AERIAL ACROBATICS

9 Things I Learnt As a Plus Size Aerialist

Plus size aerialist: This is the article I wish I had been able to find before I took my first class

As a plus size aerialist, I have embarked on an extraordinary journey that challenges stereotypes and celebrates the beauty of all bodies. In this article, I will share my experiences, triumphs, and valuable lessons learned along the way, hoping to inspire and empower others who may be hesitant to explore the aerial arts.

I am a fat woman and an aerialist in training. I don’t know how much I weigh because, in the interest of body positivity, I don’t use scales. I am 5 foot 2 inches tall, a UK size 18 and I wear a J-cup bra.

I certainly do not have the lithe, athletic body type traditionally seen in the aerial arts. I have been training in aerial for almost two years, starting with trapeze, and recently adding aerial hoop to my schedule. I have met some wonderful people, learnt some cool tricks, performed in front of a paying audience (just once!) and had a lot of fun, all as a plus size aerialist.

Before I took my first lesson, I wasn’t even sure if it was realistic for a bigger person to consider the aerial arts.

I did a lot of searching on the internet for articles or blog posts talking about the experiences of larger aerialists and I didn’t find anything. I was looking for reassurance that my dream wasn’t impossible, but I struggled to find what I was looking for. Instead, I had to take a deep breath, kick up my heels and hope for the best, I figured the worst that could happen was falling off.

In the last couple of years, I have learnt a few things, so this is the article I wish I had been able to find before I took my first class.

All Bodies Are Good At Different Things

It’s amazing how different we all are, and size isn’t the only factor that determines what you’re good at. Some folks are strong and others might be flexible, some people might have excellent spatial awareness and always know where they are in the air, while others might be graceful and dancerly when they execute moves. When I first started training I made the mistake of assuming I’d naturally be poor at everything because I was the biggest, but it simply wasn’t true. I am fairly flexible and I am proud of how close my splits are getting to the ground and how flat my back can get in a straddle stretch. On the other hand, knowing which leg to bend or which way to roll in the air will always be tricky for me. It’s heartening to know that, like everyone else in the class, there are things I am good at and things that I need to work on that have nothing to do with my size.

Plus size aerialist: This is the article I wish I had been able to find before I took my first class

Big Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Strong

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘big and strong’ before, often in reference to how we might grow up if we eat all our vegetables. When I first came to aerial class it was a little disheartening to realise that while I was big, I certainly wasn’t strong. The mental picture of the powerlifter, the World’s Strongest Man competition or Andre the Giant might make some people assume that bigger folks are automatically going to have greater physical strength than smaller ones. Don’t be too hard on yourself if that isn’t the case. For me, I had to accept that strength was something I would build gradually. I have very slowly seen gains in my strength and stamina on the trapeze and even though sometimes I still envy the kid’s class, who can all hop up and down on the equipment without showing any strain, I’m happy with the slow but steady progress I have made to become stronger in aerial.

Plus size aerialist: This is the article I wish I had been able to find before I took my first class

Comparing Yourself Is No Fun

Since my first class, I have tried to have the attitude that I am only competing with last week’s me. Some moves click right away with my classmates but have been a mammoth task for me, and others I have got into first time and wondered what all the fuss was about. It is tempting to want to compare yourself to the really talented girl who makes advanced tricks look as natural as walking, to the young kid with bags of energy, or worst, to the person who is at a similar level to you (will they just zoom right past and leave you in the dust?).

Despite my good intentions, I always got a little excited when a new person joined the class. Finally, I wouldn’t be the beginner in the group. Finally, there’d be someone else who found things difficult, too. In reality, though, everyone finds things difficult. You didn’t see your veteran classmate when they were a newcomer, you are so busy focusing on that new move you want to nail that you don’t notice they’re working their butts off to grasp their own challenging move.  When you start comparing yourself with the others in the class (or online, or wherever) it squashes the fun out of the things you can do, the achievements you have made and the excitement for your next goal.

In a supportive group, everyone cheers when the pro-level class member triumphs in their new fancy sequence, but they shout just as loud when you finally get that beginner to move that’s been confounding you.

