An aerial is essentially a cartwheel without hands. It is a flip that requires a lot of power, speed and agility. The mechanics of the trick are fairly simple but it does take a great deal of practice and muscle. Once you have mastered the aerial you can move on to more advanced aerials like a front aerial or brandy aerial. These guidelines will inspire the inner gymnast in you.
Instructions
Prep
1. Stretch your arms and legs. Do arm circles and toe touches to get your blood flowing and to loosen your muscles. Do a regular cartwheel. If you put your left hand down first then it's a left cartwheel, but if you put your right hand down first then it's a right cartwheel. This is important so you know which set of directions to follow.
2. Find a large area clear of furniture or other items. It is best if you have mats to practice on but any soft surface will do. Start at the far end of the area.
3. Have someone watch you to warn you if you get too close to anything or even to spot you over. However, if someone spots you make sure they know what they are doing. Someone who is untrained can end up getting in your way and causing you to do the trick incorrectly and even injure yourself.
Left Side Aerial
4. Run two steps starting with your left foot, so left then right. Then lift your left leg up and hurdle pushing off the ground with your right foot. Lift your arms upward and circle them backward in a large swooping motion. Allow your left foot to touch the ground. Kick your right leg over as your arms circle. Let your left leg follow as your body rotates. Your right foot should touch the ground. Lift your torso up as your left foot touches down. Bring your arms up above your head.
5. As you are learning you will likely need to touch the floor. Just gently touch the floor with one hand or your fingertips to get your body over. As you practice you will need your hands less and less until one day you don't need them at all.
6. After you circle your arms, grab hold of your shirt, shorts or other clothing item. This will prevent you from touching the ground and force you to kick harder and whip your legs over faster.
Right Side Aerial
7. Run two steps starting with your right foot, so right then left. Then lift your right leg up and hurdle pushing off the ground with your left foot. Lift your arms upward and circle them backward in a large swooping motion. Allow your right foot to touch the ground. Kick your left leg over as your arms circle. Let your right leg follow as your body rotates. Your left foot should touch the ground. Lift your torso up as your right foot touches down. Bring your arms up above your head.
8. As you are learning you will likely need to touch the floor. Just gently touch the floor with one hand or your fingertips to get your body over. As you practice you will need your hands less and less until one day you don't need them at all.
9. After you circle your arms grab hold of your shirt, shorts or other clothing item. This will prevent you from touching the ground and force you to kick harder and whip your legs over faster.
Tags: your arms, your left, your right, left foot, right foot, circle your, touch floor
