The Health Benefits of Aerial Yoga

Introduction

Is aerial yoga – also called “fly yoga” – worth it? According to science, it seems to offer significant health benefits.
Scientists continue to discover how yoga promotes the overall health of the mind and body. For example, studies show that yoga reduces back pain and facilitates sleep and digestion. Regular yoga practice has even been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve lung function. And also help treat stress, anxiety, and depression.

Unsurprisingly, yoga has helped individuals practice mindfulness for thousands of years while keeping their muscles flexible and their bones and joints healthy.

For seasoned yogis looking to deepen their practice, aerial yoga can help them reach new heights. This modern version of traditional streams combines the philosophies and poses of classical yoga with the playful fitness of aerial arts. Some options are suitable for beginners and seasoned experts… to give you wings!

Aerial Yoga

Kevin Bigger, director of teacher education at a yoga centre, explains that when you start your first aerial yoga class, the first thing you’ll notice is a cloth hammock set up above each mat. “We do many of the same poses that you’d find in a typical class, but one part of your body will interact with the hammock in a specific way,” says Bigger.

Aerial yoga also brings its new-genre style to the old practice. Bigger specifies that instructors often include aerial conditioning exercises, pilates, and dance elements in their yoga classes. “We also like to include circus tours inspired by aerial acrobatics – winders, falls, and more!” he adds.

The fabric easily adapts to your goals. In addition, it supports your body, allowing for deeper poses and alignment adjustment. This can be especially useful for new yogis learning the correct form. Hammock support can also help build strength and flexibility when working in more advanced positions, such as pear trees or other inversions.

Whatever your level, this balance exercise is a real workout for the whole body. Kevin Bigger believes aerial yoga movements strengthen specific muscle groups more effectively than traditional classes. “Students find that almost every aerial type pose requires a little more effort from your abs,” he adds.

Aerial Hammock Yoga

Jill Franklin, a master aerial trainer and founder of an aerial fitness centre, says the air hammock is a close cousin of aerial yoga. However, the focus is more on dynamic movement and creativity. “The aerial hammock is more of performance art.

In aerial yoga, the fabric wraps around the yogi’s hip to give him easy access to the mat. “In an aerial hammock class, the hammock is usually suspended above the ground – between 1 and 2 meters – so that it can be turned easily.

The latter explains that in an introductory course to the aerial hammock, you will learn how to mount the fabric safely, hang it upside down and try some easy poses. Like aerial yoga, “it’s a wonderful fitness exercise because it works the primary stabilizers, upper body strength and flexibility.

With time and practice, yogis develop gymnastics-inspired skills and learn how to safely wrap, hang, and even drop off the U-shaped hammock, possibly combining tricks and transitions to make way for a dynamic routine.

Acroyoga

Acroyoga is another innovative way to elevate your yoga practice by one degree. According to Acroyoga Quebec, acro type is a practice that involves a series of aerial postures, most often performed by three teammates:

The base (in contact with the ground, which supports movement). The flyer (who performs aerial activities) And the paper (who ensures the safety and evolution of the practice).

Thus, acro yoga relies on the partner’s balance rather than using a hammock as support. Instead, the base supports his partner in a lying, sitting or standing position. During this time, the flyer maintains the tension of the body to control its place in the air. Any acroyoga session should also involve a pareur who helps ensure the safety of the other two partners.

Above all, don’t let the concept intimidate you! While having its training can help beginners maintain balance, stability, and body awareness, no experience is necessary. Hong Yu even believes that acroyoga is suitable for beginners – and as students progress, movements and dynamics tend towards acrobatics. Remember that you will need comfortable and fitted sportswear for each of these aerial activities.