Managing the demands of aerial training alongside your everyday life can be a challenging task. Juggling a career, studies, or family, while trying to excel in aerial fitness, requires smart planning and efficient time management. In this blog, we break down five practical strategies to help you find a balance between your passion for aerial arts and your day-to-day obligations. These tips are designed to ensure that you progress in your aerial training while effectively handling your daily responsibilities.
1- Prioritizing and Time Management
Effective time management is the cornerstone of balancing aerial training with daily life. Start by evaluating your current schedule and identifying areas where you can carve out time for training. Prioritize your tasks and responsibilities, placing the most important or time-sensitive ones at the top of your list.
Utilise tools like digital calendars or planners to schedule your training sessions, work commitments, and personal activities. This visual representation of your time can help you avoid overcommitting and ensure that both your training and daily tasks receive the attention they deserve. Personally I use Google Calendar and I use colour coded blocks for each category of activity I do.
2- Setting Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals is pivotal in maintaining a balance. In aerial fitness, this might mean acknowledging that you can't master a complex routine overnight or that attending every class is not always feasible. When I teach a flow in my classes, I tend to teach it over 4-6 weeks, so we can slowly add moves, and if you miss some days of training, you do not feel like you have been missing out on too much. Life gets in the way, even for me as a coach, I do not feel like it is possible to deliver new moves consistently, and teach those new moves well too. I need to get acquainted with them first, and then understand how I managed to get it, how I can break it down and how I can sequence it with other moves into seamless transitions. Think about the same for yourself and be patient.
Apply the SMART goal-setting framework to both your aerial training and daily responsibilities. For instance, aim to improve a specific skill in aerials over a month or complete a work project by a certain deadline. By setting achievable and well-defined goals, you can progress steadily in your training while fulfilling your daily obligations.
When it comes to aerial training, setting realistic and achievable goals is essential for maintaining a healthy balance with your daily life. The SMART framework is a powerful tool for this purpose. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. They provide clarity and direction, making it easier to manage your time and expectations.
Example of a SMART Goal in Aerial Training:
Specific and Measurable Goal:
Let’s say your objective is to perform a Russian Split, a move that requires both flexibility and strength. A specific and measurable goal could be, "I want to increase my leg flexibility to comfortably perform a Russian Split and strengthen my core muscles to hold the pose for at least 10 seconds."
Achievable and Relevant Goal:
Ensure that this goal is achievable and relevant to your current level of training. If you are a beginner, you might need to set preliminary goals to work up to a Russian Split, such as improving overall leg flexibility and core strength. For an intermediate aerialist, directly working towards a Russian Split would be more appropriate.
Time-bound Goal:
Set a realistic time frame to achieve this goal. For instance, "I aim to perform a comfortable and stable Russian Split within the next three months." This timeframe gives you a clear target to work towards.
Developing a Plan:
With your SMART goal in place, the next step is to develop a plan of action. This plan might include:
1. Flexibility Training: Dedicate specific days of the week to focus on leg flexibility. Include exercises like lunges, hamstring stretches, and splits practice in your routine. Progress can be measured by the increasing ease and range of motion in your splits over time.
2. Strength Training: Incorporate core-strengthening exercises into your regular workouts. Planks, leg raises, and Pilates exercises are excellent for building the core strength needed for the Russian Split. Track your progress by noting improvements in core endurance and stability.
3. Aerial Specific Practice: Allocate time during your aerial sessions to practice the Russian Split, initially with support if needed. Gradually work towards performing the move independently.
4. Rest and Recovery: Remember to include rest days in your schedule to allow your muscles to recover and prevent injury.
Tracking Your Progress:
Regularly assess your progress towards your goal. This might involve testing your flexibility range every two weeks or timing how long you can hold your core exercises. Adjust your plan as needed based on your assessments.
By setting SMART goals and developing a structured plan, you can work towards achieving challenging aerial moves like the Russian Split, while balancing your training with other daily responsibilities. Remember, consistency and patience are key to reaching your aerial goals.
