Aerial yoga – what is aerial yoga and how to start training?

Traditional yoga has evolved into many variations, offering those looking to spice up their daily workouts a few unique options. One of the most interesting options is aerial yoga, performed on special hanging hammocks . What are the benefits of this form of physical activity? Does it require special attire and equipment? Find out how to get started with aerial yoga!

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 sling, scarf, or webbing). The material suspended from the ceiling is designed to support and relieve the body during practice, allowing for more advanced poses.

Contrary to popular belief, aerial yoga can be practiced by people of all skill levels . It works well both as a way to diversify your practice and as a relaxing experience. Michelle Dortignac, dancer, choreographer, yoga instructor, and founder of Unnata Aerial Yoga, is considered the greatest proponent of this form of physical activity .

How is aerial yoga different from classic yoga?

Contrary to popular belief, asanas are easier to perform in the air than on a yoga mat . Traditional yoga requires precise and conscious movement, as well as skillful holding of a given position. Aerial yoga places less strain on joints , making it a good and safe option for those struggling with excess weight , as it minimizes the risk of injury.

The body in the hammock is only a few to a dozen or so centimeters above the ground, so there is no reason to worry about excessive strain on the body.

Benefits of practicing yoga on scarves – for body and mind

Aerial yoga allows for deeper stretching and strengthening of muscles, while also improving balance and flexibility. Furthermore, those wishing to begin practicing it don't need to have prior experience with mat asanas or acrobatics . While this is helpful, it's not required.

Here are the most important benefits of practicing aerial yoga:

• improved posture,
• stress reduction,
• increasing range of movement and body awareness,
• relaxing muscle tension,
• firmed skin,
• reduction of back pain.

Yoga in hammocks not only brings a number of health benefits, but also pleasure, being a perfect combination of physical activity and good, developing fun.

How to prepare for your first scarf yoga session?

To properly prepare for your first aerial yoga class, you should consider several factors. It's worth familiarizing yourself with the specifics of the classes and the terminology first. Knowing the names of the asanas will make it much easier to understand and perform the exercises . Knowing what you'll actually be learning during the class can make you feel a bit more confident. If you're pregnant or struggling with health issues like arthritis or heart disease, consult your doctor before beginning the exercises.

The last, but no less important, step is to gather the appropriate workout clothes – you'll learn how to do that later in this article. Also, remember to remove any earrings and tie or pin up your hair before entering the gym.

Aerial yoga – how to choose the right equipment and attire for its practice?

Resistance yoga – like traditional mat yoga – requires appropriate attire that allows for comfort and safe transitions. In such cases , it's best to wear tight-fitting clothing that allows for a full range of motion while also protecting against abrasions to specific body parts, including the armpits and knee joints.

For this reason, it is worth putting together an outfit consisting of long leggings (or at least 7/8) and a short-sleeved T-shirt – more revealing tops may cause discomfort.

If you plan to practice aerial yoga independently, in your own home, you'll face many challenges. The biggest challenge is undoubtedly not so much purchasing a hammock, but rather assembling it. However, to be sure that this type of activity is truly for you, a more beneficial and safer approach is to sign up for a class right from the start and see if it 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 scarf. Therefore, the poses themselves don't change, only the method of performing them. Beginners can start with simple exercises such as:

• Padmasana (lotus position);
• Dhanurasana (bow pose);
• Savasana (corpse pose).

A crucial element of aerial yoga is the gradual development of strength and skill. To ensure that all poses are performed safely, it's recommended to practice under the supervision of an experienced instructor.

To do this, you should look for a yoga studio that offers this type of training at a beginner level. Recommendations—not only from friends but also from internet users—can be helpful in this regard.