YOGA enthusiasts can swap their mats for aerial silks at The Arty Attic, a newly renovated studio near Bridgwater that aims to boost people's health and confidence. 

Jules Holder launched Arty Attic Aerial Skills in June, and moved it into its own upstairs space at The Goat Shed, located at West House Farm in Chilton Polden, on Friday, September 8.

She previously took part in a similar class – and enjoyed it so much that she learnt to host her own sessions when her instructor moved away. 

“It came about as I have been training for it for three years in Street,” said Jules. 

Bridgwater Mercury: Founder Jules Holder decided to train as an instructor after enjoying taking part in similar sessions in Street.Founder Jules Holder decided to train as an instructor after enjoying taking part in similar sessions in Street. (Image: Arty Attic Aerial Skills)

“The instructor had to go back to Sussex, so she decided to put on teacher training sessions, and I thought, ‘this sounds amazing, because I love being upside-down!’

“I passed the training and then decided to set up my own, which is The Arty Attic.

“It involves all the normal yoga poses, but it’s off the ground and uses silks. 

“I tell people, ‘you’re not going to realise how much you’re exercising, you’re just going to be laughing for the next hour’.” 

Jules’ sessions are currently fully booked, and there is a waiting list for places. 

“It shocked me, to be honest, that it’s been taken up so well,” she said. 

“There’s nothing like this in Bridgwater, the villages or Taunton.

“I’ve had people ringing me from the other side of Taunton, which I thought was a long way to travel for a one-hour session. 

“We were operating from the main gym in The Goat Shed with the silks hanging from the rafters, and then this space opened upstairs, which I thought was super cool.” 

Bridgwater Mercury: Benefits of aerial yoga include improved flexibility, help with breathing and stress relief.Benefits of aerial yoga include improved flexibility, help with breathing and stress relief. (Image: Arty Attic Aerial Skills)

It took around a month to get the new studio ready for its opening night, which saw guests enjoy drinks and canapés and try out the silks. 

Reflecting on the night, Jules said: “Wow! I was so worried, thinking, ‘what if nobody comes?’. But we were absolutely heaving for an hour and a half.

“At one point, I counted 45 people up there.” 

Jules has kept prices as low as possible because of the cost-of-living crisis, charging £8 for a one-hour session. 

And she says there are plenty of benefits to be had from taking part in aerial yoga. 

“You become more flexible and improve your balance,” she said. 

 

“Above all, it gives you confidence, it creates a great community of people helping each other and it’s amazing for your core and muscle strength.” 

The Goat Shed is around a 15-minute drive from the centre of Bridgwater and can be reached from Burnham and Highbridge in less than 20 minutes.

Jules' one-hour sessions are held on Mondays (9.30am to 10.30am), Wednesdays (6.30pm to 7.30pm) and Thursdays (6.30pm to 7.30pm).

You can contact Jules by emailing artyatticaerialskills@gmail.com or by sending a message to her Facebook or Instagram pages.