Your Friends Aren’t Seeing You As “The Big One”

One of the things I worried about before I joined my first aerial class was how my new classmates, and even my teachers, might perceive me due to my weight. I found being spotted especially intimidating. Sometimes I needed pushing or boosting to get into the trapeze and I was afraid that my weight would make it hard work or even painful for my teachers. I needn’t have worried, and neither should you. A good aerial teacher will be experienced in the right way to spot, support and lift their learners and will always make sure they are safe, without hurting themselves.

I was also a little nervous that people wouldn’t want to be friendly to the big, dorky new girl and that I would stick out as an outsider. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Lots of different types of people come to aerial classes and we are all there to have fun and learn new tricks. I have never felt weird and out of place in aerial class. I have even had a go at some doubles and triple moves with my classmates. I’m not strong enough to base yet, so I usually end up as the one being lifted and I won’t deny I still feel worried I might be too heavy, but it has never felt embarrassing when everyone’s joining in the fun on a crazy co-operative move, and I have learnt to trust that if my classmates say they can take my weight, they can. I haven’t been dropped yet!

Plus size aerialist: This is the article I wish I had been able to find before I took my first class

Role Models Can Give You A Boost

Back when I started I was constantly on the lookout for advice online from more experienced aerialists, but what I found was more often geared to advanced or professional-level performers, and I never really saw anyone like me. I really found my aerial role models when I started posting my pictures on Instagram. I found that there was a whole community of plus-size aerialists.

size aerialists of every skill level regularly posting pictures and videos of their progress, sharing their triumphs and celebrating each other. I now follow heaps of aerialists on Instagram but my favourites are always my plus-size comrades. Seeing other bigger folks owning it on the trapeze, hoop, silks or rope (not to mention plus-size polers!) really did wonders for my morale and made me feel like I was part of a bigger movement (if you’ll excuse the pun).

*If you want to start feeling some plus-size aerial love, check out tags such as #plussizeaerialist and #curvyaerialist, a hashtag that showcase fuller-figured flyers from all around the world.

Big Bodies Can Make Beautiful Shapes

It’s a great idea to get your classmates to take pictures of your successes when you master a new move, whether you choose to share them online or not. One of the things that was an unexpected joy for me was seeing the beautiful shapes and poses that bring out the best in bigger bodies. Because we’re all used to seeing aerial moves performed by slim or athletic folks, it can be a real revelation to see how gorgeous some of your favourite moves look on your own body, and it’s exciting to get inspired seeing how the next move you plan to learn looks on a person with a figure more like yours.

Everyone Has Down Days

Trapeze and aerial hoop have been an awesome adventure for me. Coming to class helps me to blow away the stress of the week in a breeze of endorphins, flow, and wonderful people.

So what happens when you have a week where nothing’s going your way, you can’t seem to hit even your usual go-to moves and you feel like a big aerial flop? It’s okay! It happens to everyone. Plus-size folks, and especially fat women, can sometimes feel pressure to always be upbeat (ugh, jolly!), positive and not make a fuss when things go wrong. I feel this pressure is pretty unfair. I’m not advocating for you to pitch an epic tantrum if you have a bad aerial day but it’s totally fine to not always be sunshine and unicorns. If you’re frustrated, say so. If you need to take a break and come back feeling refreshed, do it.

Remember that everyone has periods where they suddenly seem to master fifty things at once and periods where it seems like progress is very slow. Regardless of size or experience, all of your classmates will have been through this, and they will all have had days where it just won’t come together for them. Sometimes it’s good to talk about how you feel with others, sometimes you just need a night off. Own your down days, do what you have to do to feel better, but don’t let the aerial blues put you off getting back up again.

How Your Body Looks Can Start To Matter Less Than What Your Body Can Do

When I started trapeze lessons it had been a dream of mine for several years, I admired the beauty and creativity of the movements; I didn’t choose the aerial arts as a means to lose weight. That having been said, lots of people hinted that it might happen and I can’t deny, in my less body-positive moments I sort of hoped that I might shed a few inches as a by-product of regular training. In reality, that never happened in the (almost) two years I have been going to classes, but other things about my body did begin to change.

