Thinking about setting up a training space at home? This blog is for you!    

We understand how tempting it can be to create your very own aerial world at home, especially if you have limited options when it comes to classes, maybe the cost is starting to pile up, or maybe you just want to get that extra practice in! While these are all valid points for wanting to set up at home, there are also a lot of hidden costs and dangers with doing so. We are going to cover those below. While this is not a full guide, we hope it will give you the necessary knowledge to assess whether this is suitable for you, and how to go about doing this in the safest way possible. 

Home Training vs Studio Training

As more and more people get into aerial and circus the more resources are being made to support these people. Resources like books, videos and podcasts! We are seeing more and more instructional videos appearing online and while this can be beneficial as a training aid, it should not be a substitute for professional in person instruction.

Learning at Home

 Aside from the fact that many homes are not designed to support the weight and forces generated by aerial (we’ll get into that), training at home can still be dangerous even if you have a secure rigging point. Ideally, you want to have someone available nearby who can help if something goes wrong. We don’t recommend learning aerial by yourself as the risk of learning incorrect technique, not only puts you at risk when doing the moves but can also lead to  lifelong muscle, tendon, ligament, or even bone issues. No matter how detailed or thorough the video, nothing compares to an actual person talking you through a move. An in-person instructor can identify if a wrap is wrong and explain moves in various ways.

Their experience is also invaluable when putting together an act and performance.  YouTube videos can also often leave out essential steps to perform a move properly. Many times a move requires you to engage many different muscle groups even if the move looks easy. An experienced performer, in a video, may activate a muscle they’ve trained more than you and pull off a move you simply aren’t ready for. Because YouTube is a one-way transaction you’re also not in a position to ask questions, gain feedback, and have your learning moderated responsibly.  This doesn't mean, you can't use online resources to refresh your memory, or get tips and tricks, but it should not replace professional instruction. 

How to Rig

If your instructor has given you the okay to train at home then you may have a few different options available.  

Beams - First, you need to know what load a beam can support, and if the beam is wooden or metal. There are huge differences between these materials and it's important to know what you're dealing with from the very start. You also need to know if the beam is structural (we may be able to use this) or decorative (don't use). 

With a steel beam, you maybe be able to work out if it is strong enough before calling in riggers. A steel joist has defined and consistent load values which can be looked up online based on the measurements. 

With timber, there are lots of variations and these make a massive difference when it comes to rigging. Timber beams can never have a guaranteed WLL or BLL attributed to them as there are natural differences in the material, but a structural engineer can assess a timber beam and report on its usability. 

The next thing you will need to know is how to attach it to the beam. The best thing to do would be to consult with someone qualified and experienced with rigging for circus to professionally install points for you to attach to that won't take away from the overall strength of the beam. When you stick a screw up into the bottom of the beam, you're screwing into a section of a beam that's pulling away from the screw. Over time, you'll be taking away a significant amount of the tension zone, which will reduce the overall strength of the beam. 

Remember that rigging aerial at home can be tricky and dangerous if it's not done properly. Please take our advice, do your research, contact the professionals and only use equipment that is designed, tested and certified for aerial. Perform regular checks of all your equipment and replace any damaged items immediately. Above all, have fun but please train safely! (we like repeat customers)

Trees - Firetoys strongly advises against rigging from trees. Rigging from trees can be extremely dangerous and much more complex than most people realise. Branches are not always as strong as they appear, and rough bark can damage your equipment. Even a small person can cause a high dynamic force when training drops or beats with aerial apparatus. Here is more information about rigging from trees, including the problem of a sudden branch drop! 

Eye Bolts - This is a metal bolt that is sunk into concrete either in a ceiling or floor. Then it's either mechanically or chemically bonded to that surface. Very strong, and very secure, but definitely one for professionals to install. Don't be tempted to use cheap ceiling hooks which screw into the bottom of a beam or ceiling. These are not rated for human loads and are not suitable hardware to install for this purpose. 

Freestanding Rigs    

If you rent your home, or are unable to set up a safe anchor point then a freestanding rig is a fantastic alternative. These rigs are designed with aerial in mind, and are usually quick and easy to set up. Using a rig also means that you can take your set up on the road and aren't restricted to training in one place.  There's a range of rigs out there, including our very own Prodigy Aerial Yoga Rig, Big Rig and Big Rig XL. 

Check out the below videos from Mark Gibson at Circus Rigging

Remember.. 

Each installation will vary  - You will need to buy the correct size or componentry for your needs or personal preferences, this includes the space you have to work in and the size or type of your equipment. Your ceiling might be a different height to your neighbours or friends, or you may be rigging different equipment with different needs- aerial silks won't be rigged in the same way as an aerial yoga hammock or a trapeze. 

We aren't riggers - Many members of our team have completed rigging courses and can give general advice about what to buy, but we can't see the space in person and we can't load test the area you want to rig in. Because of this, it would be dangerous for us to provide you with installation equipment and we will always recommend you speak to a professional rigger or structural engineer.