I remember the excitement when my friend Angie drug me to my very first aerial silks class. There was an aerialist here in town offering lessons. I had no idea what really to expect but for some reason I just knew aerial fitness was for me because it was SO FREAKING COOL.but I was worried I wouldn’t be strong enough. The class was offered at Flathead Gymnastics Academy which I had never been to before. Many of the students were teenage gymnasts, but there was definitely all fitness levels represented in the class, and Angie and I were the oldest at 33 years old.
Back then, there were only two silks to share amongst the dozen women so I was nervous while I awaited my turn. But I said to myself, “you can do this.” And guess what? I did. And so did the other ladies in the class. Everyone crushed it.
As I continued in my training, I would watch videos of other aerialists and at that time, I could not perform the moves they were doing. I would watch them and think “they have an insane amount of strength” to be able to do XYZ move. But now a couple years later, I am doing those same moves and it’s not because I have gained some superhuman strength.
It’s because learning acrobatics is about learning technique to perform the moves; technique which minimizes the strength needed. It’s about getting super in touch with balance and counterbalancing. It’s about learning one trick at a time, until you have a handful of tricks. And during that time, you have built up MORE strength to learn MORE tricks. And before you know it you are stronger and more capable than when you started.
Now seven years later and as the founder of Kalispell’s aerial studio, I, like, never get a student new to aerial fitness without them saying they are nervous and that they don’t think they will be strong enough. Let me just assure you:
Everyone is nervous to start.
You are strong enough, and we will help you get even stronger. You just have to get through the door and we will take it from there!
If you have questions about starting in aerial fitness, we understand, so give us a shout anytime!
XOXO, Mindy
Article by Mindy Cochran. Mindy is the founder of Kalispell's Levitation Nation Aerial Studio, where the catch phrase "fitness is fun" is embodied alongside a culture of movement & women empowerment. Mindy is also a columnist for "Montana Woman Magazine." Her column "The Real Levitation Experience" shares expertise for elevating health and wellness that she has acquired through her certifications as a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and life coach. For more about Mindy, please visit: https://www.levitationnation.org/mindy.