Gradually I got stronger, more flexible, and less clumsy. Moves that were totally out of my reach gradually became favourites I enjoyed every week. I inched slowly towards my gains, but I made them. Before aerial, I used to spend a lot of time looking critically in the mirror and wishing that my belly was smaller and my boobs were perkier. I’m not saying I never have days like this now, but I spend a lot more time plotting how soon it might be before I can get that long-awaited inverted straddle, or musing on how much closer I am to beating into hocks on the high bar. I may not have any less junk in my trunk but now my trunk can do some amazing things, and I want more. I find I am much more excited these days by what my body can or might be able to do than by the possibility of losing a couple of inches from my waist.

You may find that aerial helps you with weight loss, or you may not, but what you will definitely find is that aerial helps you to do amazing things with your fantastic body and that’s something to be really excited about.

Don’t Wait Until You’re The “Right Shape”

There’s a prevalent narrative in Western culture that says we should wait until we’re “worthy” to do something amazing, and weight is often something that is considered a marker of that worthiness.  People are taught to think: One day, when I’m slim enough I will wear that dress, start dating, go for that job, or whatever it is.  Why wait? Aerial might be easier in six months if you lost some weight, but it might also be easier in six months if you’d spent that time starting to train. You might feel more confident coming to class after dropping a few pounds, but imagine how confident you’ll be if you feel the fear and go for it anyway! We are so often encouraged to wait, to put off happiness, enjoyment and fun, but why should you? Get out there and enjoy an aerial class today!

Embrace the aerialist within you, regardless of your size or shape. The aerial arts are for everyone, and the joy of flying knows no boundaries. So, let go of your doubts and fears, join the vibrant aerialist community, and discover the incredible possibilities that await you in the air.

I hope this blog has encouraged you to put aside your doubts and join the ranks of the aerialist community, whether you are plus-sized or otherwise. Come hang with us!


Share your thoughts and experiences as a plus-size aerialist in the comments below. Let’s inspire and support each other on this incredible journey!

About the author

Natasha Puszczynska

Natasha Puszczynska is a Functional Skills English teacher, based in Nottingham, UK. When she is not in the classroom she can be found collecting 1970s homeware, drawing, and of course, practicing aerial arts. She currently trains in static trapeze and aerial hoop at Tuyo Circus Arts in Sneinton, Nottingham. You can follow her on Instagram (www.instagram.com/griselda_finkle_pfeffer)

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31 Comments

  • My friend linked me to this post, and what a wonderful, inspiring post it is! As a size 20-ish, not very flexible hula-hooper (not to mention my certain lack of spatial awareness), I sometimes get frustrated that I can’t do the tricks that most of my slenderer and more bendy hooping friends can, or if I can, that they don’t look nearly as good on me. I’m constantly reminding myself how much I can do now that I couldn’t a few months or a year ago, and how body shape matters much less than how sparkly your hoop is when it comes to how good your hooping looks 🙂 I’m also inspired by many hoopers who are all shapes and sizes and post marvellous videos on YouTube of tricks I want to try!

    I’d love to try aerial one day, but I’m put off not only by the fact that it seems to be compulsory to be seen in public in skin-tight clothing, but also by the fact that I have the upper body strength of a wet noodle. One day I may find the time to work on this!

    Good luck with your aerial training and I hope you manage to master all the tricks that are challenging you at the moment.

    • As a fellow curvy hula hooper AND aerialist (technically obese, but I hate that word), I say do it, do what you’re tempted to try, and do it now. Don’t wait. I know your post was several months ago. With my bigger size, I have to use a bigger hula hoop than those slender hoopers. Makes some off-body moves awkward because it’s so big. Also, I started aerial hoop in February of this year, and my strength also could be described as a “wet noodle.” I couldn’t even do a straight arm hang! But aerial hoop is strong, it’ll make you strong, and until you are, you can just sit there. There are many, many glorious poses you can learn because any good studio will have hoops mounted at different heights. There will be one lower to the ground that you can condition on and feel beautiful on. And then, like me, you’ll get your straddle mount eventually and can get up into that higher hoop.

    • Honestly, the reason for the skin-tight clothes is that looser clothing gets tangled in the apparatus, and is harder to keep in place when upside-down. It is entirely reasonable to start beginner classes in sweatpants rather than tights, but you’ll want the kind with elastic cuffs so they don’t ride up. You can also wear a regular Tshirt, but you’ll want it to be long enough to tuck in and stay tucked in when you go upside-down. There is a LOT of upside-down in aerial.

