Rigging and Training at Home

Training Aerial Arts at Home

The Aviary’s top priority is the safety of our students. We’re glad you’re seeking guidance before training at home.

The Short Answer:

Only practice at home if:

  • Your instructor has approved you

  • You can perform skills confidently without cues

  • You have proper equipment, appropriate rigging, and adequate safety matting

If any of these are missing, you are not ready to train solo.

Aerial arts carry a high risk of serious injury, including permanent injury, paralysis, or death. Training at home can be done safely, but only with proper knowledge, setup, and precautions. Please think carefully before making equipment or rigging decisions.

Aerial Yoga vs. Aerial Arts

Aerial yoga and circus-based aerial arts are not the same.

  • Aerial yoga, yoga trapeze, and sling stretching are forms of yoga, not aerial arts

  • They are often taught differently and typically involve lower loads and simpler movements

  • However, gravity still applies! it is not safe to practice in the air without proper training and equipment

Experience in aerial yoga does not qualify you to skip levels or train independently in aerial arts.

Rigging at Home: Key Risks

Rigging is the highest-risk part of training at home and should only be done with professional guidance.

Training & Knowledge

Beginners typically do not have the expertise to:

  • Calculate forces

  • Select appropriate equipment

  • Install or maintain rigging safely

Forces Involved

  • Your body weight is not the true load on the equipment

  • Movement can double or triple the force on a rigging point

  • Equipment must withstand repeated dynamic loading, not just static weight

Common Rigging Setups

Doorways

  • Not designed to support human suspension

  • Usually attached with nails that can fail easily

  • Over-the-door rigs and pull-up bars are not safe for aerial use

Ceilings

  • Require evaluation by a structural engineer

  • Most residential ceilings are not designed for downward loads

  • Drilling into beams can weaken the structure

  • Ceiling height is often insufficient for safe aerial movement

Walls

  • Must be professionally assessed

  • Many walls are not built to handle outward or dynamic loads

  • Improper hardware can tear out of the wall

Trees

  • Only safe when assessed by a qualified professional

  • Proper inspection is highly specialized and uncommon

  • Incorrect rigging can endanger you, others, and the tree

Equipment Safety

  • Equipment must be rated for aerial use (tested and certified)

  • The safe working load should be at least 10× your body weight

  • Hardware store items are often not rated for human suspension

  • Online marketplaces may sell unsafe or counterfeit equipment

Insurance Considerations

  • Home insurance typically does not cover aerial rigging or use

  • Rental properties are especially unlikely to allow or cover modifications

Final Reminder

Training at home is possible, but only with proper training, equipment, and professional guidance.

When in doubt: ask your instructor first. Your safety depends on it.

Other Excellent Resources for Aerial Rigging Safety

Portal Aerial Rigs

If your instructor has cleared you to train on and rig aerial apparatus at home, and you have a mat, these are the rigs recommended.