We got a chance to chat with aerial instructor, Summer Lacy, (who just finished auditioning for Cirque De Soleil!) about why she is obsessed with the aerial arts. She spoke about how participating in the aerial arts can make everyone a happier and stronger person no matter their age. Continue reading for more information!
We as circus performers are terrible at acting our age. We run around, climb all over stuff, do cartwheels, and generally act like rambunctious third graders. What makes this even more outrageous is that most of us are five to fifteen years older than we look!
Now, I’m not saying that aerial acrobatics is the fountain of youth (I already said that in the headline), but what looks like a fun time on the monkey bars, is the result of an intense regimen that incorporates strength training, balance, flexibility and core conditioning. Everything you need to strengthen, tone and shape your body in one super fun package.
The connections between exercise and health are documented endlessly. In a 1988 study by the National Institute of Health, men between the ages of 60 and 72 were able to increase muscle strength and size with simple strength conditioning. (Great minds think alike!). The AARP even calls exercise the “fountain of youth”. And lastly, in the video below, NINETY-SEVEN year old Konrad Thuranos does TWO-FINGER pull ups! I’m never complaining about feeling old again! Talk about NOT acting your age!
I strongly believe that the key to health, longevity, vitality, and ultimately happiness is fitness, and the key to fitness is exercise. Whether you want to look great for beach weather, or just spend a few more minutes chasing the kids (or grandkids!) around, the impact of exercise cannot be overstated.
The key to a lasting exercise regimen is fun! Strength training stops being boring when it’s part of a fun new performance you’re putting together, sound-tracked by your favorite song. Flexibility training is more successful with a group of friends laughing, sharing and improving together. Some students come to their first class with a background in gymnastics and dance, others are unable to do a single pull-up. It’s all good. Starting with the basics, literally ANYONE with patience, perseverance and a good teacher can start down the path toward aerial performance. And even those who never perform for an audience can start reaping the benefits of lower disease risk, strengthened immunity, faster injury recovery and improved cognitive functioning! Oh, and you’ll look hotter and have more energy too, but I’m sure you don’t care about that.
So, if jogging seems like a chore and the bench-press looks more like a torture device than a fitness tool, aerial acrobatics may be the alternative you’re looking for. So come join the fun and dip a toe in the fountain of youth. It’s time to stop acting your age! My students always leave class sore, smiling, and stronger!
