Hello everyone
When you stop exercising, even if it’s for a week, you are telling your body that you don’t need to use certain muscles anymore. Even just taking two weeks off can be detrimental to your strength. And guess what? Akrosphere is still on it’s end of summer break! That means that everyone is taking at least two weeks off regular training, if not more! We know circus work takes a lot of strength, but FEAR NOT! You can work your muscles at home to get your body ready to get back into your circus training! Before you start your strength training, do some cardio for 5 minutes. That can be jumping jacks, running, or even dancing! Once you’re warm, you can get started with the following exercises:
Circus arts like trapeze and aerial silks offer adults a fun, full-body workout, improving strength, flexibility, and mental well-being while fostering community, creativity, and challenge in an exciting alternative to traditional exercise.
In recent years, circus arts—once viewed primarily as a form of entertainment—have emerged as a unique and engaging form of exercise. With aerial silks, trapeze, and other circus-based activities gaining popularity, adults are discovering the physical and mental benefits of this creative and thrilling fitness trend. These classes are not only an exciting way to challenge the body but also a means to build strength, flexibility, and confidence in a fun, non-traditional setting.
This article explores why more and more adults are flocking to trapeze and aerial arts classes, the benefits they offer, and how these activities are transforming the fitness landscape. From boosting physical health to enhancing mental well-being, circus arts are quickly becoming a favored workout among adults seeking new and dynamic ways to stay fit.
The Growing Popularity of Circus Arts as Exercise
A Fresh Approach to Fitness
Traditional fitness routines—such as running on a treadmill, lifting weights, or taking group fitness classes—have been the cornerstone of adult exercise for decades. However, many adults are now seeking alternatives that offer a more creative and challenging way to stay active. Circus arts, including trapeze and aerial silks, have risen as an exciting option for those looking for something outside of the typical gym setting.
Classes are often held in studios or specialized circus schools, where participants can try their hand at acrobatics, aerial tricks, and balancing skills. These activities not only provide a full-body workout but also require concentration, coordination, and a sense of fun that many traditional workouts lack. For many adults, circus arts offer a much-needed break from the monotony of typical fitness routines, making exercise enjoyable, engaging, and fresh.
The Appeal of the Circus Arts
Circus arts are inherently dynamic, challenging, and visually captivating. Many adults are drawn to them for a variety of reasons, ranging from wanting to push their physical limits to seeking a fun, community-driven experience. The ability to perform acrobatic feats like hanging from aerial silks or executing trapeze tricks allows participants to feel like part of the circus world—a far cry from the repetitive motions of conventional gym equipment.
In addition, circus arts cater to people of all fitness levels, offering a welcoming environment for both beginners and seasoned athletes. Unlike many fitness activities that require high levels of previous experience or advanced strength, aerial arts and trapeze allow for progressive learning, where students can build skills at their own pace.
The Benefits of Circus Arts as Exercise
1. Full-Body Workout
One of the most significant benefits of circus arts is the comprehensive workout they provide. Unlike traditional gym workouts, which often focus on isolated muscle groups, trapeze and aerial arts engage the entire body. Whether performing on the trapeze or climbing aerial silks, participants are required to use their arms, legs, core, and back muscles simultaneously, resulting in a full-body workout.
Aerial silks, for instance, require core strength and coordination to climb and wrap oneself in the fabric, while trapeze involves upper-body strength to hold on and lower-body stability to land gracefully. This type of integrated movement helps participants build strength, endurance, flexibility, and muscle tone across multiple areas of the body.
2. Improved Strength and Flexibility
Building strength and flexibility is a key focus in many circus arts classes. For trapeze artists, holding on with one’s hands and maintaining a strong grip while swinging and performing tricks is essential. This requires significant upper-body strength, particularly in the shoulders, arms, and core.
Similarly, aerial silks demand considerable strength and flexibility. Climbing the silks, performing poses, and holding positions for extended periods of time require core and leg strength, as well as flexibility in the hamstrings, hips, and shoulders. Over time, participants will see improvements in muscle tone, joint mobility, and overall body strength.
3. Mental Health and Stress Relief
Exercise has long been known to have positive effects on mental health, but circus arts provide a unique form of stress relief. The creative, playful nature of aerial and trapeze arts encourages participants to let go of daily stressors and focus entirely on the activity at hand. The challenge of learning new moves and tricks can provide a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and improving overall mental well-being.
Moreover, circus arts are deeply immersive. The need for intense focus and concentration during classes helps participants disconnect from their regular stressors. This form of mindful movement offers both mental and physical rejuvenation, which is often lacking in more routine fitness classes. The feeling of accomplishment that comes with mastering a new aerial move or a tricky trapeze stunt also fosters confidence and self-assurance.
4. Fun and Social Connection
Unlike the solitary nature of many workouts, circus arts classes foster a sense of community. Aerial silks and trapeze classes often involve a group setting where participants can cheer each other on, share tips, and celebrate successes together. The social aspect of these classes can be particularly motivating for adults who enjoy the camaraderie and accountability that group exercise provides.
Additionally, circus arts are often seen as a fun and exciting challenge, making it easy to forget that you’re actually exercising. The playful, artistic nature of the practice makes each session feel like an adventure. For those looking to break free from the mundane, circus arts offer an engaging and enjoyable way to stay fit.
5. Increased Body Awareness and Coordination
The movements involved in trapeze and aerial silks require heightened body awareness and coordination. Learning to control one’s body while suspended in the air demands precision, balance, and fine motor skills. As adults practice more and more, they develop a stronger sense of how their bodies move and how to control them in complex ways.
