Class Styles

Aerial Yoga

What is Aerial Yoga?

Aerial yoga is a type of fitness class combining some elements of traditional yoga, like deep stretching and set postures with more dynamic, circus-style techniques & movement in, or supported by, a fabric hammock hanging from the ceiling. Sometimes you are IN the hammock, sometimes ON the hammock, sometimes HANGING FROM the hammock and other times LEANING AGAINST it.

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What are the benefits of Aerial Yoga?

  • Improves flexibility & increases strength
  • Inversions w/out compression (via hanging) relieves back & neck pain
  • Improves posture by realigning spine & strengthens core
  • Improves joint mobility and decompression
  • Improves mood, as there are always laughs and lots of movement
  • Calms nervous system by finishing with stress-reducing meditation in your personal floating cocoon

What happens in a typical class?

During our Aerial Yoga class, we move against and use the hammock for support, while grounded in static & dynamic postures- facilitating awareness of the body in all planes. We progress to the hammock holding more and more of our body weight, until we stand into it- developing balance, grip and core stability. We use the resistance of the hammock to strengthen our arms and legs, and add movement to develop upper body and core strength. We also hang from the hammock- with our legs wrapped around, or inside- allowing our spine to stretch and our body to invert. We also get all of the benefits of inversions (improved circulation, detoxification, a break from gravity on our skin, heart & circulatory system, de-compression of spine and more) with none of the risk associated with headstands, handstands and shoulderstands in traditional yoga classes.

How do I prepare for Aerial Yoga? What do I wear?

Wear a shirt that covers your underarms completely. Do not use hand lotions before class, wear jewellery, belts, or clothing with zippers that could snag the fabric of the hammocks. Avoid shorts and very baggy clothing, and please have nails (fingers & toes) trimmed.

Avoid eating at least an hour before class for your own comfort.

Can anyone do Aerial Yoga? How hard is it?

Most people cando Aerial Yoga, and it requires NO previous yoga experience.
A general level of fitness is required, and it is unlike most other forms of exercise, but it is not excessively hard. Most beginners find it to be challenging, but do-able, and progress is made quickly as students get used to the variety of movements, grips and postures.

Alert your instructor of any physical restrictions or medical issues prior to attending class.
If you’ve been advised against inverting due to glaucoma, heart condition, etc or have a spinal injury, aerial yoga is probably not for you! Please seek medical advice.

Aerial Yoga is NOT a good fit for those who are pregnant, have high or low blood pressure, vertigo, glaucoma, issues with balance, and sinus or ear infections, or those who are recovering from surgery or head injury.

While Aerial Yoga is a fun, healthy and safe activity for most, it is not suitable for all. It is up to you to follow the guidance of your medical doctor.

Is it really safe? Are you sure the hammock can hold me??

YES! The rigging has been tested to 5,000 lbs, and each hanging point has a back-up. The hammock fabrics themselves can hold over 1,000lbs and are very secure. It will hold you!

How will I feel after class?

Great! You will feel taller and lighter. You will feel like you’ve worked your muscles, but also leave feeling light and relaxed after a 15-minute meditation at the end of each class.

If you spend a lot of time at a desk or driving, you will likely feel relief in your back and neck.  (That is why I got into this in the first place—a couple of minutes hanging upside down saves me a bundle in chiropractor and doctor fees, after suffering years of back pain!)

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