Beginner Aerial Sling: 5 Real-World Tips for Fearless, Joyful Flight at Home
Ever looked at your aerial sling and thought, “Can I really do this?” If so, you’re in the right place. Every aerialist—yes, even the ones doing jaw-dropping drops—started exactly where you are: a little nervous, a lot curious, and maybe wondering if their body belonged in the air. Spoiler: it absolutely does.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me when I was a beginner (and still need to hear sometimes!). These five tips are about more than safety—they’re about finding joy, confidence, and community in your practice.
1. Claim Your Space, Claim Your Power
Your space doesn’t have to be fancy. Whether it’s a spare room, garage, or backyard, make it yours. Hang up a mantra, put a mirror beside your sling, and play that song that makes you feel unstoppable. This is your sanctuary—where you get to be brave, messy, and 100% yourself.
2. Warm Up Like You Mean It (But Don’t Stress)
Forget forcing splits. Try rolling your shoulders, wiggling your toes, and taking deep breaths. My Activation Method is about prepping your body for flight—no contortion required. A few minutes of movement and you’ll feel more confident (and less likely to pull something!). This is a great time to use the fabric to stretch and get a great core workout in. If you need ideas go to my Free Access right now.
3. Progress = Courage, Not Perfection
Did you miss that first attempt at a thigh lock or circus seat? Did you feel like your abs were failing you? Or that your grip was giving out? Welcome to the club! I came to aerial as an athlete, and yet my first few tries felt impossible. Every “so called failed attempt” is proof you’re trying and it means you’re getting stronger. Celebrate the little wins: a new pose, legs a little lower in that core hold, a moment of feeling weightless. Snap a pic, jot it down, or just do a happy dance. Tag me on my instagram @aerialfoundations and I’ll celebrate every little step.
4. Rest Is a Superpower
If you need a break, take it. Hydrate, stretch, or watch a tutorial. Your body is your best teacher. Sometimes the most epic progress happens on rest days—when your muscles recover and your confidence grows.
5. Share the Journey—Wobbles and All
Share a practice video, drop a comment below, or DM me your questions—this space is for you. And remember, what you see on Instagram is just a tiny slice of the aerial world. Most of what’s out there doesn’t show the first wobbly attempts or the real beginnings. The truth? Aerial is full of real people, real progress, and plenty of hilarious “oops” moments. When you share your journey, you give someone else the courage to start theirs.
Remember your grip will get stronger. Your core will get tougher. That move you think is impossible right now? One day, it’ll be your warm-up, and you’ll wonder why it ever felt so hard. I always encourage my advanced students to talk about the moves that once seemed out of reach—because we all start somewhere. Don’t quit. I’m here, cheering you on every step of the way. You’re never alone in this journey.