Aerial yoga is becoming increasingly popular — and for a good reason! This unique blend of acrobatic movements and yoga asanas is excellent for the body and soul. If you haven’t tried it yet, consider some good reasons to book your intro class.
1. It’s Fun
No doubt about it, aerial makes you feel like a carefree kid! Remember swinging on the playground until you got that sinking feeling in your stomach, watching your feet over your head? The suspension created by the aerial hammock makes you feel as light as a feather. The yogis say to “be child-like, not childish.” Well, this class helps with that one.
2. It Builds Core and Upper Body Strength
Unless you go to a relaxation class, Aerial yoga requires some upper body and core strength to be done correctly. And the slight resistance the aerial hammocks provide is so good at targeting those hard-to-reach stabilizing muscle groups. Lifting into Boat Pose (Navasana) on your yoga mat is one thing, but the exercise changes dramatically when you are in a hammock. The same goes for many other asanas, too — Chaturanga with the feet suspended off the floor, Warrior II with your leg supported, and Dancer, to name a few.
3. It Takes You to Your Edge
If you feel comfortable in your favourite yoga asana, imagine that little burst of added effort to make it more interesting. That’s what Aerial yoga does. It takes you out of your comfort zone and into the air or an inverted space. I felt excitement the first time I went into Upside Down Baddha Konasana. I admit it wasn’t comfortable at first. But the more I anticipated the pose and could move into it more freely, the longer I could stay there and find steadiness. It takes practice, but stepping over the edge is worth it.
4. It Helps with Stress and Back Tension
As long as the asanas are done safely and correctly, the spinal decompression from Aerial inversion suspension asanas feels good. It’s like the spine has room to expand and breathe. Inversions on the floor can be a little more challenging. Although the silks still require upper body strength and balance, they are helping to support you in Headstands, Handstands, Downward Dog, Dolphin, etc. So, the pressure felt on the spine is much less, resulting in more fluid movement, flexibility, and spinal decompression.
5. Vibes Fitness is Unique and Awesome
The best part of the class is the unique environment and the two cats wandering around the studio. They may perform tricks and even stretch or roll around under your hammocks if you are lucky. Something about being engulfed in the silk-like cocoon, surrounded by the fabric and muted lights after a great practice, is unique and blissful. You feel safe and happy. The experience is incredible, and I invite you to see it yourself.
Aerial yoga sessions: email us for more information.
