Silks, Lyra, Bungee: What's the Difference? [2025 Class Overview]

We get asked a lot about the difference between our aerial classes. What really IS the difference between aerial silks, aerial hoop (lyra), aerial yoga, strength & stretch, and aerial bungee classes? Let me break it down for you!

Aerial Silks

What is it?

Aerial silks are long pieces of fabric that hang from rated points in the ceiling, like in Cirque Du Soleil. People use these fabrics to do acrobatic tricks and movements while hanging in the air. It's like dancing and doing flips but with the support of strong and beautiful silks. Aerial silks might sound fancy, but they're super friendly for first-timers! You get to climb, twist, and do cool tricks, even if you've never tried it before! The silks are there to support you, and you'll naturally get stronger and more flexible. It's like learning a new dance – everyone starts somewhere, and aerial silks are a fun way to stay active and try something awesome! So, if you're curious, give it a go and enjoy the journey of discovering what your body can do!

What does a class look like?

Your first class in aerial silks will consist of a handful of conditioning moves to get your blood pumping and strengthen your body. From there, you'll begin familiarizing yourself with the fabric, learning common terminology, and learning a handful of skills low to the ground in a knot. In the class, you will learn a variety of sitting and standing poses, and at the end, you'll have an opportunity to try a drop! A varying level of difficulty is visited, and minimal upper body strength is helpful. By NO means does that mean you need to be lifting weights at the gym daily leading up to this class! You just need to have a little faith in your body and trust that you can do the skills. Our instructors are all trained to help you with skills, and we have found out that we have some of the best cheerleaders EVER coming into our studio, so you are never alone in your successes.

Pre-requisites and considerations?

Aerial silks can hold thousands of pounds, so weight limit is never a concern.

• We recommend full-length shirts, full-length pants, and if possible, sleeves.

• Jewelry should be removed before you begin.

• This includes rings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and dangly earrings. If you have permanent jewelry, please ask your instructor for athletic tape to cover it.

• Please do not wear zippers on any clothing, this includes zippers on yoga pants, as zippers tear our fabric.

Aerial Hoop a.k.a Lyra

What is it?

Aerial hoop (also known as lyra) is a fun and approachable activity, even if you're just starting out! Think of it like a large, sturdy hula hoop hanging in the air from rated rig points in the ceiling. In a beginner's class, you'll learn basic moves and tricks while safely supported by the hoop.

Don't worry if you're not a gymnast or dancer – aerial hoop is for everyone. It's a great way to build strength and flexibility gradually. Our instructors guide you through each step, making it easy for beginners to enjoy the experience. It's like learning a new skill in a friendly and supportive environment. So, if you're curious and excited to try something new, an aerial hoop class could be a fantastic fit for you!

What does a class look like?

In your first class in aerial hoop you will begin with conditioning moves to help your body warm up for the moves that will be utilized in class. Our classes are a flow-based set up, which means you will have a short, choreographed routine at the end of every class! You will learn how to navigate your body around the hoop, and vice versa. There's always an option for a spin, which you will learn the spin best suited for that day. and at the end of class, we put the choreography to music, and you can film your work! The hoop is a great option if you want to see a choreographed routine right off the bat, and love to flow to music.

Pre-requisites and considerations?

• While there is a weight limit on aerial hoop, we have hoops that can hold up to 400lbs.

• We recommend full-length shirts, pants, and sleeves if possible.

Aerial Bungee

What is it?

In a bungee fitness class, you'll do exercises and dance moves that use the resistance and support of the bungee cords. It's a fantastic way to work your muscles, improve your balance, and have a blast at the same time. The bungee adds an element of excitement and makes the workout feel like a mix of dancing and defying gravity.

Even if you're new to fitness, bungee workouts are designed to be accessible. Instructors guide you through each step, and the bungee cords make movements feel lighter and more enjoyable.

What does a class look like?

Aerial bungee is a 45-minute, fast-paced, low-impact workout designed to get your blood pumping and you sweating! You are hooked into a harness, attached to a bungee apparatus, and the class is led by one of our trained instructors. We spend the class warming up and getting used to the apparatus, learning the choreography for the next song, then doing that choreography to music, and then repeating the process to a variety of songs we have choreographed. High-energy classes make this feel less like a workout, and more like a fun way to move your body.

