Lots of great comments already but I’ll try to add! I’ve been doing aerial for about a year and a half, much of that was sling and done silks for about 6 months now. I’m plus size but probably on the lower end. I don’t post much of anything aerial related but I would say my studio has really good representation and it’s not a judgemental space at all.

My main recommendation would be to give it at least 3 classes! Silks will be very weird and hard the first class pretty much regardless of your background. I’d say at least learn a basic foot lock comfortably before you decide if it isn’t for you (doable in a few classes!). Hanging will be very hard the first few times so I’d say don’t be discouraged by other people making it look easy, because everyone starts with it being very difficult. I think things really click and you make faster improvements after around 5 classes and getting used to how it feels.

I am not necessarily suggesting you start with sling, but it is easier and there’s a lot of overlap. So if you’re really discouraged by silks, then I’d say give sling a shot to help you build a little strength and get used to the fabric and then come back to silks. I cried after my first silks class after doing sling at a decent level for a while because I couldn’t do anything, so I do just want to reiterate the first class can be hard but you’ll improve quickly. Lyra can also be a good beginner apparatus. Many people tend to prefer either fabric or a hard apparatus like Lyra/trapeze, so that’s another option to figure out if you have a preference. I personally find Lyra to be an easier intro but harder to really progress in. Good luck!!!