What is Aerial Yoga?
Aerial Yoga or Anti-Gravity Yoga will appeal to both genders and all ages. Anyone can take this class and do well on the first day; it is accessible to all body types and fitness levels.
While specific poses and moves may vary from instructor to instructor, aerial yoga combines the basics of yoga with calisthenics, dance, Pilates and aerial acrobatics. Developed by dancer/choreographer Christopher Harrison, this technique allows you to enjoy the “Uplifting” benefits of yoga and dance along with the physical exercise, while having fun.
You’ll be suspended from the ceiling from silk- like fabrics securely fastened to the ceiling apparatus to create a “hammock”. The hammocks are hung at various heights, allowing you to try different types of yoga and dance moves. The hammocks allow a greater range of motion and a deeper stretch than doing yoga or ballet stretches on the floor or ballet barre.
KTEN News filmed a segment on our Aerial Yoga class — to get a good idea of what this class is all about, check out the video!
Beyond Yoga’s benefits, Aerial Yoga also offers:
- Improved spine alignment
- Joint decompression
- Increased endorphin levels
- Increased muscular strength
- Increased flexibility
- Weight loss
- Increased blood flow & circulation
Safety First
You’ll be trained in safety practices and get accustomed to trust the aerial equipment. First we will be learning to become comfortable with the equipment that can actually support up to 2000 pounds. Once you overcome your initial fear, you’ll practice simple moves such as sitting and holding onto the fabric, followed by more advanced moves such as hanging upside down.
*Full inversion positions in aerial yoga are not recommended for pregnant women, people with high blood pressure, or someone who has recently had eye surgery.
What to Wear and Not to Wear
- Students are advised to wear fitted clothes in order to prevent becoming tangled in the hammock. For hygienic reasons and to prevent fabric burns please wear:
- Below the knee length or longer yoga pants.
- ¾ lengths or full length sleeves fitted shirt.
- Socks.
- No zippers, snaps, or jewelry (wedding band is okay), or anything that might snag on the fabric.
- As a courtesy please do not use perfumes, lotions, or oils before class.
Tip:
- Try not to eat a big meal right before class. It might be difficult to do inversion poses after a big meal or drinking too much water.
Final word: Have fun!
Play is one of the major principles of aerial yoga.
