Janae Ulrich performing acrobatic moves on aerial silks (Photo Courtesy Teagan Rasche)

By Teagan Rasche

Open to all ages, different fitness levels

Aerial skills: Taking fitness to new heights

Aug 20, 2021 | 10:49 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Hanging from what looks like curtains gives Janae Ulrich a sense of freedom.

The aerial silk instructor says she can teach anyone acrobatic skills.

“It’s something that’s new and something that’s different and it’s something that’s open to all age ranges and people of all different fitness levels which I think is something that’s super important,” Ulrich said.

Six years ago, Danielle Lank brought aerial silk and hoop fitness to Medicine Hat when she moved from the east coast. Ulrich fell in love with it and became an instructor.

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One thing she likes so much about it is that it’s accessible to almost everyone.

“Our classes are relatively small, very welcoming and we work with people of all different strength levels and body types and the nice thing about silks is that you’re suspended from the air and using your own body weight, it increases flexibility, range of motion and it works on muscles that typically aren’t worked in your regular basic kind of workout movements,” Ulrich said.

There are three components to aerial silks – climbs, wraps and drops. The variety of unique movements is what class attendee Eboney Nunweiler likes so much about it.

“I like the exercise, I like the flexibility of it,” Nunweiler said. “I enjoy that it’s more artistry versus your standard workout. I’m not the type who likes picking up weights and putting them down.”

While hanging from the ceiling by fabric might seem intimidating, Ulrich says you start with the basics.

“The nice thing about silks is that your weight is very transferable on the fabric,” Ulrich said. “When you’re first learning how to build your strength, that’s the biggest component.”

It’s not your standard gym workout, but offers just as much, or even more of a challenge.

Classes are offered at Heartbreaker Dance and Fitness located at #2-545 North Railway St.