Your first aerial class: everything you need to know

Thinking about your first aerial class? Here's everything you need to feel ready, from what to wear to what actually happens in the room. No experience required.

First, the mindset

You're braver than you think

If you've ever looked up at someone climbing a silk or spinning in a hoop and thought "I could never do that," this guide is for you. Here's the honest truth: almost everyone in our beginner classes thought the exact same thing before their first session. A few weeks later they were climbing, spinning, and surprising themselves.

You don't need a background in dance, gymnastics, or fitness. You just need to show up curious. We'll teach you the rest from the ground up.

The one myth to let go of

"I'm not strong or flexible enough." This is the number one thing beginners tell us, and it's the number one thing that isn't true. You don't arrive strong and flexible. You build both by coming to class. The first sessions are designed for bodies that have never done this before, in small groups, so nobody gets left behind and you move at your own pace.

Aerial is for all ages, all bodies, and all starting points.

Before your first class

What to wear

• Leggings or shorts that cover the backs of your knees. The fabric and hoop grip better against skin that's covered, so this keeps you comfortable.

• A fitted top, nothing too loose. You'll be upside down at some point, and you'll want it to stay put.

• No jewellery, no watches, no rings. They can catch on the equipment, and rings are the top cause of pinched fingers.

• We train barefoot or in grip socks. Regular socks are too slippery.

What to bring

Just water and yourself. Mats and all the apparatus are included, with no rental fees. If you wear long hair, bring a hair tie. That's the whole list.

What a first class actually looks like

Every class starts with a warm-up to wake up your body and protect your shoulders and wrists. From there your teacher walks you through the fundamentals, a few basic climbs, holds, or shapes, breaking each one down step by step. You try, you wobble, you laugh, you try again. We finish with a stretch and cool down.

Our classes are kept small on purpose, so you get real attention and personal corrections. You'll never be thrown into something you're not ready for.

A little muscle soreness the next day is normal and a good sign. It fades fast, and it comes back less each time.

Silks or hoop?

Both are made for beginners, and in your trial you can try either or both.

Aerial silks are two long pieces of fabric hanging from the ceiling. You climb, wrap, and shape yourself into poses. It feels like a mix of dance and acrobatics, and it builds grip, flexibility, and body awareness.

Aerial hoop (also called lyra) is a suspended metal ring. You sit, spin, and move through poses inside and around it. Many people find it a little more approachable to begin with, and it's great for core and upper body strength.

There's no wrong choice. Most people end up loving both.

Getting there & good to know

How to find us

We're at Kabelweg 22, 1014 BB Amsterdam, in Amsterdam West, about 8 minutes on foot from Sloterdijk station and 15 from Haarlem Central. By car you reach us via the A10 ring, with free on-street parking, and it's free on weekends.

When you arrive, enter through the main door and follow the signs for our studio. Come 10 minutes early for your first class so you can settle in.

A few quick answers

Do I need to come with a friend? Not at all. Plenty of people start on their own and leave having met the crew and other students.

Is there an age or weight limit? Our classes welcome all bodies. If you have a specific health question or a recent injury, just tell your teacher before class and they'll adapt.

How often should I come? Once a week is a great start. Progress in aerial comes from showing up regularly, not from pushing hard once.

What if I can't do a move? Then you've found your edge, which is exactly where the fun is. Your teacher will scale it down until it clicks.

Your next step

The best way to begin is our 3-Class Trial (€45). Three sessions is enough to learn the basics, build a little confidence, and really feel whether aerial is for you. Prefer to dip a toe first? You can also book a single trial class for €18.

And because you're reading this, your welcome perk is waiting: a free Open Training pass to use alongside your trial, for extra time in the air. Add an Open Training to your cart and enter the code WELCOMEFLY-2026 at checkout.

👉 Book your trial: New to Aerial? Start Here

👉 Questions first? Read the FAQ

We'd love to see you fly.

Ilan & the Aerials Amsterdam crew