Traditional yoga has seen many variations, giving those looking for variety in their daily workout several unique options. One of the most interesting proposals is aerial yoga, which is performed on special hanging hammocks. What are the benefits of this form of physical activity? Does it require special clothing and equipment? Find out how to start your aerial yoga adventure!
What is aerial yoga?
Aerial yoga (sometimes referred to as air yoga or fly yoga) combines elements of not only yoga but also acrobatics and even dance. Individual asanas are performed using a hammock (also called a silk, sling, or strap). The material suspended from the ceiling is designed to support and take the weight off the body during practice, allowing for the maintenance of more advanced positions.
Contrary to what you might think, aerial yoga can be practiced by people of various skill levels. It works well both as a way to diversify your practice and as a relaxing experience. Michelle Dortignac – a dancer, choreographer, yoga instructor, and founder of Unnata Aerial Yoga – is considered the greatest popularizer of this form of physical activity.
How does aerial yoga differ from classic yoga?
Contrary to appearances, it is easier to perform asanas in the air than on a yoga mat. Traditional yoga requires precise and conscious movement, as well as the ability to skillfully hold a given position. Aerial yoga puts less strain on the joints, which makes it a good and safe solution for people struggling with being overweight, as it minimizes the risk of injury.
The body in the hammock is just a few to several centimeters above the ground, so there is no reason to worry about excessive strain on the body.
Benefits of practicing aerial yoga – for body and soul
Aerial yoga allows for deeper stretching and muscle strengthening, as well as improved balance and flexibility. What’s more, people who would like to start training do not need to have prior experience with asanas on a mat or acrobatics in general. Of course, it is helpful, but not required.
Here are the most important benefits of practicing aerial yoga:
- improved posture,
- stress reduction,
- increased range of motion and body awareness,
- release of muscle tension,
- toned skin,
- reduction of back pain.
Yoga in hammocks not only brings a number of health benefits but is also enjoyable, representing the perfect combination of physical activity with good, developmental fun.
How to prepare for your first aerial yoga workout?
To properly prepare for your first aerial yoga class, you need to take several factors into account. At the beginning, it is worth getting to know the specifics of the class and the terminology better. By knowing the names of the asanas, it will be much easier for you to understand and perform the exercise. Being aware of what exactly awaits you in class can make you feel a little more confident. If you are pregnant or struggling with health problems, such as arthritis or heart disease, you should consult your doctor before starting exercises.
The final, but no less important step, is to assemble the appropriate workout clothing – you will learn how to do this later in the text. Also, remember to remove any earrings and tie up your hair before entering the room.
Air yoga – how to choose the right equipment and outfit?
Yoga on silks – just like traditional yoga on mats – requires getting the right outfit that will allow you to feel comfortable and safely change positions. In such cases, fitted clothing works best, allowing for a full range of motion while simultaneously protecting against any chafing of specific body parts, including armpits or the backs of knees.
For this reason, it is worth putting together a set consisting of long leggings (or at least 7/8 length) and a short-sleeved t-shirt – tops that are more revealing may cause discomfort.
If you intend to practice air yoga on your own, in your own home, you have a lot of challenges ahead of you. The biggest one is undoubtedly not the purchase, but the installation of the hammock. However, to convince yourself that this type of activity is actually for you, the more favorable and safer solution at the very beginning is to sign up for classes and check if this type of training suits you.
Aerial yoga for beginners – basic exercises and how to find a good studio
Aerial yoga allows you to perform traditional asanas using a silk. Thus, the positions themselves do not change, only the way they are implemented. Beginners can start with simple exercises, such as:
- Padmasana (Lotus pose);
- Dhanurasana (Bow pose);
- Savasana (Corpse pose).
A very important element in aerial yoga is gradually building strength and developing skills. To be sure that all positions are performed safely, it is worth practicing under the supervision of an experienced instructor.
For this purpose, you should look for a yoga studio that offers this type of training at a beginner level. Recommendations – not just from friends but also from internet users – can prove helpful in this task.
