Common Mistakes to Avoid in Aerial Pilates

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Aerial Pilates

Learning from the experiences of others can save you time and frustration.

In this blog, I'll highlight common mistakes that people can often make in Aerial Pilates, along with tips and techniques to overcome them. By avoiding these pitfalls, you'll be able to progress more efficiently and safely.

Beginning an aerial Pilates journey is an exhilarating way to enhance your movement routine, for your own training or for offering something new to your own clients. It combines the graceful art of aerial arts with the precision of the Pilates method.  Working with the powerhouse, and keeping the balance between strength and flexibility.

However, as with any physical discipline, there are common pitfalls that beginners and even seasoned practitioners can encounter.  My names Debbie, I've taught Aerial Pilates for 10 years and as the founder of Air Control Pilates, I'm committed to helping you soar safely and effectively.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid in your aerial Pilates practice - I'd love to hear which are most useful to you!  

Email me your thoughts - [email protected]

1. Overestimating your or your clients abilities 

Aerial Pilates can make you feel invincible as you float and fly through the air. It all looks so easy too!  However, overestimating your abilities and pushing your body too quickly into advanced moves can lead to injuries. Focus on connecting with the basics before progressing to more complex moves will increase your foundation knowledge and build a healthy confidence to stretch further in the long term.

2. Merging into 'Aerial Arts' - Using wraps, drops and tricks

Using the aerial hammock is exciting and it's great to learn a skill that is also empowering and strengthening physically.  Aerial Pilates is middle ground, it's about working with the Pilates method and Aerial arts. Using the fundamentals and really understanding the key 20% that many miss out and by doing this you'll open so many key lightbulb moments.  Then, in understanding yourself you'll in turn support your clients on a deeper level and improve at a smooth and consistent rate.  

Complex moves, involving wraps, drops and tricks are inspiring and it is fun on your journey of learning all things 'Aerial'.   It's also important to recognise that they belong in the 'Aerial arts' training.  Good Aerial teachers have trained and poured their passions and energy into support that journey with you.  As a professional aerialist myself, I love all of the extreme drops, wraps and fun tricks too as much as the emotive self expressive part of Aerial arts.  However, knowing all of this area fully, I understand the clear boundaries that lay between the two.   There's so much room for both and growth in both beautiful areas. I believe it's important to respect and learn about the differences.  

Most professional aerialists would not practise a 'drop' with the Aerial hammock at the typical height set for Aerial Pilates or Aerial Yoga as it's too low and very dangerous at this height.   I know it's done and seen here often on social media, which can become a 'Monkey see, monkey do' situation when there is a lack of professional training and education.  Which is why I'm so passionate about sharing knowledge and key information that will keep people practising safely and enjoy it!  Keeping the good vibes soaring! 

Aerial Pilates is a journey, not a race.  It makes it a beautiful one when we remind ourselves of that.

3. Forgetting the importance of breath

Breathing is a fundamental aspect of Pilates, and it's no different in it's aerial form.  Breath is the glue and the connection within the body, it's so key to bring it all together. It keeps us in flow state  especially in aerial Pilates.  This is a key part to my Aerial Pilates teacher training learning and syllabus. 

4. Ignoring the Importance of Rest

Rest and recovery are powerful components of any fitness plan. Aerial Pilates is physically demanding, and without adequate rest, your muscles won't have the chance to recover and grow stronger. Listen to your body and ensure you're giving it the rest it needs to thrive.

5. Not Seeking Professional Guidance

Lastly, while it's tempting to begin on this journey alone, professional guidance is invaluable. A qualified instructor and teacher training can provide personalised feedback, ensure you're performing exercises correctly, and help you avoid these common mistakes.

With Air Control Pilates, I'm passionate about providing a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for our community.

Avoiding these common mistakes will help you enjoy a more effective, enjoyable, and injury-free Aerial Pilates experience. Remember, every 'expert' was once a beginner.  Please note: this does NOT cover key information about setting up your studio and hammock safely which is the most important part before touching the hammocks.  If you're not sure about your set up or studio now or how to do it in the future, please contact me for more information. 

Embrace the process, and let's soar together.

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I hope this blog post resonates and helps you navigate your aerial Pilates journey with confidence and safety.

If you'd like to learn more about my teacher training offerings get in touch! 

Air Hugs

Debbie