      One of the more difficult clothing problems for me was finding a sports bra that still did its job while upside-down. The best ones I have found are made by Brooks (Moving Comfort).

  • Thank you for this. I started my first beginner lyra class several weeks ago. And was the only plus size student by far (I’m 5’7 and a US size 16). Everyone else was long and slim. And already strong. And got their inverted straddle on the first try (on the third class, this is a beginner move???). Seriously, all 7 of them got it, first try. Me? Nope. Not even close. But my teacher keeps telling me that I have my own strengths that others don’t. And I do. So on my good days, I remember that. On my bad days, I’m learning to be kinder to myself.

  • Although not considered a plus sized woman, your post still resonated with me as I begin my aerial training. You hit on points that I’ve worried about as well since I’ve never considered myself to be naturally athletic. Moreover, I love that you point out the quality of the community in aerial classes, especially how we cheer just as loud for the Day 1 Beginner as we do for the Advanced. Thank you so much for writing and sharing your experience and photos!

  • I loved your post. I feel your body works perfect in the air.
    Please, keep sharing for all women who sometime don’t feel they are beauty.

  • omg I love you, can we be best friends? I’ve been practising aerial silks for 8 years now, but so far have never met an aerialist who’s larger than, say, a size 6…except myself. I’m a F-cup and a pretty “dense” 5’2″. It sucks to be the only one in class struggling or moving awkwardly in any balance- or body-weight-distribution-related moves (like sitting up from a knee hook or hip/back balances). I’ve long thought I must be crazy to stick with a skinny-person’s hobby for so long. And now at almost 40 yrs old, I worry about the double whammy: being the OLD fat lady in class. Thank you so much for your encouragement and being an example to all of us big girls <3 All the love…

    • I know your post is from a while back, but I’m just about to start a aerial silks class as the old fat lady, at the age of nearly 40 and humongous, but somehow been pushed into it by my slender sister. I’m dead nervous, but this post has helped a little.

  • wonderful post ! Bravo ! , I started Aerial to maybe help me with my back pain. My intro class was a wake up call to just how much out of shape I was. The first time on silks I could only go up two rotations , before I was winded and my arm fell off and hurt for 5 days later!! splits and Flexibility were a joke! I looked like an A frame house. My legs were going no where period. I am now 5 weeks later heading into 6 weeks I now can climb the silks russian and standard 1.5 times I should’ve been able to do it twice , and hence got held back while all the others went to the next level. I FLUNKED However, on a bright note today I am now 4.5 inches away from landing my right front splits , I can put my hands under my feet. I have improved. some of the jumping around to warm up is a bit unfair as I have large breast and I will either knock my self out or perhaps the instructor if my bra strap breaks . We have people of all shapes and sizes in my Aerial studio and I have to say it is SOOOOO coool that is one thing I absolutely love about it . Thanks for a wonderful article!

  • This is really inspiring. Thank you for posting and sharing. I used to do pole and a little aerial but have put on a lot of weight recently and I’m just now finding the courage to get back into it. This has helped give me the confidence I needed to make that leap.

  • This article is so inspiring! When I started my aerial journey about two and a half years ago I was obese (190lbs) at the age of 14. I remember not being able to invert on the ground for the longest time, and instructors had to help lift me up or let me stand on their leg in order for me to get up. I’m still working on cleaning up my inverts, but since I started I have lost a total of 45lbs and I was always so focused on my weight. But now I’m not going to worry about it and just focus on having fun flopping around sometimes 🙂

    Happy flying!

  • I so needed to find this article today. My class today was crap. I was off for a month and a bit and for the first time thought maybe I am just to big to lift myself.

    But you are right. I have to get my strength back and be happy with what it is that I can do.

    It’s not fair to compare myself to the 120 pound muscle girls whom I really love to watch but I am not.

    I’ll go back next week. I got this.

    Thanks.

  • Love this so much! I’ve struggled with my own weight gain, and sometimes it’s hard to get back into the swing of training when you’re a) bigger and b) less strong because you haven’t been training. Your story is inspiring! Keep up the good work.

