Core for More - Zina's Aerialosophy

Zina's Aerialosophy
(get it - aerial +philosophy)

Core for More
Sounds funny, right? But seriously - the better you can learn to use your breathing and core, the more efficiently you can transfer forces and learn flows, tricks, and fun stuff. We are not stable in the air, so we need to create that from … yes, our core and where we are attached to an apparatus.

Learning how to stabilize the sides of our core to create that full cylinder all the way around.

What does that look like?
Try this: place your hands on your belly and on your chest - take a deep breath - which moves first?

1. Chest - less efficient and we want to get the breath lower into the belly

2. Belly - this is what we want - now can you breathe into the lower belly?

3. Other - reach out and I would be happy to give you some pointers.

Remember, make sure the exhale is a little longer than the inhale to help with feeling of lightheadedness, unless you really like that! 😂

Let’s breath better, (for) better core function, (to) function better in the air, (making) aerial skills easier, wink. (see what i did there? ha)

I also wrote a core challenge for our NEW APP and am working on 3 more courses to learn how to take your aerial skills to the next level. If you like to learn and can spend about 5 minutes 3 days a week on your own, reach out and we will get you the details on HOW to do this.

Can you say, Game Changer? Think you have a strong core? I bet you can find some challenges here that are aerial specfic  since most gyms are not flying through the air like you are.

Current courses: 

1. Core Corset/Cylinder: learn to control it all the way around

2. Hips and Core: in process

3. Shoulders and Core: coming Fall 2024

Engage your core?

Teacher Tidbits Corner - January 2021

Technique Tips from Kelsey

“What does it mean when your teacher tells you to “engage your core?!” Your core is your foundation for all other movements. When you are able to consistently engage your core muscles, all of your upper and lower body movements will be more controlled.

Here are different tips to engage your core:
• Bring your bellybutton to your spine
• Tuck your tailbone slightly
• Brace as though someone is about to punch you in the stomach
• Keep your ribcage closed
• Don’t hold your breath

What tip makes the most sense to you and your body?

To Flail or Not to Flail

** Teacher Tidbits Corner - Karly Keenan - October 2021
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Do you ever find yourself spinning/flailing in the silk and wonder, geez how do other people not?  First of all, spinning is not a bad thing! And when it's intentional, it's fun!  But I have a tip, that will not only help your control, but also build strength and look amazing.  The tip; keep your core strong.  Keeping your core strong means abs + back.
* Engage.
* Maintain Alignment.
* Notice your posture.
* Think tall spine.
* Feel strong throughout the movement.

These cues may not work for all poses and flows, but I guarantee that if you keep them in mind, you will notice less hammock flailing.

Breathe and Cubed Core

Zina's Aerialosophy _ (get it aerial + philosophy)__

DECEMBER 2021

It's our holiday month… we have so much to do, so many places to be, including on our apparatus. First I'd like to take a moment and thank you for being a part of our studio family!  I'm so thankful for the teachers using their God given talents and gifts,  for the students who create this amazing community,  and for my husband of excellence who makes it possible for me to live my passion and help people with movement and aerial everyday.

This is a season to stop and take a breath!   Deep breathing is so important for relaxation response for the nervous system,  brain health, and movement quality.  It helps us process mentally better, it helps us move better, it helps us rest, digest and repair better.  I've learned so much this past year on breathing from Dr. Arianne Missimer that I have to pass it on. 

You have also heard me talk about the core as a cube.  There's a great 3D animation on anatomy and I love this word picture -   the core as a cube - meaning it has a front and back, two sides, and a top and a bottom.  The top and the bottom are especially important when it comes to breathing. For a couple examples:  if we only activate the top (super tense and not relaxed) and not the bottom,  we can have core compensations.   If we only activate the front and not the back we can't support the spine as well, and if we don't know how to activate the sides  we lack breathing options and mobility. 

So for this holiday season stop and take a breath whether it's before you eat, whether it is before class, whether it's before you're frustrated on a shape or flow you are trying to get,  stop and take a breath!

Sometimes when we're feeling anxious (for whatever reason), stop and take a moment,  breathe.  Stopping to take a breath can help you decide the next course of action in a better frame of mind.   You've got this!

 P.s.  Be on the look for our Aerial Fun Christmas card coming out called “The Shapes of Christmas”.