Why You Need to be Weight Lifting (Part 2) (Check out part one) Today we are talking about a weight training workout for any aerialist or poler who has unbalanced sides of the body. Our Focus: Lower Body Single Side Isolation. I came across a recent spate of selfie photos, quite unfortunately because I sure wasn’t seeking them, with pole, aerial and cross fit ladies flexing for the camera and it was frightening. First, because I consider flexing photos (where you are actually

Let’s explore the most effective and safe ways to stretch: Static, Dynamic and Facilitated. This post is focused on Facilitated stretching. Facilitated stretching is one form of PNF (proprioceptive nueromuscular facilitation), yes that is a mouthful of science. Basically it means assisted stretching. This can be with a partner or trainer or with your best friend the yoga strap. PNF is a very in-depth technique and it is wise to train with someone who is trained and certified

Why You Should Be Weight Training (Part 1) Corrective Exercises for Pectoral and Latissimus Dorsi Over Development. A lot of us know the side benefit to pole and aerial arts is the strength training and many of us do not feel the need to go to the gym to lift. But chances are we really should be weightlifting. General benefits of weight training: 1. More muscle equals more calories burned. Muscles use fuel; fuel is calories, the more muscle and more fuel. 2. Stronger tendons,

Let’s explore the most effective and safe ways to stretch: Static, Dynamic and Facilitated. This post is focused on Dynamic Stretching. Dynamic stretching is the newest form of studied stretching and has been adopted into the routines of many pro athletes before a performance or event. Dynamic stretching is one of the most effective and safe ways to warm-up before exercising. For more details, here is an earlier post on Dynamic Stretching for Warm-up. Dynamic stretching is c

Let’s explore the most effective and safe ways to stretch: Static, Dynamic and Facilitated. This post is focused on Static Stretching. When developing flexibility the goal is to increase the range of motion in the joints in not just a safe way, but in a way that is effective for the chosen sport. Aerial and pole, like dance and yoga, require higher levels of flexibility especially with progression into difficult moves. At the top levels of our pursuits, there is a demand for

Regardless if you do aerial arts, rock climbing, pull-ups, ice climbing or are commonly in foot chases through urban areas with roofs you must scale, good form and proper muscle engagement of the back will keep you in your sport for the long haul. When we engage our back muscles correctly we take care of two issues; we lessen the load on dominant muscle groups and protect the smaller muscles around the shoulder joint from being strained. By actively engaging this means, scapu

People love to skip the warm-up, but for aerial arts as with most sports this can cause everything from torn muscles to false fatigue. Dynamic stretching has been put through the ringer in exercise science studies and has come out as the safest and most effective way to warm-up. Dynamic stretching consists of controlled active movement going from static to active within a safe range of motion. Warming up with dynamic stretches means gradually increasing range of motion, but a