I remember hearing the term “pole kisses” when I was a newbie and thinking, Well damn, my pole just wants to make out with me then. I bruised like a peach. An overripe peach that you forgot in your lunch box for two days. For anyone just starting out, the injuries that come with aerial can be a little intimidating. But don’t let them scare you off! Here are a few things to expect, and some suggestions for coping:

Bruises:

Call them whatever cute name you want, but these little “kisses” can cover a shocking amount of territory on your skin, and just when you finally stop bruising in one spot, your instructors seem to conspire and they all start working moves in another, even more tender area. (Yeah, I see you and I know you’re all doing it on purpose.) These bruises can range in appearance from a tasteful dusting of cheetah spots to downright scary looking deep purple blotches.

No matter what form your bruises take, there are a few things that will help:

• Arnica. If you haven’t already heard of it, well where have you been? It comes in topical creams which you can rub on, as well as supplement form. You can find both at Vitamin Shoppe or online. People swear by it.
• Epsom salts. Soak in them, live in them. Epsom is a way of life. My favorite application, though, is something my husband came up with: 50/50 Epsom salts and water in a spray bottle. Sprits and rub it in, then leave it. I think it works even better than arnica, to be honest.
• Ice. Old school? Yes. Effective? Heck yeah.

Burns:

While I see more friction burns from hammock and silks, any apparatus has the potential. These friction burns are typically just annoying and stingy, but if they’re particularly bad they can slightly break the skin. (Ow.) There are a few tried and true recommendations for these:

• Aquaphor. Just the old fashioned stuff. Depending on the dimensions of the burn, rub some over it, and cover with a large bandage. If you can’t stay off your apparatus while it’s healing (I know, it’s impossible), wrap athletic tape over the bandage and then cover with clothes. Keeping these burns lotioned up will make them take a bit longer to heal, but they will be much more comfortable and will be less visible in the long term.
• Beeswax products. ClimbOn was a product invented for climbers, and is a combination of beeswax with vitamins. I haven’t tried it myself, but many silks enthusiasts swear by it for really bad burns or burns that slightly break the skin. Burt’s Bees also makes a burn salve, among other brands.
• Aloe. We’re in Florida, so we should all be familiar with this one.

Blisters:

If you haven’t gotten used to using your hands in this way, blisters are nearly a guarantee. Especially on lyra. Between the sweat and the tape, and especially if you mix in a grip aid like Dry Hands, your palms might feel like you’ve gotten a manicure with sand paper. A few suggestions:

• Clean it. It’s going to suck. I’m sorry. But warm, soapy water and maybe a splash of hydrogen peroxide if it’s a deep one. It’s an open wound after all.
• Wax products. Just as above, you want to keep the skin soft and tough at the same time and beeswax products can help. Look for products aimed at rock climbers. We’re pretty much in their boat on this one.
• Bandage and time. Sorry, but rips and blisters won’t get better right away. The good news is that the skin will get tougher each time until it stops happening.

 

While your muggle friends and family may give you horrified stares, you will come to love and take pride in the affectionate nips your apparatus will give you. Sadly, the bruises do stop happening, your palms will stop blistering, and your body will get used to all of this. I kind of miss my pole bruises, to be honest. Be patient with yourself and remember: they’re not contusions, they’re kisses! See you in the air!