Pre-requisites and considerations?

We have bungee attachments that can support many weight limits, however, harnesses can be tight, if you are worried, shoot us a message to come try a harness before your first class!

Strength & Stretch

What is it?

Strength & Stretch classes are ground-based classes designed to help build the strength and flexibility used in all of our aerial classes. This class is beginner-friendly and mostly ground-based. Aerial equipment is sometimes used for added support or to help modify different exercises.

What does a class look like?

In a strength & stretch class, you will start with a ground-based stretching flow and then move through a variety of strength and flexibility exercises. Sometimes you will use the aerial silks to help get into a deeper stretch than you could on your own, while also utilizing your body weight to build the strength and stamina needed to excel in aerial arts. Build flexibility in a fun way, while also conditioning your muscles in this total body workout. Many modifications are used throughout this class, and often students pair this with an aerial class on the same day.

Pre-requisites and considerations?

• No weight limit.

• Please remove all jewelry before class, and do not wear zippers on any part of your clothing.

Aerial Yoga

What is it?

Aerial yoga uses a soft fabric hammock suspended from rated points in the ceiling to support your body as you stretch, balance, and move through yoga-inspired poses. Think of it as traditional yoga meets gentle support from the air. The hammock helps take pressure off your joints, supports balance, and allows you to explore movement in a way that feels accessible and fun.

Aerial yoga is welcoming for first-timers and experienced movers alike. You don’t need to be flexible or strong to start. The fabric is there to help you, not challenge you. Many people find aerial yoga calming, playful, and surprisingly empowering. It’s a great way to move your body, decompress your spine, and try something new without feeling overwhelmed. Like any movement practice, everyone starts somewhere, and aerial yoga meets you exactly where you are.

What does a class look like?

A typical aerial yoga class begins with gentle warm-up movements to get your body moving and your muscles ready. From there, you’ll move through guided flows that combine stretching, balance work, and supported poses using the hammock. The instructor will demonstrate each movement and offer modifications so you can move at your own pace.

Classes focus on mobility, flexibility, and mindful movement rather than speed or intensity. Inversions may be offered, but they are always optional. The class environment is calm and tranquil, giving you time to breathe, stretch, and relax while still getting a full-body workout. Aerial yoga classes are designed to feel supportive, not rushed, and many students leave feeling lighter, longer, and more relaxed.

Pre-requisites and considerations?

• No prior yoga or aerial experience is required.

• Aerial yoga hammocks are professionally rated and designed to safely support your body weight.

• We recommend wearing comfortable athletic clothing that covers the backs of your knees and midsection.

• Full-length leggings are ideal. Shirts should be fitted enough to stay in place when moving or inverting.

• Jewelry should be removed before class.

• This includes rings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and dangly earrings. If you have permanent jewelry, please ask your instructor for athletic tape to cover it.

• Please do not wear clothing with zippers, snaps, or sharp embellishments, as these can damage the fabric.

Open Gym

What is it?

Open gym is a time to work on any skills you have previously learned. There is an instructor available, should you have any questions. No new skills are taught during these times, but it is a perfect time to review, record, and rehearse, should you have any routines coming up for showcases or competitions! Great for everyone who has taken at least 1 class.

What does a class look like?

Open gym time is free time to request the apparatus of your choice to work on for the hour. An instructor is present to ensure your safety, but not to teach new skills. Any questions you have about skills you have previously learned can be answered during this time.

Pre-requisites and considerations?

Depending on the apparatus you are using during open gym, be mindful of jewelry and zippers. At least one aerial lesson in the apparatus of your choosing is required prior to signing up for an open gym.

Now, Let's Teach You How to Fly

Now that you know the differences between our different class types, it is time to sign up for your first class. Check out our online schedule to book your class. Interested in working 1-on-1? We offer private lessons for individuals of all ages. Have a whole group of friends interested in taking a class? Book a private party. We can't wait to teach you how to fly, and if you have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us.