Yoga Hammocks
Aerial Yoga is quite a new concept for me, but it takes my love of hammocks and looking after my
body and melds it nicely together. As I began gaining more of an understanding about Aerial Yoga, I
learnt about how much of a sport it is and how it will help relieve stress. Even in my early stages of
researching Aerial Yoga, I felt unsure about this gravity-defying but excited about the benefits of this
type of yoga.
What is Aerial Yoga?
Most people will be familiar with yoga, a way to keep fit and release stress by preforming poses on a
yoga mat. Aerial Yoga is essentially the same thing except you use a silk hammock that suspends
from a ceiling to support your body weight. Just as it sounds, you will be suspended in the air where
you combine yoga poses, Pilates, dance, and acrobatics.
While it may sound quite acrobatic and perhaps a young person’s game; Aerial Yoga is
recommended for all people and abilities. It strengthens and stretches the whole body and being
suspended in a hammock supports yoga poses which enables them to be done with a little more
ease. This type of yoga combines aerial fitness and some floor work. And as you advance, so will the
nature of aerial moves you will perform.
Beginners and Aerial Yoga
While the thought of combing yoga poses, Pilates, dance and acrobatics mid-air may seem like
something only the most experienced at yoga can do and you wonder whether you are strong
enough, these thoughts and feelings are normal. It is natural to feel nervous, but beginners at yoga
are quite capable of learning Aerial Yoga and will find that over time they will build confidence and
become more flexible. Aerial Yoga is known to be safe and beneficial for all people, including those
that are not flexible, older, never practiced traditional yoga or are overweight.
How Hammock Yoga Compares to Traditional Yoga
The main difference between aerial and traditional yoga is that one uses a hammock, and the other
uses a mat. They both have benefits both mentally and physically, but surprisingly, aerial yoga is
known to be easier than traditional yoga and leads to improved flexibility.
Type of Workout
Aerial Yoga is quite a good workout. It tones, nurtures, and stretches your body. It will also help you
build upper body strength and core strength, and with time can help improve joint mobility. Just like
other forms of exercise, you need to warm up first so that you can get a proper workout, particularly
stretching and some light cardio. Also, like any other new workout, it is important to pace yourself.
There is a lot of hanging upside down and will help improve your skills that you usually practice on
the yoga mat.
Benefits of Aerial Yoga
Just like regular yoga, there are many emotional and physical benefits of practising Aerial Yoga.
These are varied and include:
- Releases endorphins and relieves stress.
Aerial Yoga releases endorphins and relieves stress, which makes it a great form of exercise for
putting your mind at ease. It releases all those happy feelings and allows you to meditate on good
thoughts. The practice of inverting allows blood to flow to your brain, release any tension and
provide you with better focus and energy. The end of many classes leaves participants feeling zen-
like as they ease off with a gentle swing from side to side.
- Helps back pain.
The support of the silk hammock supports your body weight and does not put any strain on your
spine. This enables anyone suffering from back pain to engage in yoga and exercise without
discomfort.
- Gives you a cardio workout.
While you do not usually equate yoga as a cardio workout, aerial yoga burns a lot of calories and is
cardio intensive. Not only does it give you a good cardio workout, but it is also one of the best ab
workouts you can do. Being suspended in the air with a hammock makes aerial yoga a low or no
impact cardio workout because it is easy on the joint.
- Makes traditional yoga poses easier.
Do you still like to work out on the mat as well as in the air? Doing hammock yoga gives you the
freedom to try different poses with added support. This gives you the experience and feel of how a
pose you should be, giving you the added confidence to try it out on the mat.
- Helps with breathing.
Controlled breathing is an important part of traditional yoga, and aerial yoga gives your body the
freedom to breathe deeply, allowing you to be completely relaxed. With time and practice, your lung
capacity will improve, which will enable you to breathe more easily.
- Increases flexibility.
Even if you were not flexible before you started practicing aerial yoga, you will begin to stretch your
tendons and muscles safely once it becomes a regular part of your routine. Being suspended in your
hammock, you will learn to perform yoga poses that you may not have found as easy on the floor.
Aerial Yoga consistently works on flexibility and will have you moving more easily over time.
Equipment.
Getting started
When you are starting out, you are likely to be practicing Aerial Yoga in a studio, so all the
equipment will be provided. The equipment usually includes a silk or parachute material yoga
hammock, with foam or rubber handles that are attached securely to the roof.
Most hammocks are made out of the same materials, which is generally silk and in a variety of
colors. Most include Carabiners and extension straps, with some coming with a pose guide in the
form of a book or video. A lot of hammocks for Aerial Yoga do not come with the ceiling accessories
and need to be bought separately.
Yoga swings can come in specific designs for beginners or children, and for people who are pros. All
appear to come with a carry bag for easy storage and portability and instructions for putting
together.
5 Tips When Practicing Aerial Yoga
Whether you are about to take your first Aerial Yoga class or you already a seasoned pro, we have
five tips that will help make your yoga session a little less intimidating.
Tip 1: Remove Jewellery
Typically, a yoga hammock is made from material that could rip, so before you start your session,
remove any jewellery to avoid damaging the fabric with any clasps or pointed pieces.
Tip 2: Eating and Drinking Before Class
While it is essential to go into your Aerial Yoga class hydrated, as it will be thirsty work; do not eat or
drink too much a couple of hours before your class to avoid an uncomfortable belly while hanging upside down.
Tip 3: Wear Practical Clothing
Wearing clothes that cover your body, especially when hanging upside down are best when
practicing Hammock Yoga especially for first-timers. Wearing clothes like leggings or tights and a
fitted top will avoid friction and give your body time to get used to the feeling of your skin being
strapped.
Tip 4: Sprays and Perfumes
For the sake of those that may use the hammock after you, it is best not to wear strong sprays or
perfume. Given that the hammock is not yours and others will exercise with it, it’s best not to risk
getting your perfume or sprays onto it. The fragrances may irritate other people’s skin.
Tip 5: Have Fun!
No matter how daunting it may seem at first, the best tip we can give you is to enjoy the process.
Aerial Yoga is meant to be enjoyable while also giving you a workout. While sometimes it may seem
hard, laugh about it and keep trying.
Questions
- Is there a weight limit when doing Aerial Yoga?
There are conflicting reports about weight limit when it comes to Aerial Yoga. Some hammocks can
hold up to 500kg, most of them up to 150kg and be accommodated to adapt to larger bodies. When
considering practicing hammock yoga, contact your local studio and seek their advice.
- Will I lose weight when practicing Aerial Yoga?
Any movement of the body can assist in losing weight, but this isn’t the focus of hammock yoga. This
type of yoga is the practice of exploring the body and mind as a whole, nurturing self in a safe space.
- Can I do this by myself at home?
You can have the hammock yoga experience at home; however, if you are a beginner, you should
practice in a studio with the right equipment and experts in aerial yoga.
- Can I use any type of hammock for aerial yoga?
The type of hammock you use for Aerial Yoga is quite specific. It is called a yoga swing and is
generally made out of a strong silk or parachute grade materials that support your poses while
suspended. So, buying a hammock that is for sleeping in the wilderness will not be helpful at all.