Top benefits of Aerial Yoga

What is Aerial Yoga?

Aerial Yoga 

Aerial Yoga is also known as Anti-Gravity Yoga and has gained popularity of late. There are multiple people who claim to have started this style of yoga but we are not sure whose claim is correct. It is a hybrid form of yoga that combines traditional yoga poses, dance, and Pilates while using a silk hammock or sling that is suspended from the ceiling. 

The sling or hammock is used to provide support through your yoga flow while improving flexibility and a range of movement. The hammock is kept close to the ground, mostly it is less than a meter away from the floor. It acts like a swing that supports your hip in both forward and backward bends. The suspended cloth or rope takes the pressure off certain areas of the body like the head and shoulders letting you achieve more challenging poses like headstands with more ease. It also makes many yoga asanas that are difficult to be performed with ease and less stress on the body when it is mid-air. 

Dos and don’ts of Aerial Yoga 

Aerial yoga seems very daunting at first but with the right teacher and gears, you will be able to get the hang of it soon. 

Dos of Aerial Yoga

1. Add aerial yoga to your regular fitness routine as it helps you have fun while burning calories and increasing strength and flexibility. 
2. Have a light snack before you enter the class or you may feel giddy. But again, avoid a heavy meal 2-3 hours prior to your class. 
3. Keep yourself hydrated – have water before, during and after the class. This will help you ease any headaches that come along with staying inverted for a longer duration. 
4. Try aerial yoga if you have any joint injuries but talk to your instructor beforehand. The sling or hammock supports half of your body weight during poses that help ease pressure on your joints. 
5. Ensure you buff your feet and file your nails. The hammocks are strong but it can be uncomfortable for you when calluses catch the silky fabric. 
6. Ensure your instructor is certified in aerial yoga. 
7. Check with your doctor if you are prone to an inner eye infection. 

Don’ts of Aerial Yoga

1. Don’t be afraid of any pose. With the right instructor, even the most-scary looking post will be easy. 
2. Avoid wearing shorts. Instead, wear full yoga pants. 
3. Avoid wearing a short top as your sweat will soil the hammock. A well-fitted tee or one that you can tuck into your pants will avoid any flashing during an inversion. 
4. Don’t bother about shoes as aerial yoga is done without any footwear. 
5. Avoid remaining inverted for very long. The moment you feel dizzy, straighten yourself up. 

Who should avoid Aerial Yoga?

Generally, this form of yoga helps people do backbends, inversions and full splits without putting too much pressure on your spine, neck and hands. It helps protect your bones and spine and appeals to all ages. But there are a few people who should stay away from this form of yoga that deepen awareness and alignment. 

• If you suffer from heart disease, have high or low blood pressure, have glaucoma or severe arthritis, you must avoid this form of yoga. 
• Those who get vertigo regularly or have inner ear conditions should stay away from aerial yoga. 
• If you have poor balance or are afraid of falling and heights, you must talk to your instructor before taking up this class or opt for a trial class before signing up. 
• If you’re pregnant or recovering from any surgery, please avoid aerial yoga. 

Benefits of Aerial Yoga 

One of the best workouts for abs: As you take your feet off the ground and lose your point of stability, you immediately start to engage your core immediately even without realising it. Most people engaging in this anti-gravity yoga have seen their core improve and abs get in shape. 

Improves overall flexibility: Since it involves your entire body it helps in increasing the flexibility and strength of all your muscles. The hammock stretches and allows you to stretch further ultimately enhancing your full body flexibility. 

Eases pressure on your neck and back: Even if you don’t have a sedentary lifestyle, gravity would be weighing down your spine. But an inverted pose in aerial yoga, decompresses the spine and relieves any pressure from your neck and back. 

Improves circulation: The nature of aerial yoga poses is such that it promotes circulation throughout the body and improves digestion. 

No-impact exercise that is easy on your joints: This is an excellent exercise option for those with joint issues. The anti-gravity yoga moves use gravity and suspension to create movements without compressing the joints. There are some aerial yoga classes that are specifically created to alleviate joint pressure and pain. 

Improves your poses on the mat: As you hang upside down with the silk around your body, you will feel how the pose needs to be. This certainly helps people go back to the mat with better stability, stamina and posture. 

Counts as cardio and muscle-building exercise: It doesn’t look like it, but aerial yoga is cardio-intensive and helps you burn much calories. Hence, you can always take this anti-gravity yoga class twice or thrice in a week in place of cardio. Aerial yogis also increase muscle mass and decrease fat mass all over. When you’re regular at it, you will find definition in your shoulders, arms as well as calves. 

Improves your confidence and mood: When you see yourself being able to do some difficult poses with ease, it boosts your confidence like none other. Since it involves your mind being calm and body to be flexible, it improves your mood to a great deal. 

As you master inversions gradually, it brings in a sense of achievement, fun and joy. Most classes end with a unique version of savasan, wherein you are suspended mid-air in a supine position with your face and torso facing up. You will feel like you’re wrapped or cocooned up as you gently swing side to side. This mostly helps your entire body relax and recollect. 

Here’s a list of studios close to you in Bangalore that offers Aerial Yoga: