Let’s talk Aerial Yoga: Benefits, Types of Equipment, and more!

Aerial Yoga Benefits:

Yoga enthusiasts are typically familiar with the various “styles” that this ancient discipline encompasses. Over time, traditional yoga has evolved, integrating concepts and exercises from other disciplines, leading to the creation of diverse and unique forms, including Aerial Yoga. Let’s delve into this innovative practice and Aerial Yoga Benefits.

Often referred to as “yoga with the hammock,” Aerial Yoga is one of the more recent additions to the yoga family. Despite its novelty, it’s quickly gaining popularity and drawing a growing number of practitioners. The evolution of Aerial Yoga is ongoing, marked by fascinating developments in poses, methods, and equipment.

As we witness these changes, it’s important to approach them with an open mind, recognizing that change doesn’t necessarily mean a departure from yoga’s core essence. For those deeply engaged in yoga, we encourage exploring this emerging variation. Who knows, you might find Aerial Yoga to be a refreshing and enriching addition to your yoga journey.

Aerial Yoga & Aerial Yoga Benefits:

The inception of Aerial Yoga can be traced back to Christopher Harrison, an American acrobat and dancer. In 2007, he pioneered the concept of anti-gravity fitness, laying the groundwork for what would become Aerial Yoga. Since then, numerous instructors have embraced and adapted this innovative practice, integrating it into their own yoga teachings and thus continually evolving the discipline.

Aerial Yoga is a unique blend of traditional circus acrobatics, tailored for the everyday person, and classic yoga poses. The practice involves using a hammock made from a soft, stretchable fabric. Originating in America, this form of yoga has rapidly spread worldwide, reaching countries like Italy and being featured in many gyms under the moniker “Yoga in Flight.”

Despite its departure from traditional yoga in terms of practice style, Aerial Yoga shares similar objectives with classical yoga. These include:

• Helping to realign the body
• Strengthen the body
• Improve flexibility
• Better understand and know oneself,
• Relax and strengthen your mind.

The Benefits of Aerial Yoga:

Yoga is known for the benefits it can introduce to the body and spirit. Aerial yoga falls along this same path. From a physical point of view, the most stressed muscle groups are rarely different from those in traditional practice. Aerial yoga can greatly decrease tension and stress on joints, like the knee’s and wrists. In addition, have a positive effect on body fat, even blood pressure.

Related Article: Yoga for Heart Health: Vital Poses to Practice

A main benefit of aerial yoga is noticeable strengthening of the upper body (especially of the hands). Furthermore, assist to help decompress the spine, improve balance, overcome fears, have more confidence and, above all, relax in a unique way.

The combination of the typical movements of dance, artistic gymnastics and Pilates, mixed with those of yoga, bring with it the greatest benefits of classical practice, and those of muscle strengthening, stretching exercises, ideal for getting fit. With constant training you get a truly unique feeling of physical and mental well-being.

Assessing the Risks: When to Exercise Caution in Aerial Yoga

As with any physical activity, aerial yoga may not be appropriate for everyone, and it’s important to recognize this. It’s always a good idea to consult a medical professional or a certified yoga instructor if you have any doubts about your suitability for aerial yoga. This form of yoga, with its unique demands and approaches, should be approached differently from traditional yoga.

Despite the advancements in equipment and the expertise of instructors that make aerial yoga accessible for various skill levels, the risk of injury still exists. It’s crucial to be aware of your body’s limits. Aerial yoga often involves inverted poses, hanging upside-down in the hammock, which requires good body control and strength.

Certain health conditions may warrant caution or avoidance of aerial yoga. These include high blood pressure (subject to medical advice), hand pain issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, sinusitis, heart conditions, eye and ear problems, hiatal hernia, and pregnancy. Safety and well-being should always be the top priorities when considering any form of physical exercise, including aerial yoga.

Aerial Yoga | Home & Outdoors | Equipment:

Practicing aerial yoga at home, though requiring some initial setup, is definitely achievable. The key is having enough space and the right setup to safely hang the hammock.

For a typical home aerial yoga setup, you’ll need certain equipment: an aerial yoga hammock or silks, carabiners, choke loops, daisy chains, ceiling hooks, and a setup manual. Some well-regarded brands in this space include Gravotonics Swings, Uplift Active Yoga Hammock Kit, and YogaBody Trapeze Pro.

For those without a suitable indoor space, using a yoga swing attached to outdoor traction bars in parks is an alternative, though availability and comfort with public training can be challenging. When it comes to attire, opt for t-shirts with sleeves or half-sleeves made of cotton or cotton blends for less slipping. Women should consider wearing a sports bra for additional support.

It’s advisable to avoid transparent leggings for both men and women, considering the various positions aerial yoga entails. With inverted poses, your shirt may tend to flip down over your face, adding to the challenge, so appropriate dressing is important. Some practitioners even wear rubber gloves with pads for better grip, and it’s generally recommended to remove jewelry. Typically, classic yoga gear works well for aerial yoga.

Caring for the hammock is also important. Moreover, it is best to avoid zips, buttons, Velcro or heavy makeup that could dirty the hammocks. Cleanliness and being respectful to others in studios is also essential. These hammocks, like other gym equipment, can become dirty.

Final Thoughts

Take the time to watch a few instructional videos on YouTube or other platforms to get accustomed to aerial yoga. Contact a studio and ask questions. Maybe even ask to sit in on a class. Above all, know your body and it’s limitations. We can’t stress this enough to avoided unnecessary injuries.

References:

• https://gravotonics.com/aerial-yoga-7-little-known-benefits/
• https://www.acefitness.org/continuing-education/prosource/january-2016/5757/ace-sponsored-research-can-aerial-yoga-take-your-workouts-to-another-level/#:~:text=At%20the%20conclusion%20of%20the,(highlighted%20in%20Table%203)
• https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness/aerial-yoga#what-it-is