Articles on Aerial Fitness written by Our Teachers and Owner, Zina DiTonno.
Bob's flying through the air! He went to get a workout at Aerial Fun & Fitness, where he learned some moves from bungee fitness, aerial yoga, and circus arts!
By Bob Kelly
Posted June 13, 2024 10:14pm EDT
Our NEW Teacher Spotlight BIO
Gwen is one of our newest teachers and is one of our higher level lyra, hammock and sling students.
Hi, my name is Gwen Snavely, and I'm excited to start teaching! I've been a performer since I was 3, with a long history of performing arts from classical dance (ballet, tap, jazz), to color guard, to musical theater, to pole dancing, and now aerials. I've coached/choreographed for color guard at the collegiate level and competed at world championships at the "A" level for 5 years. I have a strong understanding of movement foundations and a passion for movement and dance as a form of self expression and creativity. Come hang out!
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?
Chest - less efficient and we want to get the breath lower into the belly
Belly - this is what we want - now can you breathe into the lower belly?
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:
Core Corset/Cylinder: learn to control it all the way around
Hips and Core: in process
Shoulders and Core: coming Fall 2024
SHOWCASE SIGN UP IS HERE
Here is the form to fill out to JOIN our AMAZING students to show off all the work you have been doing.
This is the initial form to gauge interest and how many pieces we will need to choreograph. Yes we will also be featuring tweens, and our remote teachers and/or students that consider us their 2nd aerial home when they are in town.
https://forms.gle/noFA8PGTiJWK3Z1B9
Add your name to the list if you are interested in being a part of our showcase this year. We can’t wait to see who wants to join us this year. This year we will be able to record our dress rehearsal night and perform live for our friends and family.
Dates Sept 10 - thru Nov 11
We will send out an email toward the end of the month with the details and casting information. You will be required to attend at least 8 practices and Dress rehearsal(s).
If you already know you are joining - you can register here - and still use the form above to send us the details.
Registration Fee of $30.00 placeholder on FITLI is Sep 3rd. This is to help cover setup, extra cleaning, choreography time, etc…
Live in Person - 8:00 am - is the placeholder for sign up
https://app.fitli.com/business/aerial-fun-fitness/schedule#session-2554921
Remote Performance - 9:15am is the placeholder for this group
https://app.fitli.com/business/aerial-fun-fitness/schedule#session-2554922
* There may be a small additional video fee, but we try to keep that cost down for everyone.
Georgia Cox
Student of the Month!
Oct / Nov 2022
When did you start at the studio? I started at the Aerial Fun & Fitness Studio a couple months after Christmas 2021. I was 9 years old.
Why did you start? The reason why I started aerial hammock was because I thought it would be a great way to challenge myself.
What made you come back and stick with it? The reason why I suck with aerial hammock was because Zina was very nice and it was fun learning something new.
What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? That if they stick with aerial hammock they will get higher and higher in skills and get more and more flexible along the way.
What have been some of your challenges?
Some of my challenges have been trying to do some really hard poses and remembering to breathe.
What apparatuses do you train on at the studio?
My favorite and the one apparatuses I train in the studio is aerial hammock/sling, but I have tried lyra and silks.
Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
My favorite poses on aerial hammock are the ladder climbs and mermaid because they are both fun and challenging poses.
One word that defines you?
Bendy.
What path would you like aerial to take for you?
I would like aerial hammock to take me on a path that would get me to do my first showcase beautifully.
GC bye bye.
Oct / Nov 2022
Amanda is an Intro/Level 1 teacher here at Aerial Fun and Fitness.
The reason she made the decision to become an instructor is because she wants to share the joy she feels while she is at the studio with others. She is a big proponent of "fitness is for everyone" and would like to share that sentiment with the students she has the privilege to teach!
She has been practicing aerial fitness for the better part of three years! She began her aerial fitness journey after moving to the Wilmington, DE area in 2020. She was looking for something to do in her free time that was active and fun. After she took her first class, she was hooked! The instructor was positive and encouraging, and the environment was uplifting and non-judgmental. After about 2 years, Amanda decided to take the plunge and get certified to teach!
Outside of teaching aerial, Amanda is a 4th grade teacher at a local charter school. She enjoys reading, going to concerts, and cooking! Amanda wants everyone to know that this is an accessible fitness activity for pretty much everyone and would love you to come fly with her sometime!
