Open Aerial/Pole Guide
Maximizing Your Open Studio Time: Tips and Ideas for Aerial Arts and Pole Students
Are you eager to make the most of your open studio time at our studio? Open studio sessions are a fantastic opportunity for students to refine their skills, experiment with new moves, and have fun while doing so. In this blog post, we'll provide you with valuable tips on how to use your open studio time effectively, including warm-up routines and ideas for when you're not sure what to work on.
To clarify, at the studio we have Open Pole, which is a time for students to practice pole in the pole studio and Open Aerial, which aerial students can practice lyra/silks or both in the aerial studio. For the purpose of the blog we’ll collectively call them Open Studio.
1. Warm-Up!
Before you dive into your open studio session, it's essential to prioritize a proper warm-up. Warming up not only prevents injuries but also enhances your performance. Have you ever felt super crunchy after a training session or needed days to recover? It may be possible you didn’t warm up enough! Here are some warm-up exercises tailored to aerial arts and pole:
a. Full-Body Warm-Up: Begin with 5-10 minutes of light cardio like jumping jacks or jogging in place. This gets your heart rate up and your blood flowing to your muscles.
b. Joint Mobility: Perform gentle joint rotations for your shoulders, wrists, hips, and ankles. This increases range of motion and reduces the risk of strains.
c. Stretching: Stretch your major muscle groups, paying special attention to the ones you'll be using during your session. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds.
d. Aerial/Pole-Specific Warm-Up: Use an apparatus of your choice: Pole, Lyra, or Silks, and start with a few basic moves, like pole ups/knee ups and spins, or shoulder shrugs/knee tucks to get your body accustomed to the apparatus. Remember: Hollow Body!! and also remember: USE A MAT. For pole in particular, always always use a mat if you plan on doing anything that puts you in a hips over head position (unless it is a headstand against the pole on the floor).
2. Goal Setting
If you're not sure where to start during your open studio time, set some goals for the session. Goals can provide structure and motivation. Consider what you'd like to achieve, whether it's perfecting a specific trick, working on a routine, or conquering a fear. Having clear objectives will keep you on track. Having an aerial or pole journal can be helpful to keep track of skills you learn + ideas for what you want to work on in open studio.
3. Review and Refine
Take this time to revisit the basics and perfect the fundamentals. Mastering the foundations of aerial arts and pole is crucial for your overall progress. Even experienced students benefit from refining their technique.
4. Seek Feedback
Don't hesitate to ask for feedback from instructors or fellow students during open studio time. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and get a fresh perspective on your work. Just be careful to not ask students to teach you new things. Open studio is a time to review and piece together skills you’ve learned in class, but not a time to try new skills.
5. Practice Conditioning
Aerial arts and pole require strength and endurance. Use your open studio time to incorporate conditioning exercises into your practice. Strengthening exercises can enhance your performance and prevent injury. Think of conditioning exercises as cute little vitamin gummies that will make you strong and invincible. Do both sides! Maybe the dork side like two more times.
6. Record Yourself
Recording your practice sessions is an invaluable tool. It allows you to assess your technique, track your progress, and identify areas for improvement. Plus, it's a fun way to document your journey. Aerial/Pole Instagrams are a fun way to keep track of your movement journey. Tag us so we can feature you! @fmaerial for aerial and @fmaerial_pole for pole
7. Have Fun and Be Patient
Remember that open studio time is about having fun and enjoying the journey. Progress may not always be linear, and it's essential to stay patient with yourself. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
In conclusion, open studio time at our aerial arts and pole studio offers a unique opportunity for students to grow and evolve. By following these warm-up tips, setting goals, refining your skills, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can make the most of your practice sessions. Embrace the journey, and you'll see your skills soar to new heights!
We can't wait to see you at the studio, ready to take full advantage of your open studio time. Let's aim high and achieve great things together!
At FM Aerial & Movement Arts, Open Aerial and Open Pole are included in our Powerhouse Memberships, or are $10 to sign up. We require students to have at least two months of apparatus experience and be a current student or to ask for studio approval at hello@fmaerial.com