Aerial yoga, also known as anti-gravity yoga, combines traditional yoga principles with elements from aerial circus arts, utilizing a hammock or fabric swing to support the body in various poses. This unique form of yoga enables practitioners to perform inversions and other challenging postures without placing pressure on the head, neck, or shoulders, thereby reducing the risk of strain.
The benefits of aerial yoga are manifold:
The roots of aerial yoga can be traced back to both aerial dance and silks as well as the innovative use of straps and ropes in Iyengar yoga. These elements have been adapted to create a supportive practice that maintains the integrity of yoga’s physical and spiritual aspects while introducing an element of playful exploration.
Although often confused with each other, Aerial yoga is different than Aerial Silks. Aerial silks practice uses different equipment and is more focused on dance and acrobatics, while Aerial yoga predominantly uses traditional yoga poses with an added prop.
Aerial yoga is just a bit more complex than mat yoga, especially when it comes to starting a home practice.
Before trying it at home, it is highly recommended to take Aerial yoga with a certified, experienced teacher. They can not only show you the basic moves but explain all the safety principles.
Within the aerial yoga category, you will find different classes. From the types of Aerial hammocks to the connection points (double or single), to the intensity of the class, it is recommended to explore and find what suits you best. Every teacher will bring a dose of uniqueness as well, and the more you explore, the more experienced you will become.
Yes, you can get an aerial hammock at home. You will need a proper setup, which starts with a beam or similar, which is properly enforced. It is recommended that the aerial setup supports more than just average body weight, but rather closer to 1000 lbs for safety. After practicing with an experienced teacher, you can find videos online to follow along. Or take an Aerial yoga training, which will teach you all the basic skills and sequences.
For those interested in teaching aerial yoga, starting with a solid foundation in traditional yoga is generally advisable. Most aerial yoga certifications require a 200-hour yoga teacher training as a prerequisite. Additional aerial-specific training typically ranges from 50 to 100 hours, focusing on safety, specialized equipment use, and unique sequencing.
At Hari OM School of Yoga and Ayurveda, we recommend existing yoga instructors to add aerial yoga to their teaching repertoire to ensure they have a strong grounding in yoga fundamentals before taking their practice into the air.
Teaching aerial yoga presents unique challenges compared to traditional mat yoga:
Aerial yoga offers a distinctive experience that combines the artistry of aerial movements with the mindfulness and physicality of yoga. It’s a tool for deepening yoga practice and a wonderful avenue for yoga teachers looking to diversify their skills and offerings.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, aerial yoga provides a fresh perspective on traditional practices, bringing an element of joy and deep physical engagement. It’s a playful yet profound journey into the realm of aerial arts mixed with yoga, promising both fun and fitness in a supportive environment. Join us at the forefront of this exciting discipline to expand your horizons both as a practitioner and an instructor.
