Transform Your Fitness Routine with Aerial Workouts
Staying active during the dreary winter months can be challenging. Aerial fitness presents a refreshing alternative that combines acrobatics and dance for a lively, full-body workout. This unique approach can invigorate your exercise regimen and offer a fun escape from the traditional gym routine.
At Fit to Fly LLC in Wilton, you’ll find a variety of aerial equipment, from silks and hammocks to lyra hoops and trapeze bars. This innovative space is designed to foster creativity and movement, stepping far away from the conventional gym experience filled with machines and weights.
While it may seem daunting at first, aerial fitness is accessible to everyone, regardless of prior experience. Jackie Wydra, the founder and instructor, emphasizes that you do not need a background in gymnastics or specialized physical training to start. “All you need is a willingness to move,” she encourages. “I love working with beginners, and our introductory classes are made specifically for those with no prior experience.”
Beginners often begin with “floorials” — foundational movements performed close to the ground. These exercises help participants prepare their bodies for the activity while building confidence. Wydra understands that many newcomers may feel apprehensive about their upper body strength, but the floorial movements allow them to ease into the practice safely.
She notes that the most challenging part is simply stepping through the door. “In our introductory sessions, clients get to try out all major pieces of equipment — silks, lyras, and trapeze.” This exploration helps them discover their preferences for aerial styles.
Throughout the classes, participants learn a range of poses and shapes, progressing from beginner to advanced levels. “It’s just fun,” Wydra states. “It allows you to engage with your body and forget about other distractions.”
Safety is paramount in aerial fitness, and Wydra and her team prioritize creating a secure environment. Safety features include crash pads and adjustable height settings for equipment, tailored to each client’s comfort level. “While it’s a fantastic sport, it does come with inherent risks,” she acknowledges. Wydra advises against attempting aerial exercises at home without supervision, emphasizing the importance of trained instruction to ensure safety.
Her most popular classes cater to intermediate participants, typically running 60 minutes and beginning with a 10- to 20-minute warm-up. The remaining time focuses on skill development and movement sequences, enriching the practice for advanced students. Wydra incorporates various training methods, such as calisthenics, to keep the workouts engaging and functional.
A lifelong fitness enthusiast, Wydra’s background as a gymnast and horseback rider naturally led her to this career path. After transitioning from veterinary work to fitness instruction, she founded Fit to Fly in her community, aiming to foster a love for aerial arts among locals.
Though aerial fitness is her primary focus, Wydra also offers personal training and traditional fitness sessions. “My approach is functional movement; this isn’t a bodybuilding space,” she explains. Alongside aerial fitness, the studio features yoga and aerial yoga classes, ensuring a well-rounded fitness experience for all participants.
If you’re contemplating trying aerial fitness, Wydra encourages you to go for it. “If it scares you and excites you, give it a shot at least once. You may discover a new passion.” With unlimited combinations of movements and sequences to learn, she envisions continuing her aerial practice well into her later years.
