Whether you're an aerial enthusiast or a circus newbie, what you eat before your workout can significantly impact your performance. Choosing the right snacks can provide the energy and nutrients your body needs for an effective and enjoyable gym session without weighing you down. Here are five healthy snacks to consider before getting your butt to your aerial silks, pole dancing or aerial hoop class! You know you need that energy if you're doing straps and handstands as well. Go forth and be creative:

1. Banana and Nut Butter: Bananas are an excellent source of natural sugars, providing a quick energy boost. Pairing a banana with a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter, adds healthy fats and protein. This combination offers a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, giving you sustained energy throughout your workout. And it's vegan!

2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Greek yogurt is rich in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Create a delicious parfait by layering Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola. Berries add antioxidants, while granola provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. This snack is not only tasty but also a great source of probiotics for digestive health. This can be made vegan by using alternative yoghurt and granola without honey.

3. Oatmeal with Fruit: A bowl of oatmeal is a fantastic complex carbohydrate source that releases energy slowly, ensuring you stay fueled during your entire workout. Top your oatmeal with sliced fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced banana for added vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness. Consider adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra flavor and nutritional benefits. Your oatmeal doesn't have to be hot, you can make overnight oats for a snack you can bring to the studio.

4. Whole Grain Toast with Avocado: Whole grain toast provides complex carbohydrates, and when paired with creamy avocado, you get a satisfying blend of healthy fats and fiber. The combination offers a steady release of energy and helps keep you feeling full. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper or add a dash of hot sauce for added flavor without compromising on health. We have a toaster in the studio so you're welcome to bring your ingredients and make your snack!

5. Energy Bites: Prepare energy bites using a mix of rolled oats, nut butter, honey, and your favorite mix-ins like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or dark chocolate chips. Just take a spoonful of your chosen butter, add some oats and seeds and whatever you fancy and mix it all together in a bowl. Add more oats or butter to change the consistency until you can roll them in your hands. They should be sticky but hold together. These bite-sized snacks are portable, easy to make, and provide a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. They're perfect for a quick energy boost before your gym class. Bin the honey if you're vegan, jobsagoodun.

Eating the right snacks before your pole or aerial class can enhance your performance and make your workout more enjoyable - if you add crystalised ginger to some of these snacks you can help stave off the vertigo from Audrey's straps class or Zoey's spinning pole class! Experiment with these healthy snack options to find what works best for you. Remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body's signals to ensure a happy gym session. No longer will you make the mistake of eating a big bowl of pasta five minutes before class and then spending the hour feeling like you're going to throw up...you know who you are.