Not everyone would opt for a career as a circus acrobat but times have changed and it has become a sought-after profession, thanks in part to acts like Cirque du Soleil. Right now, circus performers have become more than just oddities. They are now noteworthy talents who command respect and, in most cases, land roles in big-budget films. There’s no shame in aspiring to become a circus acrobat so long as you know the risks you’re exposed to and the training level you need.
To prosper in such a high-risk profession, you need to actively look for opportunities to condition both your mind and body for the uncanny techniques you will have to master. Success only comes to those who also think about improving themselves beyond what training sessions can offer, so you need to build daily habits that can help reinforce your physical and mental fortitude. Here are a few basics you might want to consider:
1. Focus on flexibility and strength training
There’s no questioning how much punishment your body will take as you train for a performance. Regardless of your role, expect you to be tasked with executing difficult aerobatic maneuvers and positions that could lead to fractures and long-term muscle pain. Conditioning is crucial as you need to train your body to respond well to the demands of the work you will have to do.
If you don’t have the luxury of time to sign up for a gym membership to train for better strength and flexibility, you can look for green spaces or beachfront areas that allow access to outdoor fitness equipment that meets your needs.
2. Implement a balanced diet
Your muscles and bones need all the vitamins and minerals they can get to avoid straining and ensure cohesion. Consider adopting a balanced diet consisting of food that can help improve muscle and bone growth and regeneration. What you eat defines who you will be as a circus performer, so it’s crucial to go for meals that fill you up and, at the same time, supply you with what your body needs to function optimally.
There’s a thin line between injuring yourself and landing the perfect move. Going beyond mastering basic techniques, you need to supply yourself with essential nutrients. Opt for meals rich in protein and iron since these play a critical role in repairing cells damaged by over-exertion and tension. It also matters to keep your heart health in check as you need to consume foods rich in Omega-3 that can help boost your cardiovascular capacity.
3. Learn to manage stress
If you’re new to the world of circus acrobatics, feeling anxious is normal. The thought of making a mistake will always cross your mind but focusing too much on that will only distract you from doing an excellent job. No matter how skilled a performer you are, your greatest enemy will always be stress. While you may want to focus on physical conditioning and eating healthy, you wouldn’t want to neglect your mental health.
You can never deny the impact that emotional stress could have on your performance but there are ways you can cope. Take time to be alone and process your thoughts. You can also seek guidance from people who are close to you, especially mentors who can help you overcome performance anxiety. Once you do overcome it, performing becomes less of an object of fear and more of an opportunity to prove your worth.
Endnote
Even when you’re not training, your daily activities can help you succeed as a professional circus acrobat. Double down on these tips so you can start standing out.
