5 Reasons to Try Aerial Arts at Girlfriends Fitness (in Joplin, MO)

Have you ever watched someone gracefully twirl through the air and thought, “I could never do that”?

Here’s the truth: you absolutely can.

At Girlfriends Fitness in Joplin, our Intro to Aerial class (this Saturday at 9:45am!) is where women take that first leap—literally. Once a month, we open the doors to a class that’s part movement, part artistry, and completely empowering. It’s designed for any woman who wants to explore something new, feel strong, and rediscover her sense of play.

If you’ve been craving a fresh, uplifting way to move your body, here are five beautiful reasons to take flight with us.

1. You’ll Discover Strength in the Most Unexpected Places

Aerial Arts builds strength that feels both powerful and feminine. In our Intro to Aerial class, you’ll learn safety, basic terminology, foundational skills, hand and foot positions using the silks and hoops—starting low to the ground, progressing at your own pace.

It’s a full-body workout disguised as play: your arms, shoulders, and core engage in ways you never knew they could.

💪 The best part? That first time you pull yourself up, even just a few inches, is pure magic. It’s a moment of proof—you’re stronger than you thought.

According to Harvard Health, "bodyweight resistance training—like the kind used in Aerial Arts—builds real-world strength and balance without adding joint stress.”

2. You’ll Move with Grace—Even Before You Feel “Ready”

Aerial movement has this mesmerizing blend of art and athleticism. Every climb, wrap, and pose teaches you not just coordination, but control. You’ll feel elegant, even when you’re still learning the ropes (literally).

✨ Think of it as dance meets flight. Our instructors guide you step-by-step, helping you move with intention and flow, until one day you realize—you’re not just working out, you’re creating art in the air.

And it’s good for your brain, too! Studies show that rhythmic, skill-based movement (like dance or aerial) boosts coordination, balance, and cognitive function while reducing stress hormones. You’ll leave class taller—not just in posture, but in spirit.

3. You’ll Find Calm in the Climb

For our busy moms, caregivers, and high-achievers—this hour is your permission to escape. Aerial practice quiets the mental chatter. As you focus on each movement, stress melts away. Many of our students describe it as “meditation in motion”—you can’t worry about your to-do list when you’re learning to fly.

🌿 You’ll leave class grounded, refreshed, and completely present. It’s not just fitness; it’s a mental reset.

Research from Harvard Medical School shows that "mindful movement practices reduce anxiety and elevate mood—exactly what women experience as they focus on each climb and pose.”

4. You’ll Be Surrounded by Encouragement (and Laughter)

There’s something truly special about learning alongside other women who are stepping out of their comfort zones. Our Aerial community is warm, encouraging, and full of laughter—you’ll hear cheers for every small victory.

💖 No intimidation. No competition. Just women showing up for themselves and each other. Whether you’re testing out your first foot lock or trying a new pose, you’ll never be doing it alone.

And science backs this up—Harvard researchers found that "exercising with a supportive group improves motivation and emotional health—one reason our Aerial community feels so uplifting."

5. You’ll Open the Door to a Whole New World of Classes

Your Intro to Aerial class is just the beginning.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore our Beginner Aerial Silks, Beginner Lyra (Hoop), or Intermediate Silks classes. Each builds on your strength and creativity—helping you flow higher, move freely, and express yourself through movement.

🌸 Pro Tip: Come dressed in fitted clothing that covers the backs of your knees and underarms—leggings and a short or long sleeve top are perfect.

You’ll be amazed how quickly this once-a-month class can turn into your favorite self-care ritual.

🌤️ Final Thoughts: Let Yourself Fly

Every woman deserves to feel beautiful in motion. You don’t need prior experience, crazy flexibility, or upper body strength to start—you just need curiosity and a willingness to try.

Join us this Saturday at 9:45am for our Intro to Aerial class and take your first step toward something breathtakingly new. Because once you feel what it’s like to lift off the ground, you’ll never see “working out” the same way again.

About the Author: I’m Shannon Strahan, owner of Girlfriends Fitness in Joplin, MO. For over a decade, I’ve helped women discover the joy of fitness in a supportive, women-only space. Our mission is simple: help you feel amazing—in body, mind, and spirit.