Free guide for pole, hoop & silks
Find out what's really holding your aerial back
Three simple strength tests you can do in 10 minutes, plus exactly what to work on first.
Sound familiar?
Something always gives out first
- Your grip fails before you reach the move
- You feel wobbly or unsure with your arms overhead
- You're tired after two attempts
- You go to the gym but don't know if it's helping
Usually it's one specific strength lagging behind the rest. The self-check shows you which one.
What's inside
Three tests, step by step
All you need is a timer, a wall, some floor and somewhere to hang.
- Active hang - does your grip run out before your skill?
- Wall overhead hold - how steady are your shoulders overhead?
- Hollow body hold - does your core stay switched on for tucks and inverts?
Plus simple scores, guidance on finding your weakest link, one exercise to start this week and a score sheet to retest in 4 weeks.

Your coach
Nicola Ghalmi
Nicola has coached aerialists for over 20 years and founded Aerial Arts Academy in Oxfordshire. After a serious shoulder injury, she created Aerials Elevated, strength coaching designed to support your aerial training.
- Level 3 PT
- Pilates
- Pre & post-natal
- Pole · Hoop · Silks
