Deciding to give aerial a try can be exciting – but it can also seem a bit daunting.

This page sets out what you can expect from our classes, what our instructors will provide and what we expect from you, as well as answering some FAQs.

If you have any questions that are not answered on this page please feel free to contact us

How does an aerial class work?

We will always begin sessions with a warm up in order to prepare your body for the activities we’ll be doing.

This will include a pulse raiser (mild cardio) along with mobility exercises to begin to wake up the body and warm up our joints and muscles. There will then be some conditioning exercises targeted to the specific movements we’ll be exploring in the main part of the class. Our warm ups are often light hearted and may involve games and challenges to help motivate you and develop our class community.

In the main section of the class we will learn a skills or ‘movement vocabulary’ on the apparatus. As you develop strength and confidence we will join these together to create sequences, extending your time in the air and building your fitness!

You will be sharing equipment (subject to current Covid guidelines), so you will be asked to wash or sanitise your hands during class. Sanitiser will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. There will be no more than 8 people in a class, so 2 people per apparatus. This gives you the chance to take a break while your partner tries a skill. Trust us, you’ll be grateful for that break! Working with a partner also helps you develop your abilities as a spotter.

At Knotted we are passionate about aerial as a creative and expressive art, so we will include some activities that encourage you to develop your own ‘voice’ as you progress along your aerial journey.

At the end of class we will conclude with a cool down, returning the body to its normal rhythms and stretching the muscles we’ve used to prevent injury and soreness.

I’m not very strong, will I be able to do much in my first class?

Yes!

You’ll be surprised what you can achieve.

While strength is an important part of aerial work, we don’t all begin with optimal upper body strength. Part of the journey is developing this. As a beginner you’ll learn a range of movement that is accessible to you and discover ways to progress that movement to challenge yourself and develop your strength and endurance. It requires patience and perseverance, but the pay-off can be incredibly satisfying!

Be aware that when beginning aerial activities, you may find that the apparatus can be uncomfortable and cause soreness or some bruising. With time, your body will learn and adapt, but be prepared to feel like you have done some hard work!

I’d love to try aerial, but I’m not sure I’ve got the right kind of body…

There are no rules about what kind of bodies can and cannot try aerial.

At Knotted we are really excited to share the benefits of aerial arts, and to help every body discover what they are really capable of.

You do not need to be a particular size, shape or ability to give aerial a try.

If you are nervous about trying a class, feel free to get in touch and discuss your fears. We are happy to talk through in detail the barriers that you feel are present and how we might be able to support you.

What can I expect from my instructor?

• A planned class that includes a warm-up, cool down and activities suitable for the level of the class.
• Equipment that has been correctly and safely set up, visually inspected before each session and subject to regular thorough inspections and testing.
• Crash mats provided, suitable for the activity taking place.
• Knowledge of the activities planned and the ability to offer progressions or regressions as appropriate to the needs of the student.
• A supportive presence.
• Physical ‘spotting’ (hands-on support) where appropriate. We will always ask first, so just let your instructor know if you are uncomfortable with this. We can offer support in other ways.

What does my instructor expect from me?

• Please arrive promptly – the warm up is a really important part of the session.
• Wear close fitting clothing if possible. T-shirts or long sleeves are recommended over vest tops in order to protect the fragile skin of the underarm area.
• Jewellery must be removed (or taped if necessary).
• Any open wounds or scabs should be covered.
• Please listen carefully to instructions and don’t try a skill without permission.
• If you would like to be spotted when trying a skill, just ask! (Likewise, if you’d rather not be touched, let us know)
• Say no to anything that feels unsafe for you.
• Be aware of how your body is feeling that day – some days are going to be better than others, it is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard.

How about Covid?

• We will be ensuring we are up to date with the latest government guidance as well as specialist guidance for our industry.
• PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND IF YOU ARE UNWELL OR HAVE BEEN ASKED TO SELF ISOLATE. (Let us know and we will exchange your booking to another date)