Abby Myhre
Student of the Month!
August / September 2022
When did you start at the studio? 4 years ago
Why did you start? Was looking for a fun way to get exercise
What made you come back and stick with it? Aerial fitness was more fun that I could have imagined and the classes are never the same so i don’t get bored. Although classes were challenging I could see and feel improvement after just a few classes.
What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? Aerial fitness is the most fun you will have while getting strongWhat have been some of your challenges?
Remembering to what side i did first. Remembering to breathe and engage my core.
What apparatuses do you train on at the studio?
Lyra and hammock/sling
Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
Delilah in hoop because it’s very bending and graceful feeling! Cross back straddle in hammock just because it’s fun!
One word that defines you?
Strong (mind and body)
What path would you like aerial to take for you?
Aerial has helped me improve pain and discomfort associated with hypermobility and other joint issues. I hope to keep improving strength while improving my stability/flexibility. I would like to continue improving on current skills and learning new one and as always just have fun!
June / July 2022
FROM A TEACHER PERSPECTIVE
When did you start at the studio?:
I started at the studio back in 2018
Why did you start?:
I started because my gymnastics team took a class at Zina’s studio and I fell in love with aerial.
What made you come back and stick with it?:
I came back because I wanted to start teaching at Zina’s studio.
What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness?:
I would tell them to just relax and allow to have themselves to have a wonderful time! I would let them know that no one is there to judge you, so have loads of fun! Also, I would tell them to not be afraid to ask for help or to ask the instructor to re-explain a question they do not know. Lastly, I would tell them that as an Instructor that I am there to make this experience amazing for them!
What have been some of your challenges?:
One of my challenges was slowing down to learn the intro/level one tricks I have trained on single silks, hammock, Lyra, sling, and bungee I can’t pick a favorite I love them all! Fun!
What apparatuses do you train on in the studio?
I have trained on single silks, hammock, Lyra, sling, and bungee.
Your favorite pose(s) and why do you like it?:
I can’t pick a favorite I love them all!
One word that defines you?:
Fun
What path would you like aerial to take for you?:
I want to keep teaching and help people find something that works for them that they love doing and can be proud of!
June/July 2022
Zina's Aerialosophy
(get it aerial + philosophy)
March/April 2022
Time to set up RIG's to fly outdoors.
Did you inspect it? Did you check the textiles (fabric or any of your nylon or polyester parts) for abrasions, rubs, and nicks? Do you have crash mats? Do you have a spotter or someone around? Remember safe training - only do things you are confident in. When trying new things make sure to have a spotter or coach. You can get STUCK, TWISTED, or LEFT HANGING (pardon the pun). If you have any questions please reach out and I will be glad to assist you.
Exciting Teacher Training news - Look for 2 amazing students who have there own story and journey of Aerial here with us. Stay Tuned for Apprentice teacher classes coming in May. They will need help getting there apprenticeship so tell all your new friends who want to try some aerial.
Congratulations to JoAnne Stout for completing and maintaining all her Aerial certifications and extra training and mentor hours for her new studio Uplift Aerial Arts. Her studio is now an APPROVED LOCATION under our Aerial Technique tm program, which means she upholds and follows our safety and program guidelines. So glad you still in our Aerial Family.
You do you, each day!
I celebrate you! Zina
March/April 2022
Getting Started and Determination - From CEO to Aerial Aficionado
I am not what you would expect as an aerial fitness instructor. I’m not a gymnast, triathlon person or lifelong athlete. I’m not 20 something with the flexibility of someone whom you would think has no bones and joints in their body. I have spent 30 years in Corporate America mostly with Fortune 50 companies. There was no mountain too high and steep that didn’t capture my attention, excitement and perseverance. During those years I have run companies, product development, manufacturing and technology. As a leader my values always drove me to do what is in the best interest of the company and the people; treat everyone with fairness and respect, and value everyone’s contribution.
A few years back I left when my husbands’ health started to decline. I “bumped into” aerial fitness at my ballroom dancing studio. I was instantly captivated. I was not a natural when I started , but in a few short years you wouldn’t have predicted how far I’ve come.
You be the judge !
My dream is to reach out to all of those folks who for whatever reason may not have been as active as they would want or need to be. I offer a supportive attitude, patience and fun in order to get started again.
