Health·Posted on Jul 4, 2016Here's Everything You Need To Know Before Trying Aerial Circus ClassesYou don't have to run away to join the circus — or to get a great workout.by Susie ArmitageBuzzFeed News ReporterLinkFacebookPinterestTwitterMail Hi there! I'm Susie, and I've been taking aerial circus classes for five years now. 1. "Aerial arts," "aerial circus," and "cirque-style fitness" are broad terms that cover a whole bunch of different activities. View this photo on Instagram 2. Aerial yoga is a different (very cool!) thing entirely. 3. You don't need to have a particular body type to do aerial circus. View this photo on Instagram 4. Aerial can be accessible and adapted to people with different abilities. View this photo on Instagram 5. It's not just for women. View this photo on Instagram 6. You don't need a ton of upper body strength to start, but if you stick with it you might develop some serious guns. 7. You'll get a great core workout, too. View this photo on Instagram 8. You don't have to be super flexible, either. 9. Consider what class level and format will work best for you. View this photo on Instagram 10. Find a qualified teacher who practices proper safety measures. 11. Be prepared to sign a waiver before class. 12. Expect to learn a few basics in your first class and stay pretty close to the floor. View this photo on Instagram 13. Wear comfortable clothes that will keep you covered while you're upside down. View this photo on Instagram 14. You'll want to eat a light, nutritious meal a few hours before class. 15. Expect to be sore the day after your first class. Like, got-hit-by-a-truck levels of sore. 16. Don't be surprised if you develop a few "apparatus hickeys." 17. Don’t stress out if you don’t look like a pro at first. View this photo on Instagram 18. Be ready for some mental challenges along with the physical ones.