  • Thank you, as a plus size person I have been worried but I’ve loved aerial arts for a long time. You have given me exactly what I think I needed. Iv just registered for my first class!

  • Thank you for writing this article!! I just started aerial silks and am the oldest, biggest one in the class. Sometimes it gets to you. Last night was particularly frustrating and it really helped to read you article. Keep it up! (Pun intended. )

    • Wow, what a great and inspiring article! 🙂 I decided to try aerial yoga and I fell in love with it! I’m not the typical poster girl or Insta influencer to advertise any sport… 34 years old, 5’10 and currently weighing 200 lbs. I thought at first that aerials were for these ballet dancer type folks or gymnasts only who started training at the age of 5. I wish I could do one regular pushup or a couple of pullups or even a wall-assisted handstand, but I can’t. I guess I looked like someone struggling to stay alive on the hammock, but I don’t care. I would go to a calisthenics training too even if I was the only one who cannot do anything in class… I don’t care if everyone else around me is holding the planche or performing the Victorian Cross on rings or counting their tiger bend pushups or whatever… I just enjoy when I can do something I was not able to do earlier. I have tried a lot of different sports, fitness classes, went to the gym, swimming, running, etc. No matter how many times a week I trained, I NEVER had any significant weight loss just from exercise alone. You may lose a few pounds and then put on some weight again, and so on… Your body composition (body fat percent) may get better and you would look fitter and stronger… But the sad truth is that unless you’re one of those lucky people – hard gainers eating 6000 calories a day and not putting on any weight – you must pay attention to your diet. If a reasonable amount of exercise with a well-balanced diet are still not enough, there might be other reasons in the background as well, like hormones are totally messed up… I have lost 33 lbs so far but there’s still a long way to go… Aerial arts are very motivating for me and help focus on my goal to carry on with exercise and a healthier lifesyle. You are right that we don’t have to be slim and lean and muscular to start training… We just need to start somewhere and the results will come slowly. I don’t think I would ever have the courage to do the acrobatics so high up in the air (aerialists must be adrenaline junkies) but I don’t give up on my dream to try aerial silks and straps in the future… 🙂

  • Hi Natasha,

    Thank you for your really inspiring post. I always find it really intimidating when I’m surrounded by other aerialists who are far more experienced and advanced than me. It always makes me feel self-conscious, as if others may be watching me try to master just the basics.

    When you’re surrounded by very lean, physically strong and toned aerialists as well – it can make me feel even more self-conscious. But I think you’re completely right – this journey is all about a personal journey, and reaching personal goals.

  • Just happened upon this post as I scoured the web for advice for a ‘larger’ beginner aerialist. I had my first class tonight, age 42, UK size 16. I was the oldest and biggest in class and couldn’t lift myself onto the hoop. I felt deflated at the time, but my arms feel mega strong just now, so I’m hoping that keeping up the training will pay off eventually…

    Thank you for posting this encouragement! It’s keeping me going 🙂

    • I only discovered the fun of aerial sports at the age of 45 last year and agree that the trials at several studios are intimidating at first. My suggestion is to keep finding THAT studio with positive spirits to surround you with. I’m also the biggest in my classes (lyra and hammock). I learned that the focus is to feel how your body starts to change when you’re becoming stronger and when you’re able to master the poses & techniques. Have fun in the air!

  • Hello, a friend of mine told me about the aerial silks and I went to a show case last night and I am really interested in it but I’m not a big big person but I’m also not a slim stick either, I’m very in between sizes but I guess I’m a mini plus size? not sure but I was worried me not looking like the more slimmer girls would make me look weird and oddly enough I thought maybe my weight would effect the silk as well BUT I feel more inspired to take the chance and to go for it this summer and my university!

  • i too am a plus sized aerialist and agree(d) with 100% of this post … except apparently i am prone to injury, i assume because of my weight, and since a knee injury 7 months ago my strength has waned, my weight has increased, and i fear additional injury. i feel like if i were smaller this would be less of a risk. i have gone to hoop classes here and there since the injury and leave feeling miserable emotionally if not also physically. sorry to contribute a less-than-body-positive post but this is my biggest concern, i can’t seem to get stronger because i will go back a few times, injure myself, and then have to take another hiatus. any advice?

