Finding strength in aerial hoop while living with long-term illness

Yobanna Fahmy
Mar 31
2 min read

I discovered aerial hoop in 2018 when I first pushed the door of My Gravity studio.

After years of practicing pole in Paris, stepping into the studio felt like a revelation. I didn’t just discover a new discipline — I discovered a family. A safe space. A place where I could connect with my body, express myself, and feel supported. Both the studio and hoop quickly became part of my life.

Then in 2023, cancer entered the story.

Since then, I have been on ongoing treatment, and everything has changed — including the way I approach training. I had to completely rethink what progression means in aerial. Before, progress meant chasing the hardest moves, pushing limits, and achieving increasingly impressive tricks.

Today, progress sometimes simply means showing up.

Showing up even on the hard days. Showing up when energy is low. Showing up when my body feels unfamiliar.

Exercise is scientifically recognised as one of the ways to help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and improve overall wellbeing. But My Gravity gives me so much more than a workout. It gives me joy, connection, and support.

Knowing that I will see my aerial family gives me the motivation to get out of bed, even on difficult days. Of course, I don’t train the way I used to. I don’t chase the craziest moves anymore, and yes, sometimes that can feel frustrating.

But within a community like this one, frustration never lasts long.

Because here, progress is not only measured in strength or flexibility — it is measured in courage, resilience, and presence. Every small step forward matters. Every session attended is a victory.

Every time I push My Gravity’s door, I feel strong.

I feel free.

I feel supported.

I feel alive.

If you or someone you know is living with a long-term illness and hesitating to start something new, this is your sign.

You don’t have to be at your strongest to begin. You just have to begin.

You might discover more than a sport.

You might discover a place where you can feel like yourself again.