and nails.

Finally, inverting also activates the system in your body which is responsible for removing waste from the body. The lymphatic system removes waste such as Lactic acid by squeezing your capillaries, this process is speeded up by supported inversion exercises. Lactic acid build up is created from training and you will associate it with muscles soreness after a training session.  Therefore inversion techniques performed in aerial fitness class will help the muscle recovery process and can also reduce Varicose Veins.

OTHER FITNESS BENEFITS

There are many other benefits from aerial fitness classes, due to the variety of moves and exercises which can be performed. These include, relaxation techniques from the assisted flexibility stretching exercises. As you work, the movement of the swing creates instability in movements and enhances concentration and promotes deep core control. The exercises performed increase posture stability due to the swing being suspended and this in turn increases lean muscle mass, which increases metabolic rates. When your metabolic rate is increased you will naturally burn more calries and body fat throughout the day, not just whilst you are in class. Therefore promoting posture, muscle tone and weight loss benefits.

TEACHER TIME

The classes are taught one person per swing and we currently have 6 swings in our aerial fitness studio. This means a greater teacher to student time, faster improvement in your skill, ability and results.

Overall, aerial fitness is suitable for everybody and classes and sessions can focus on one area or mix a variety of areas. It is a great as a pre-requisite for pole dancing or to do alongside to increase your pole dancing strength and skills. It promotes so many dioffering body benefits that it works as a holistic workout as well as a strength and cardio, and therefore will leave you with an all over sense of working out and well being.

See pictures taken in first week of aerial fitness class here:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.362136817143289.90953.181661718524134&type=1

If you would like to book one of the last two places please click this link:

http://www.blush-dance.co.uk/index.php?option=com_registrationpro&view=event&Itemid=30&did=1273&shw_attendees=0

If you are interested in future classes/workshops or courses please get in touch and we will inform you when our new course dates are confirmed.

Becky Campey

Owner & Head Instructor

Blush Dance

info@blushdance.com

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