  • This is exactly what i need to heat. From the person i needed to heat it. Thank you so much for not forgetting to pay it forward and pave the road that you trailblazer past. Like… thank you!

  • i’m going to my first Ariel class tomorrow with my class for a field trip (for high school) and i was so nervous that being “overweight” would mean i couldn’t do it thank you for easing my mind and showing me i can do anything no matter my size. so much love for you

  • i’m going to my first Ariel class tomorrow with my class for a field trip (for high school) and i was so nervous that being “overweight” would mean i couldn’t do it thank you for easing my mind and showing me i can do anything no matter my size. so much love for you

  • Wow, what a great and inspiring article! 🙂 I decided to try aerial yoga and I fell in love with it! I’m not the typical poster girl or Insta influencer to advertise any sport… 34 years old, 5’10 and currently weighing 200 lbs. I thought at first that aerials were for these ballet dancer type folks or gymnasts only who started training at the age of 5. I wish I could do one regular pushup or a couple of pullups or even a wall-assisted handstand, but I can’t. I guess I looked like someone struggling to stay alive on the hammock, but I don’t care. I would go to a calisthenics training too even if I was the only one who cannot do anything in class… I don’t care if everyone else around me is holding the planche or performing the Victorian Cross on rings or counting their tiger bend pushups or whatever… I just enjoy when I can do something I was not able to do earlier. I have tried a lot of different sports, fitness classes, went to the gym, swimming, running, etc. No matter how many times a week I trained, I NEVER had any significant weight loss just from exercise alone. You may lose a few pounds and then put on some weight again, and so on… Your body composition (body fat percent) may get better and you would look fitter and stronger… But the sad truth is that unless you’re one of those lucky people – hard gainers eating 6000 calories a day and not putting on any weight – you must pay attention to your diet. If a reasonable amount of exercise with a well-balanced diet are still not enough, there might be other reasons in the background as well, like hormones are totally messed up… I have lost 33 lbs so far but there’s still a long way to go… Aerial arts are very motivating for me and help focus on my goal to carry on with exercise and a healthier lifesyle. You are right that we don’t have to be slim and lean and muscular to start training… We just need to start somewhere and the results will come slowly. I don’t think I would ever have the skills and the courage to do the acrobatics so high up in the air (aerialists must be adrenaline junkies) but I don’t give up on my dream to try aerial silks and straps in the future… 🙂

  • your blog has perfect for me! in a few years ago i tryied to do an aeriel hoop and flying trapez and then my thinks about myself changed that i’m not the perfect size for this…but it’s my dream!!!
    l’m getting from you power to know that…
    “show must go on”…
    thank you !!! i’m going to try again the circus aeriel becaus you!
    sorry about my English..i’m from Israel and i dosen’t wroght in English many years ..

  • As a fellow plus sized aerialist, reading this felt like confirming all the things I’ve been finding for myself over the past 6 months or so! The studio near me has been there for 14 years and so often I’ve wondered about it but there has always been a good excuse not to bite the bullet. Then in July last year they had a stand at our tiny local Pride celebration and one of the instructors was NOT tall, svelt, and 20 something! She assured me that someone with my body type and disabilities (back problems) could absolutely try out aerial hoop and so I did! It was September before I could start going regularly but since then I’ve been utterly in love.
    I’ve had some rough weeks lately, more classes than not where I couldn’t even manage a Delilah climb anymore. Through all of it my local crew, instructors and students alike, have been nothing but supportive, cheering me on and helping me out. It is such an amazing community and, as you said, we’re all shapes, sizes, and ages. We all make mistakes, we all have moves we can do more easily than someone else and those we struggle with, we all have strengths and weaknesses and we’re all each other’s biggest fans.

    I picked up sling/hammock at some point as well – there was a bank holiday where the studio was closed for my usual Monday hoop class and I decided to try out sling on Tuesday instead… This year I’ve been alternating because I’m still working on fitness and strength to do two a week (not to mention money!). It has done wonders for my mobility building up that core strength, the endorphins are something else, and even the hoop “kisses” are fun to catalogue!

    Thank you for sharing your own journey and let’s hear it for the plus sized flyers!