Open gym is a fantastic resource for aerialists and pole dancers of all levels, because everyone has skills and drills that they can work on. But sometimes, coming into a blank gym without your weekly teacher and fellow classmates can feel…weird. Where do you even start? Let’s talk about some things we can keep in mind so your open gym experience is as fulfilling and amazing as it should be!
Come in with a strategy.
Think about what you want to work on before you get to the gym. What skill are you trying to achieve? What area would you like to be stronger in? Make a list of skills and drills to practice in your session. This can help prevent sitting and playing on your phone for the whole practice. When all else fails, try doing some conditioning.
2. Be flexible with that strategy.
Sometimes we come in to open gym with big plans, but that doesn’t mean our bodies are always ready for what our minds want to do. Instead of getting frustrated with yourself if you can’t get the moves right, be open to changing the game plan. Our bodies are not machines that should be expected to perform the same function all the time. There will be days you feel great and others where you’d rather stay home and take a 12 hour nap. Be proud of showing up for yourself and take movements that feel good and natural for your body.
3. Remember: Safety First…Second… AND Third!
We take things very seriously when it comes to the safety of our students. That’s why we implement guidelines that must be followed in all open gyms. Any skills that cannot be safely implemented without a spotter must wait until an ACA coach is available. If no instructors are available during open gym, wait to practice that skill in your next class. We also prohibit all Youtube/TikTok learning. While the online aerial/pole community can be amazing, the job of teaching you new skills should come from a trained professional who knows your limits and ability. If you see a skill that interests you online, feel free to show it to your coach. They will show you progressions for the skill, or explain why that skill may not be safe. Always use a crash mat when practicing at an open gym.
4. Bring a Friend!
Accountability is key in all things fitness, and aerial/pole is no different! It can be more productive (and more fun) to come to open gym with a training buddy. The purpose of the training buddy is to encourage and motivate one another and enjoy each other’s company while training. Leave the teaching and the spotting for the instructors so you don’t get hurt. If you aren’t sure who to train with, talk to some of the other students in your class. It’s especially helpful if your training buddy is working on the same skills as you so you can remind each other of things that need work.
5. Take Videos.
Watching yourself do aerial may seem terrifying, but this can be a super useful tool for your training. We are our own worst critics, which… can be a bad thing. However, in small doses, it can help us determine what we’d like to improve. It’s hard to determine what shapes you're making when you are upside down in the air, so videos can give you an accurate depiction of what your body is doing so you can make adjustments. To help you not be overly critical, try asking yourself two questions while watching videos of yourself:
What do I love about what I see?
What is one thing I want to improve on next time I perform this skill?
On top of helping you with your training, taking videos long-term will show you how far your aerial journey has come, and give you some awesome content for instagram!
We highly recommend supplementing your weekly classes with open gym training. Check out our open gym schedule and reserve your spot at open gym in advance.