As little as 2 hours a week of some physical activity, does wonders for peoples’ physical, mental, emotional and psychological health. I would treasure the opportunity to meet and help each and every one of you .
No matter what you current fitness level is or is not or how old you are; if I can do it anybody can do. I hope you will come meet us and join me for a class; to see just how much fun it is. Though I cover and fill in for classes, my specialty is Aerial Thai and Low Hammock.
Have a wonderful day, Janice
Student of the Month
Rachael Brunner-Henry
March/April 2022
Showing our new Double Hammock classes we are adding in .
When did you start at the studio?:
October 2021.
Why did you start?:
I was in the process of trying out a lot of different exercise classes and thought aerial hammock sounded fun.
What made you come back and stick with it?:
I was so amazed at what my body could do in the first class, and how supportive the teachers, and students were. I was hooked!
What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness?:
Just do it! Trust the instructors, ask questions, and have fun!
What have been some of your challenges?:
I can get frustrated when a move doesn’t come easy to me. I can get pretty fixated on trying to master a move.
What apparatuses do you train on in the studio?
Hammock, bungee, and I have recently started dabbling with Lyra.
Your favorite pose(s) and why do you like it?:
I really like the climbing Horse. It’s a love/hate relationship haha. I love how powerful I feel when I climb up to horse, and learning different moves from horse has really made it one of my favorites.
One word that defines you?:
Relentless
What path would you like aerial to take for you?:
I don’t have a set path for aerial but whatever path it is, I am happy to go down it. As long as it’s fun and challenging, I’m in!
Student of the Month - Bria Gracia - Feb 2022
When did you start at the studio?
I started the summer of 2020.
Why did you start?
I just moved to Delaware for school,and wanted to find a yoga studio. I had a lot of experience with Vinyasa yoga,and figured I would give aerial a try! (And I've always wanted to be in the circus since I was a kid - this was the closest thing).
What made you come back and stick with it?
Yoga in the air is wayyyy different than yoga on the ground, and I loved that I was able to move my body in new ways. Plus, everyone was so supportive and friendly!
What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness?
1) Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. 2) Move at your own pace. 3) Have fun with it.
What have been some of your challenges?
Getting comfortable with poses that involve standing in the hammock. I don't have a fear of heights, but this took some getting used to.
What apparatuses do you train on in the studio?
Silk hammock for the most part! I also love bungee fitness and attend those classes when I can.
Your favorite pose(s) and why do you like it?
Back walk overs! It's definitely a move that keeps me humble lol. It took a little while to learn but after sticking with it it's one of my favorites! Even after nailing it, the pose still requires me to be mindful of things like: hand placement, engaging the right muscles, and overall body control. I apply this thinking to other poses and flows as well.
One word that defines you?
Determined.
What path would you like aerial to take for you?
To allow me to continue to get stronger, push boundaries with my fitness, and love moving my body!
Zina's Aerialosophy
(get it aerial + philosophy)
Feb 2022
So excited to announce 3 big items:
1. Look for our NEW videos we are starting this month for tips and tricks about aerial fitness.
2. Our teacher training program is getting a face lift. After 8 yrs of training and coaching new teachers - we are rebranding with Aerial Technique TM. We have come a long ways in 8 years and offer Hammock levels 1 - 3, Bungee, Lyra, and NEW this year Double Hammock and Cardio drumming coming this summer. We cover aerial fitness to aerial arts. Add your style. Also starting our Approved location certificate. This means that a location has gone above and beyond teacher training to learn more about rigging, training, systems to be an approved location under Aerial Technique TM which is part of our Aerial Fun & Fitness TM family.
3. Get ready for our 10 years celebration coming soon. We made it thru a lot and thanks to you we are still thriving and growing our community.
You do you, each day!
I celebrate you! Zina
Feb 2022
Consistency
I’m sure everyone has heard one or more instructor say that the “pinchiness” will get less uncomfortable over time, or that your hands won’t be as sore over time, or that you will be able to remember the names of the poses over time. We say this, not only because we want to see your smiling faces each week, but also because it is true. Consistently coming to class will help minimize these concerns. Below I offer a few examples of how consistency will help you progress through your aerial journey.
