A note from Jordan and Clayton: We understand that the Thanksgiving Holiday in the Unites States has a complicated history. We believe that all things in life should always be evaluated and re-evaluated. This is true for everything from the grand scale of history and traditions to things more close to hand like our techniques of aerial training.
The act of gratitude is separate from the holidays. We strive to feel gratitude for those who came before us especially the ones whose recognition has been a long time coming.
It can be humbling to think back to where you started at the beginning of your aerial practice. The person you were then probably couldn’t even imagine being able to do the skills you’re doing now. The physical strength you’ve gained through all the lock offs, climbs, and inversions is definitely something to be celebrated. Let’s be thankful for our bodies and all that they can do! The next time you’re training, take a moment to appreciate your body and your strength. Move in a way that makes you feel good and happy. Maybe throw in a few conditioning drills at the end to keep growing!
Whether it’s making connections in person at your studio, or virtually within the online aerial community, it’s likely that you’ve formed meaningful relationships through your aerial practice that you would have otherwise missed out on! We can definitely be grateful to have friends to turn to who understand us and what we do. Consider reaching out to an aerial buddy, and letting them know what their friendship means to you! If you’re able, schedule a class or training session together and enjoy each other’s company.
There’s nothing like that feeling of finally getting a skill that has been challenging for you!
Think back on some of your previous nemesis skills, and revisit them next time you’re on your apparatus. Bask in that feeling of knowing you’ve executed something difficult.
Having a fun and healthy outlet for our stresses and frustrations 
is certainly something to be thankful for. Be grateful that you have a constructive and creative physical outlet for your emotions! Whether it serves as a distraction or helps you work through your feelings, aerial exercise can be good for both your physical and mental health. That literal release of tension is priceless!
Now is the perfect time to reflect on instructors who have helped you along the way. The best ones have helped you build strength and confidence while keeping you safe. Take a few minutes of your next practice to think about everyone you have learned from along your aerial journey. If there is someone you are especially grateful for, let them know! Maybe send them a short video of you doing something they taught you. It will warm their hearts for sure!
As instructors, our students inspire us to grow as teachers. Take a moment to appreciate the time your students choose to spend with you and the hard work they put in. It’s likely you’ve learned a lot about yourself in the process, and broadened your teaching methods to accommodate students’ various learning styles. Our most challenging students push us to become better instructors!
If you do partner aerial work, you know that what you do wouldn’t be possible without your partner! They deserve your gratitude now as well as year round.
Of all the things to be thankful for, our personal safety is way up at the top. Someone installed and inspects your apparatus to keep you safe, and that is definitely something to be thankful for!
This year at AerialFit, we’re particularly grateful that we were able to turn our vision into a reality as we launched Aerial Fit Online! We’re so thankful for our members, and all the input and feedback we’ve gotten along the way!
We’d like to “challenge” you to find a few things to be thankful for during your aerial practice this month! We’re sure you can think of even more things to add to this list. Afterall, who isn’t thankful for leggings that aren’t see through and resting poses?!!
Share your gratitude list with us at @aerial_fit_usa
