Day 33 ! Aerial Silks

I am on a high! And that’s not just an intended pun because only a short while earlier I was literally, high up, but we (my imaginary silks and I) are at happy endorphin central station at the moment. And as Simon, Alesha, Amanda and David are so fond of saying “Now, this is what this show’s all about.”

Different? Check.

Fun? Check check.

Fitness? You betcha.

Looks Impressive? (Looking at the more experienced aerialists) Hell, yeah.

I do not know why aerial fitness is not infinitely more popular and widespread. (Actually, it may be to do with fairly strict studio requirements which might be tricky to find in London - high ceilings, structural beams to hang the equipment from, open space). Anyhow, the space in Battersea for the Flying Fantastic (gotta love that name) class was perfect...the only issue was that it was mildly inconvenient to get to. Thanks to TFL’s extension of the overgound, getting to Clapham Junction is easier (albeit slow), which is then a 25min (or bus) walk from the studio. From the actual overground train to Battersea Park or Road, I hear it’s 15mins but mentally I have an issue with traveling in London using methods that don’t accept oyster card. I don’t want to harp on about the location but the main point to stress is that you should absolutely not be put off by the location of the class. It. is. worth. the. effort. And there happened to be a very friendly post class pub trip after so you can just make an evening of it (I, regretfully, had dinner to dash to after but given the people in the class were lovely, it’s safe to assume that the pub trip was lovely too).

If you’re not sure what aerial silks is yet (understandably), it’s two long lengths of silk suspended from the high ceiling which you use to climb, invert, wrap and do all sorts of tricks on. Think Chinese State Circus (or Cirque du Soleil, which is probably better known!) stylee. Just marginally less graceful, if it’s the first class.

But even for the first class, a lot was taught! We learnt a way to climb the silks (much harder than the lovely Instructor Kate made it look), an inverted pike position (which was very similar to a pole dancing move I had learnt before), a foothold which gave way to a few different photo-op positions and finally a climb incorporating the inverted pike from earlier. And if that doesn’t sound like a lot, it’s worth mentioning that the warm-up itself was a mini fitness class of its own – with some planking and pushups, it was no breeze but as it finished with some teddy bear rolls (which reminded me of school gym class ahh...), you had a chance to catch your breath before the main part started.

Pictures show this class best so have a look below for first class moves (with my silk sharers for the day, Phoebe, Lisa and Beth) and have a look at the Flying Fantastic website for what is possible!

All in all, it was very refreshing to try something different. You won’t feel like it’s an intensive body workout at first, as you’re learning skills and being taught step-by-step moves, but don’t be fooled – it is easily a total body workout. You will be engaging muscles from all over and constantly using or lifting your own body weight. If anything, Instructor Kate’s abs stand testament to how much a great workout aerial silks is!

Will you Fly? The 90 minutes were certainly fly by. (wink).

Will it be Fantastic? Absolutely!

The Need To Know:

- Where: (http://www.flyingfantastic.co.uk) The Wilditch Centre, Battersea (another gym in Farringdon).

- Nearest Station: Clapham Junction (25mins) or Battersea Park / Queenstown Road rail stations (15mins)

- When: Mon 19.40, Tues 18.30/19.40, Thurs 118.30-19.40 for Aerial Silks

- How Much: £20 for single class else packages available

- Special Note:

  

The Want to Know:

- Who’s it For: For those who fancy something different, challenging and fun (and don’t have vertigo)

- Sweat Scale: 6/10.  

- Strength / Cardio / Flexi / Tone: Strength and toning all the way.

- Complexity: 8/10

- Fun Factor: 8/10

- Changing Facilities: Toilets where you can change. No showers I think.

- Instructor Inspiration: 8/10. Abs to challenge the other Kate from Glee.

The Stats:

- Total Time: 75mins

- Calories Burnt: 188. Less of a cardio-blast, more in the toning camp.

- Average Heart Rate: 106

- Max Heart Rate: 165 

The Pike!

Smile! It doesn't Hurt!

Phoebe's Pose

Beth in the Arch

Lisa a.k.a. Tarzan's Jane

"Say what? Grab the silks above my legs?"

And again..

Heave!

Look at me, I'm so hiiigh!

Thank you Instructor Kate!