Grip Strength
When you first start training on an apparatus, you may find that your hands and forearms become sore very quickly. This may be due to a lack of grip strength. The muscles of the hand, wrist, and forearm are small and somewhat delicate and are often overlooked during strength and mobility training. As grip strength is very important with all aerial activities, it’s important to strengthen these smaller muscles that tire quickly. Developing your grip strength will also help us to avoid injuries, and from a safety aspect, allows us to have the strength necessary to hold and exit poses safely. Grip strength will help you to actively hold your weight, invert, and be confident with your hands while moving through poses. When your main focus is not wondering if you can hold on to the bar or fabric, you can focus on proper form and mechanics. Grip strength develops over time with experience and practice, so consistency is key!
Muscle Memory
Anytime I’m driving down the highway towards Newark, I find I turn into the studio shopping center, even when that’s not where I’m intending to go. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to turn around and hope to get my step-son to the bus stop in time. I’ve driven to the studio so often that it’s like I’m on auto-pilot. I’m sure most people are familiar with the phrase, “It’s just like riding a bike”, meaning once you’ve learned it, you’ll always remember how to do it. These are both loose examples of muscle memory. A more formal definition is that when a motion is repeated over time, a long-term muscle memory is created for that task, eventually allowing it to be performed with little to no conscious effort. Repetition can be achieved by consistently coming to class!
Memorizing Pose Names
What I hear the most from students is that they find it challenging to remember all the names of the poses. We end up playing numerous games of charades trying to figure out what pose they are referring to at that time. You have probably also noticed that many of our pose names are unique to our studio. One of my funniest stories involves our “Cat Stuck in the Tree” pose. That pose is one of our student’s superpowers. So much so, that in one of my classes, we have changed the pose name to “Pat Stuck in the Tree”. A newer student came back to class, and said she tried to google “Pat Stuck in the Tree”, so she could practice it at home, and she said she didn’t have any success finding that pose. We all continue to laugh at that! I use numerous fun ways to try and help. The one I use most frequently is flash cards. Once every couple of months, each student randomly selects flash cards that have a name and level of a pose. We then take turns turning over the cards and all doing the pose. Another method I have used is having a “warm up” flow that we do at the start of each class for a month or so. I’ve seen other instructors dedicate a class to poses that are similar, such as “bats and butterflies”. While all these methods should help you memorize the pose names, the best method is to consistently come to class!
To stay consistent with the theme of my article, SEE YOU IN CLASS soon!
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?
Zina's Aerialosophy (get it aerial + philosophy)
January 2021 is here.
We will THRIVE not just survive. Thriving is a choice. Yes, this is a deliberate mental choice to shift your thinking. Your challenge this month is to change your mental state. Every day write down 3 things you are grateful for or thankful for. Gratitude is one way to thrive.
One one my entries this month was being thankful we are open for business to create a safe space, thankful we are all united in something to challenge us physically, mentally and some days emotionally, thankful for all of my great teachers, thankful for all of our students, and ALL of you who make this studio such a great place. In fact as I listen and watch sometimes, this is a dream come true. We have a true blessing to be together and cheer each other on.
Love, Monkeys and SeaHorses,
Zina
Zina's Aerial Philosphy Corner - Feburary 2021
You may have seen our studio sign "We train and coach for your long term success, not instant gratification." So you might wonder what that all means... Cliff notes: We, the teachers will train you for skills when you have mastered the progressions. For example: if you are doing a knee hang climb and your shoulders are still riding up to your ears (you have squashed grapefriut between you ear and shoulder and have hypothical juice dripping down), you will need to have stable shoulders to invert hanging by your arms (think double wrist wrap candle stick / pencil). A couple of questions to ask yourself when you climb... Is my core active (core is front, sides and back body)? Where do I feel the climb? Do my shoulders forget when I learn a new skill? Am I breathing? These will help you tune into your mind body connection to create those beautiful strong shoulders. You got this.
Teacher Tidbits Corner - Feb 2021
Technique Tips from Kelsey
Pointing Your Toes:
What exactly does it mean to "point your toes"? Pointing your toes continues the line of your leg and allows shapes to appear more graceful and aesthetically pleasing.
Here are different tips to point your toes:
Think about lengthening over the top of your foot.
Don't crunch your toes under your foot.
Keep your toes in line with your ankles.
Practice pointing your toes for a short amount of time, and then work towards increasing the length of time to avoid cramps.
Zina DiTonno, Aerial Fun and Fitness / Zina's Organics and Wellness. Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved.