The Christmas decs are up, the playlists are getting a little Mariah-heavy, and suddenly the holidays are here! For many of us in the aerial community, the festive season can feel like a game of tug-of-war between wanting to train and stay in your routine and wanting to curl up under a blanket with a hot chocolate and a good old Christmas film. Here's your friendly reminder from AAA: both choices are valid.
Below, we've put together two Christmas training paths - one for those still making it to the studio, and one for those taking a guilt-free rest. Whatever you need this season, we've got you.
🎁 If you're training: what to focus on this December
The holiday period can be a brilliant time to shift your training focus. Instead of pushing harder, train smarter - a gentle wrap-up to the year.
1. Work on strength & conditioning foundations
December sessions are perfect for polishing the basics:
- Grip strength exercises
- Core and shoulder conditioning
- Pole climbs and aerial inversions
These low-pressure drills build stability and help you launch into the new year feeling strong.
2. Revisit tricks you can already do
Instead of chasing brand-new shapes, enjoy refining the ones you love:
- Clean lines
- Smoother transitions
- Controlled dismounts
- Beautiful exits and re-entries
Mastery feels amazing, and it's a confidence-boosting way to end the year.
3. Christmas-themed flow sessions
A little creative play goes a long way:
- Try soft, melodic sequences to a festive playlist
- Explore themed routines (yes, "Santa Baby" counts)
- Experiment with sparkly costumes or fun props
These sessions aren't about strength - they're about joy.
4. Prioritise mobility & recovery
December can be overwhelming, so add:
- Gentle stretch classes
- Yoga style cool-downs
- Breathwork
This keeps your body supple and your stress levels low.
5. Set micro-goals for January
Use the slower pace to reflect on what felt great this year - and what you'd love to work on next. Small goals like "hold a stronger straddle," "get my clean invert," or "improve flow confidence" are far more empowering than giant resolutions.
🎄 If you're not training: it's completely OK to rest
This time of year can bring fatigue, family commitments, travel, and emotional clutter. If you step away from the studio, here's your reminder:
1. Rest is still progress
Muscles rebuild, grip recovers, and your nervous system resets. Taking a break doesn't set you back - it sustains your long-term journey.
2. You don't owe productivity to anyone
You don't have to "make up" for not training. You don't need to justify choosing cosy nights, family time, or simply doing nothing. Permission granted.
3. Movement doesn't have to be structured
If you miss your apparatus, try gentle at-home mobility, a walk, dancing in your kitchen, or nothing at all. Everything counts - or nothing is required.
4. Your spot will be waiting
The pole, the silks, the hoop, the studio community - they're not going anywhere. Your strength and muscle memory come back quicker than you think.
5. You are allowed to enjoy this season
The holidays are about presence, not pressure. Let yourself be a human first, aerialist second.
⭐ A final Christmas hug from us, and a message from our instructors
Before we close our year, our instructors wanted to share this reminder with you:
"Take the time out during winter festivities to recalibrate. Deload (not necessarily meaning eat rubbish and drink yourself to oblivion) but walk, reflect, rest. We are human and deeply cyclic creatures that follow seasons and rhythms... more so if female... we are bound by a 28-day cycle as opposed to a man (24 hrs). So take this time out as a spiritual, emotional and mental wellbeing checkmate!"
Rebecca Plume
"In my experience when I've been training a lot, taking two weeks off has always done me the world of good and I come back stronger! That goes for pole, running, weights etc!"
Kat Kelly
Whether you finish the year hanging upside-down, practising your spins, perfecting a split, or resting with a mince pie in hand: you're part of this community, and you're doing brilliantly.
We'll be here cheering for you - rested, trained, sparkly, or somewhere in between.
Have a magical holiday, and we can't wait to see you shine into the New Year. ❄️✨
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