Benefits of Aerial Fitness

Looking to mix up your basic fitness routine? Perhaps something out of the box that keeps you on track with your fitness journey? Or maybe even just a fun day out with the girls “hanging” out? Aerial fitness is a great alternative to your traditional brick and mortar gym life. Zeal offers a variety of these gravity-defying workouts including pole, silk and hoop. While the classes are often fun and engaging, they offer a multitude of health benefits.

A study from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) found that a single 50-minute session burns an average of 320 calories and participants who took three 50-minute aerial classes a week for six weeks lost an average of two and a half pounds, 2 percent body fat, and about one inch from their waist. Each apparatus works different parts of the body, while also improving mental health including mood and self-esteem. So let's explore the benefits of each rig.

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Pole

Pole is one of the most well known aerial fitness rigs and although there is a stigma associated with pole fitness, the instructors at Zeal will undoubtedly change your mind as they guide you through this fun full-body workout.

Benefits of pole fitness:

  1. Promotes weight loss

  2. Builds and tones muscles

  3. Increases flexibility

  4. Boosts confidence, girl!

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Silks/Hammock

Aerial Silks and hammock are trending in fitness right now and for a few good reasons. One, the low impact workout is great for most fitness levels. Two, it is also great for anyone who wants a challenge. And three, it focuses on core strength, stability, and upper body strength.

Benefits of aerial silks/hammock:

  1. Increases flexibility

  2. Strengthens muscles

  3. Improves focus

  4. Relieves stress

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Lyra Hoop

Aerial hoop, also known as Lyra, is an aerial fitness exercise all done inside of a hoop that is suspended in the air. While in a class, you’ll frequently lift yourself on the hoop, performing tricks and poses. Lyra classes can allow you to burn 300 to 400 calories per hour. Frequent participation will help improve posture, muscle tone and weight control.

Benefits of Lyra:

  1. Weight management

  1. Increases metabolic rate

  2. Tones and strengthens muscles

  3. Promotes flexibility and balance

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Yoga

Yoga focuses on the body’s natural health and self healing. Yoga is known for its ability to soothe tension and anxiety in the mind and body as well as a person’s exercise capacity.

Researchers at Harvard Health studied a group of participants who had not practiced yoga before. After eight weeks of practicing yoga at least twice a week for a total of 180 minutes, participants had greater muscle strength and endurance, flexibility and cardio-respiratory fitness.

Benefits of yoga:

  1. Increases flexibility

  2. Tones and strengthens muscles

  3. Promotes positive mental health

  4. Improves cardio and circulatory health

If you’re interested in any or all of these fun fitness classes, sign up for Zeal’s Intro To Aerial Arts class to learn the basics of each apparatus. Or check out any of the other specialized classes offered.

Stay tuned to this weekly blog for a series that dives deeper into each aerial rig and explores the physical and mental health benefits at a closer angle.

Green J. Daniel (2016).  Ace-sponsored Research: Can Aerial Yoga Take Your Workouts to Another Level? Retrieved from https://www.acefitness.org/prosourcearticle/5757/ace-sponsored-research-can-aerial-yoga-take

Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Yoga – Benefits Beyond the Mat. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-benefits-beyond-the-mat

Main, S. (2018, June 01). Tried Aerial Yoga? Retrieved from https://draxe.com/aerial-yoga/

The Unexpected Benefits Of Aerial Silks. (2019, February 04). Retrieved from https://healthprep.com/articles/living-healthy/benefits-aerial-silks/


Christina VanDam