3- The Role of Flexibility in Scheduling
Maintaining flexibility in your training schedule is crucial, especially when life's unpredictability comes into play. It's important to remember that while attending regular aerial classes is beneficial, they aren't the only way to progress in your aerial journey. When time is tight due to unexpected work commitments or personal responsibilities, shorter, focused workouts outside of class can be incredibly effective.
Maximizing Shorter Workouts:
When you can't make it to a full aerial class, consider dedicating even 20-30 minutes to a targeted workout at home or in the gym. These shorter sessions can focus on specific areas crucial for aerial fitness, such as core strength, upper body conditioning, or flexibility. For instance, a quick circuit of planks, push-ups, and pull-ups can significantly enhance your upper body strength, vital for aerial maneuvers.
Home Flexibility Practice:
Similarly, incorporating a brief but consistent flexibility routine at home can contribute significantly to your aerial abilities. On days when attending a full class isn't possible, spend some time stretching or practicing yoga. This not only helps in maintaining and improving your flexibility but also aids in muscle recovery and reduces the risk of injury. Simple stretches targeting key areas for aerialists, like the hamstrings, hip flexors, and back, can make a substantial difference over time.
Utilizing Make-up Sessions:
If you miss a scheduled aerial class, don't hesitate to inquire about make-up sessions. Many studios offer the flexibility to attend a different class that fits into your altered schedule. This ensures that you don't miss out on the valuable instruction and practice time needed for consistent improvement.
Adapting to Changing Circumstances:
The key to balancing aerial training with daily life lies in your ability to adapt. Flexibility in your approach allows you to make the most of the time you have without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated by schedule changes. It’s about making your training work for you, fitting it into your life in a way that feels manageable and sustainable. This adaptable approach ensures that you continue to progress in your aerial skills, even amidst a busy and unpredictable schedule.
Incorporating Structured Programs for Efficient Training:
In addition to finding flexibility in your training, structured programs can play a significant role in efficient and effective practice, especially when time is limited. This is where my program, "The Aerialist's Starter Toolkit," comes into play. Designed specifically for aerialists balancing busy schedules, this program offers a comprehensive approach to aerial fitness, focusing on key areas such as strength, flexibility, and technique.
The program is structured to maximize progress with minimal time commitment. It provides guided workouts and flexibility routines that you can easily incorporate into your daily schedule, whether at home or in a gym environment. With "The Aerialist's Starter Toolkit," you get the benefit of a structured training regimen that complements your irregular class attendance, ensuring that your aerial skills continue to develop even on your busiest days. This program is an ideal solution for those looking to maintain momentum in their aerial journey without overwhelming their schedules.
4- Integrating Training into Daily Life
Integrating aspects of your aerial training into your daily routine can be an effective way to maintain consistency. Simple flexibility exercises or core strengthening workouts can be done at home or even during a break at work. Use moments throughout your day to practice techniques relevant to your aerial fitness, like balance and coordination exercises. This integration ensures that your training continues, even on days when you can’t make it to the studio.
5- Importance of Self-Care and Rest
Remember, rest and self-care are just as important as active training. Overworking yourself in an attempt to balance training and daily tasks can lead to burnout. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and engage in relaxation activities. Listen to your body and give it time to recover, especially after intense aerial sessions. Practicing self-care ensures you’re at your best, both for aerial training and your daily activities. I wrote plenty of other blogs on the subjects, including The importance of resting in aerial training and Injury prevention and recovery strategies for aerialists.
Balancing aerial training with the hustle and bustle of everyday life is no small feat. It requires planning, flexibility, and a commitment to both your aerial goals and daily responsibilities. By prioritizing effectively, setting realistic goals, being flexible, integrating training into your daily life, and taking care of your health, you can strike a harmonious balance. Remember, the journey in aerial fitness is as much about the process as it is about the outcome. Embrace each step, and you’ll find your rhythm in both worlds.
We’d love to hear how you balance your passion for aerial fitness with your daily responsibilities. Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. For more insights and advice on aerial fitness, don’t forget to check out our other content and join our community for regular updates!