This heightened awareness not only improves physical coordination but also aids in daily life activities. Adults who practice aerial arts and trapeze often notice improved posture, better body alignment, and enhanced proprioception, which is the sense of knowing where the body is in space. This increased body awareness can prevent injury in both fitness and everyday activities.
Why Adults Are Flocking to Trapeze and Aerial Classes
1. Escaping the Gym Routine
For many adults, the standard gym experience can feel monotonous and uninspiring. The predictable nature of weight training or cardio machines can cause burnout, and it’s easy to lose motivation. Circus arts provide an exciting alternative that breaks up the routine and offers something new and fun.
Trapeze and aerial silks classes are dynamic and ever-evolving. As students progress, they can continue to challenge themselves with new moves, tricks, and stunts. This continuous progression helps prevent boredom and keeps adults engaged in their fitness journey.
2. The Desire for a New Challenge
As adults grow older, they often crave new experiences that challenge them both physically and mentally. Circus arts present a unique challenge that pushes the body in ways that traditional exercise routines cannot. For many, mastering a difficult aerial move or executing a flawless trapeze swing provides a sense of achievement and pride.
Circus arts also encourage adults to step outside their comfort zones and take risks, which builds both mental and physical resilience. These activities are often described as both thrilling and rewarding, offering an adrenaline rush that is often lacking in conventional fitness classes.
3. The Social and Fun Element
As mentioned earlier, circus arts offer a fun, social environment. The group dynamic in these classes fosters a sense of community, which motivates people to stick with their fitness goals. For adults who are tired of solitary workouts or who find the gym environment isolating, aerial and trapeze classes provide a way to connect with others while staying fit.
Classes are also designed to be enjoyable, focusing on creativity, play, and skill development. This sense of fun encourages people to keep coming back for more and to develop long-term fitness habits.
How to Get Started with Trapeze and Aerial Arts
1. Finding a Class Near You
If you’re interested in exploring trapeze and aerial silks, begin by researching local studios or circus schools that offer these types of classes. Many beginner classes are designed for people with no prior experience, and instructors will guide you through each step. It’s essential to start with an introductory class to learn the basics and assess your comfort level with the equipment.
2. Prepare for Your First Class
move or executing a flawless trapeze swing provides a sense of achievement and pride.
Circus arts also encourage adults to step outside their comfort zones and take risks, which builds both mental and physical resilience. These activities are often described as both thrilling and rewarding, offering an adrenaline rush that is often lacking in conventional fitness classes.
3. The Social and Fun Element
As mentioned earlier, circus arts offer a fun, social environment. The group dynamic in these classes fosters a sense of community, which motivates people to stick with their fitness goals. For adults who are tired of solitary workouts or who find the gym environment isolating, aerial and trapeze classes provide a way to connect with others while staying fit.
Classes are also designed to be enjoyable, focusing on creativity, play, and skill development. This sense of fun encourages people to keep coming back for more and to develop long-term fitness habits.
How to Get Started with Trapeze and Aerial Arts
1. Finding a Class Near You
If you’re interested in exploring trapeze and aerial silks, begin by researching local studios or circus schools that offer these types of classes. Many beginner classes are designed for people with no prior experience, and instructors will guide you through each step. It’s essential to start with an introductory class to learn the basics and assess your comfort level with the equipment.
2. Prepare for Your First Class
Before attending your first class, wear comfortable clothing that allows for free movement—think leggings, a fitted top, and bare feet. Avoid wearing jewelry, as it can get caught in the equipment. It’s also important to be mentally prepared for a challenge, as aerial and trapeze arts can be physically demanding, especially in the beginning.
3. Be Patient and Persistent
As with any new skill, learning circus arts takes time. Be patient with yourself as you build strength, flexibility, and coordination. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t do a specific move right away—circus arts are all about progression, and each class will bring you closer to your goals.
Conclusion
Circus arts, including trapeze and aerial silks, are rapidly gaining popularity among adults seeking a fun, challenging, and rewarding way to stay fit. These activities provide a full-body workout, improve strength, flexibility, and mental health, and offer a refreshing break from traditional fitness routines. The community aspect and the ability to continuously progress make circus arts an appealing choice for adults of all fitness levels. Whether you’re looking to boost your physical health or simply want to try something new, trapeze and aerial arts are exciting and effective ways to achieve your fitness goals.
Q&A Section
Q1: Can I start aerial silks or trapeze if I’m a complete beginner?
A1: Yes, many studios offer classes specifically for beginners. You don’t need prior experience or advanced strength to start. Instructors will guide you through the basics and help you build up your skills over time.
Q2: How often should I practice aerial arts to see results?
A2: Practicing 2-3 times a week is ideal for building strength, flexibility, and technique. However, it’s important to listen to your body and take rest days as needed to avoid injury and allow muscles to recover.
Q3: Are aerial silks and trapeze safe?
A3: When practiced under proper instruction and with the right equipment, aerial silks and trapeze are safe activities. It’s crucial to follow safety guidelines, use spotters when necessary, and learn proper technique to minimize the risk of injury.
Q4: Can I do aerial arts if I have a fear of heights?
A4: It’s natural to have some fear of heights, but many people with a fear of heights are able to overcome it through gradual exposure and trust in their instructor. Start slowly and work at your own pace.
Q5: How quickly will I see physical results from aerial arts?
A5: Physical results vary based on your starting fitness level, consistency, and commitment to training. However, many people start seeing improvements in strength, flexibility, and muscle tone within a few weeks of regular practice.