+ Can I do aerial?

You don’t need to have any previous experience in aerial, yoga, gymnastics or anything else to do a hammock class. Your weight isn't important either - the hammocks and rigging hardware are rated to hold up to 500kg.

However, if you are someone with limited mobility (i.e. you find it tricky to stand one one leg and raise the other to just under a 90-degree angle in front of you) or you feel your grip or strength is weak, this is where the hammock comes into it's own - it can be rigged lower to the ground making many poses accessible and achievable. similarly, if you find yourself hopping about a bit and wobbling- don't worry! It's totally normal and all part of the process of improving strength and balance.

Some of the moves and postures can be challenging (elevated foot planks, anyone...?) but I'll always encourage you to come out of the pose and take a break if you want to. It's better to take things gradually rather than force yourself and risk doing a move with incorrect form that could lead to injury.

Please note that aerial is not suitable for you if you have glaucoma, hernias, osteoporosis, or have recently had surgery or botox.

+ Do you have to be strong / flexible to do aerial?

Nope. That's why you come to the classes in the first place! However, it's worth noticing that if you haven't exercised in a while, you may feel a little achey the day or two after. This is a good sign!

+ What happens during a aerial hammock class?

Mobilisation: Normally we’ll start with gentle mobility exercises to get you slightly warmed up and get all the joints used to moving. It involves dynamic stretching as opposed to passive stretching. Moves here often involve having the fabric looped behind the back and underneath the shoulders to take some of your weight and help with balance. Occasionally we’ll do sun salutation inspired flows that link standing movements together.

Strengthening: Some conditioning and strengthening exercises then follow. While the aerial hammock makes some movements like planks more challenging, squat poses become easier as the hammock can be utilised to maintain balance and an upright torso. There’s absolutely no pressure to do a certain movement if you don’t want to, and I always try and cater them to different levels of strength and mobility.

Inversions: This is the upside down part! We do backwards (with the hammock wrapped around the back and the top of the thighs) and forwards inversions (you bend through the loop, which is placed just below the hip bones). You might feel slightly bizarre your first time upside down! It’s quite normal - and if you need to come right-way up at any time, please do. Inversions combine both strength and flexibility, which leads nicely into...

Stretching: Stretching is a pretty big part of any aerial form. Stretching is performed both in the hammock, standing next to the hammock (often with one leg suspended in it), and underneath the hammock, lying or kneeling on the ground. These stretches are more passive, and are held for longer amounts of time than those in the warm up.

+ Is it safe?

The fabric hammocks may look soft and colourful, but they have a WLL (working load limit) of 172kgf (379lbs). The daisy chains they're rigged from are rated to 23kN (2,345kg) in each loop and are attached via steel carabiners to safety shackles. Equipment is checked regularly for any signs of wear and tear.

While there's a risk in any physical activity, it's fairly minimal in aerial hammocks. The hammocks are not placed very high from the ground, and for new or challenging moves, we'll walk around and spot people to make sure they feel secure and are performing the pose correctly. Mats are placed underneath every hammock.

+ What does it feel like?

That depends what pose you’re in. Lying on your back fully enclosed in the hammock is wonderful because all your weight is supported evenly and the hammock contours to your body.

Other times, you might have the hammock looped round your ankle or wrists. If you’re not used to it, you can feel a bit of pressure - but you’ll be surprised by how quickly you get used to it.

Backwards inversion poses can sometimes be slightly uncomfortable your first few tries owing to the tightness of the fabric round your back. However, often it’s just a matter of finding the best placement of the fabric for your body - and again, it’s something you’ll get accustomed to.

+ DO you teach aerial silks too?

Yes! I also have silks I can rig up for any one who fancies and extra challenge. Some of the poses and names are similar to that in the hammock, and hammock is a great founation to silks. I can also teach beginner trapeze and hoop.

+ What should I wear to classes?

Something stretchy and comfortable. Leggings are always a good idea. Beware of jogging bottoms that are too baggy as they may bunch up or get caught in the fabric. A tight-fitting top or t-shirt that can be tucked in is recommended - you don't want to be blinded by your own clothing when upside down! Leotards are no necessary, but some like to wear them. Or a swimming costume does the same job if you don't want to be constantly tucking a top in.