Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts: An Illustrated Guide to Strength, Flexibility, Training, and Injury Prevention

by Emily Scherb

Overview

An illustrated guide to anatomy and biomechanics for aerialists who want to optimize their performance and train safely

Specifically designed for aerialists—including those who do trapeze, silks, and other aerial arts— Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts is an invaluable resource for those who want to optimize their performance and train safely.
 
Using a biomechanical and movement-based approach, Emily Scherb—a physical therapist who specializes in the care, treatment, and education of circus performers—explains the anatomical rationale for progressions of learning and demonstrates simple movements to achieve the coordination, muscular control, strength, and fitness to hang with correct form, how to progress from hanging into a pull up, an inversion, and beyond with a strong center, precise muscle sequencing, and ease of movement.
 
Aerialists will learn how bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissues allow for specific movements and gain an appreciation for concepts of proximal stability.  
 
This full-color illustrated guide lays a solid foundation for beginners and advanced students with a wealth of insights into their own performance as well as refreshers on fundamentals in warm ups and conditioning. It explains how to structure a training session, how to care for injuries, and best practices for basic self first aid.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781623172169
Publisher:	North Atlantic Books
Publication date:	08/28/2018
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	615,631
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

DR. EMILY SCHERB is a physical therapist specializing in the care, treatment, and education of circus performers. The owner of Pure Motion Physical Therapy in Seattle, WA, she is also the Resident Physical Therapist at SANCA, a circus school, where she works with students and staff to keep their bodies healthy. Since 1992 Dr. Scherb has trained, taught, and performed aerial arts around the world; with her love of circus arts and of the circus community, she has dedicated her practice to educating performers of all levels to prevent and recover from injuries through proper movement, balanced strength, and joint motion. Dr. Scherb also lectures nationwide to educate healthcare professionals on the unique challenges of treating and understanding the needs of circus artists. She continues to train on the trapeze in her free time.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments v

Preface ix

Chapter 1 An Aerialist: What You're Made Of 1

Tissues of the Body 2

Types of Muscular Contractions 6

Movement Terminology 8

Chapter 2 Concepts in Aerial Movement: From Your Center Out 15

Starting from Stability 15

Moving with Stability 17

Chapter 3 The Aerial Body: Structure and Function 19

The Core 19

The Spine 19

The Pelvis 24

The Rib Cage and Respiration 25

The Abdominals 26

The Lower Back 29

The Hip 30

The Shoulder Girdle 36

Anatomy beyond the Core 43

Chapter 4 Aerial Basics: Shape and Form 51

Body Positions 51

Chapter 5 How to Hang: Aerial Foundations 59

The Shoulder in Hanging 59

"Engaged Shoulders" 60

"Engaged Shoulders" on Vertical 65

Hanging from the Legs 67

Chapter 6 Understanding Aerial: Basic Skills 69

Ways to Hang 70

Balances 89

Chapter 7 How to Move: Conquering Gravity 95

Climbing 96

Beats 97

Pull-ups to Pullovers 100

Inversions 104

Essential Skills 112

Advanced Skills 117

Chapter 8 How to Train: Staying Injury Free 123

Creating Your Aerial Training Program 123

What Should Training Look Like? 125

Progressing Your Training 127

Important Considerations 128

Stretching 129

Understanding Injury in Aerial Arts 132

Injury Prevention for Aerial Artists 141

Chapter 9 Exercises for Aerialists: Getting Strong and Mobile 147

Hands and Wrists 147

Shoulders 150

Full Body 167

Hips 176

Feet and Ankles 185

Epilogue 189

Index 191

About the Author 197

Editorial Reviews

This book is a great resource for aerial instructors and students. Being able to visualize and pinpoint the specific muscles used in a skill will help demystify how aerial tricks work and how they affect the practitioner’s body.”
—Elsie Smith, cofounder of NECCA and Nimble Arts Aerial Teacher Trainings

“I’ve noticed through the years I’ve known Emily Scherb that in addition to being extraordinarily knowledgeable and generous, she is consistently curious, questing for a more complete model of human anatomy and movement. Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts is a compendium of information pertinent to your body and to circus. Though thorough and detailed, it reads like a page-turner. It is filled with arcane knowledge from the most forward-thinking in the sports medical community, and every page yields discoveries. Through her practice she has enabled countless circus artists to continue to do what they love. With this book, she extends the performing life of an entire community of professionals.” —Terry Crane, cofounder and artistic director of Acrobatic Conundrum
 
“This is the anatomy book for aerial we’ve all been waiting for! With clear explanations alongside expert photographs, all the aerial classics are demystified. Dr. Scherb covers everything from beginning hangs to advanced poses. Relate anatomy to your aerial practice with the help of the examples, including what not to do.  Many injuries are going to be prevented by getting this book in the hands of every aerial student and teacher.” —Rebekah Leach, author of The Aerial Dance Manual Series and founder of Born to Fly Productions
 
“Scherb has a gift for explaining complex physical actions in ways that anyone can understand. This book belongs in the library of every aerial studio. Even if you think you understand functional anatomy, this book will help students execute those skills correctly and safely.” —Beverly Sobelman, founder and executive director, Versatile Arts, director of the American Circus Educators Safety Program

From the Publisher