Aerial Hoop (Lyra)
A steel ring suspended in the air. Learn to spin and move through elegant shapes, and build real strength while you're at it.
Aerial hoop (lyra)
Aerial hoop — also called lyra — is a circular steel ring suspended in the air. You'll learn to sit, spin, and move through elegant poses inside and around the hoop. It's a fantastic way to build upper body and core strength while creating beautiful shapes.
What you'll learn
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How to mount and sit in the hoop safely
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Poses, balances, and transitions
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Spins and dynamic movements
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Sequences that flow together
WHO IT'S FOR
Aerial hoop is for anyone drawn to strength and shape
Aerial hoop is perfect for anyone who loves the idea of striking shapes in the air with a bit more structure to hold onto. Many beginners find hoop slightly easier to start with than silks, though both are accessible to complete newcomers.
If you love the idea of making beautiful shapes in the air with something solid to hold onto, this is your discipline.
Complete beginners, All bodies, Adults of all ages, Returning movers, Fitness seekers, Creatives
FREQUENT
Questions
Do I need experience to start aerial hoop?
No experience needed. Our classes are designed to be accessible to complete beginners, and we welcome all bodies and all levels. Many students find hoop a straightforward starting point because the ring gives you something solid to hold and sit in while you build confidence.
What's the difference between aerial hoop and lyra?
They're the same thing. Aerial hoop and lyra are two names for the same discipline — a circular steel ring suspended from the ceiling. 'Lyra' is the Italian term commonly used in circus and performance contexts; 'aerial hoop' is the more common English description. You'll hear both at the studio.
Is aerial hoop good for building strength?
Yes — it's one of the most effective ways to build upper body and core strength while actually enjoying the process. You'll notice progress in grip strength, shoulder stability, and core control within a few weeks of regular training.
What should I wear to an aerial hoop class?
Fitted clothing that covers your legs is recommended — leggings and a fitted top work well. Bare skin can catch on the hoop, so full leg coverage helps considerably. You won't need shoes; bare feet or grip socks are fine.
How does aerial hoop compare to aerial silks for beginners?
Both are accessible to complete beginners. Many people find hoop slightly more approachable to start with — the rigid structure gives you clear contact points and a stable base to build from. Silks require you to create your own structure using fabric, which is a different challenge. It really comes down to which one appeals to you more. Read about aerial silks
More questions?
We have a dedicated FAQ page that will answer most of the questions we hear from beginners.