It looks so light and graceful when brave yogis hang weightlessly in an aerial yoga sling. Yoga classes with slings are becoming increasingly popular in yoga studios. Anyone who has always wanted to fulfill their dream of flying or experiencing weightlessness and want to improve their fitness at the same time has come to the right place. Aerial yoga, also known as anti-gravity yoga, is a playful variation on yoga training, which some people otherwise find a bit too serious.
Like many exciting yoga trends, Aerial Yoga originated in the USA. It was developed by Christopher Calvin Harrison, the creative acrobat and founder of the group AntiGravity . It's now so popular that classes are offered worldwide, and countless yogis are experimenting with gravity.
What is Aerial Yoga?
Aerial yoga classes are primarily about fun, not so much about spiritual moments. Perhaps this relaxed form of yoga will still lead to inner reflection for some people. There's nothing tense or forced about aerial yoga. Rather, it's about letting go while suspended from the ceiling in the aerial yoga sling, and you'll do this easily and automatically.
When you dangle completely relaxed in a giant aerial yoga sling, and are reminded a little of your time as a toddler, you feel inner joy. Yoga mats or meditation cushions are out of place in aerial yoga. Here, practicing in the special sling plays the main role.
Head off, fun in the aerial yoga sling on!
In many forms of meditation and yoga, the carousel of thoughts in your head can get in the way. A negative attitude can also lead to a blockage. If this is the case, you must first resolve it in order to be able to fully focus on your inner self. In aerial yoga, your mind doesn't get in the way. While performing the acrobatic exercises, you are highly focused, and your mind doesn't have time to dwell on negative thoughts. Rather, from start to finish, aerial yoga is about fully enjoying the exhilarating moments of suspended animation.
Important yoga aid: the Aerial Yoga Sling
Yoga accessories are available in many bright colors and various lengths. These special aerial yoga slings are also popular in circuses such as the famous Cirque de Soleil. Daredevil aerial acrobats use them to swing boldly through the air. Aerial yoga slings have a firm structure, are stretchy in one direction, yet feel soft. They are usually made of polyamide (nylon), polyester, or acrylic fabric. Attached to hooks firmly anchored in the ceiling, the slings dangle loosely from the ceiling. Acrobatic exercises require core strength, as the abdominal and core muscles are constantly engaged. These muscle groups are important for maintaining balance in the sling, e.g., made of nylon.
Tip: If you want to use the sling in your own home, you'll need a minimum ceiling height of 2.2 meters. This height is important for performing the exercises properly. If the ceiling height is 2.5 meters or less, a 4-meter-long sling is sufficient.
Who is aerial yoga training suitable for?
At first glance, aerial yoga exercises may seem extremely daring. However, this is a yoga technique that can be practiced by beginners and advanced practitioners alike. The appearance of this more challenging yoga style is deceptive. Many stretching exercises are easier for daring yogis in the air because their own body weight is significantly reduced.
It's important, however, that your body has a good basic tension in your abdominal and core muscles. Otherwise, you'll literally be hanging from the ropes during an aerial class. This basic tension makes it possible to hold the exercises for a long time and also change positions independently. But don't worry: If you lack strength and tension in your core at the beginning, your yoga instructor will help you in the class and show you which exercises on the sling are suitable for you.
This is important for aerial training:
- sense of balance
- Good basic tension
- no fear at high altitudes
- be able to let go
- Trust that the cloth will keep you safe
Effects of Aerial Yoga on your body
The asanas performed in the inverted position are particularly suitable for those suffering from back pain. This position relieves pressure on the back and neck, thus achieving a state of maximum relaxation. It also strengthens all muscle groups and massages the internal organs.
Furthermore, aerial yoga training is also beneficial for building confidence. In a world characterized by constant change, instability, and uncertainty, this is difficult for many people. Of course, the inversion movements in particular have a corresponding effect, as they ensure that you reach a state of letting go. This encompasses all essential elements in life, be they everyday problems, worries, or desires. During your yoga exercises in the air, you gain a new, healthier perspective on the things that really matter. It's hardly surprising that the swinging motion alone provides a wonderful counterbalance to the often one-sided physical strain of work and dissolves potential stress within minutes.
This is how Aerial Yoga affects the body:
- Relief of back and neck
- Strengthening all muscle groups
- Massage of the internal organs
- Trust is strengthened
- Creating a natural balance
Yoga and Aerial Yoga - it's all about the mix
Experts consider a combination of aerial yoga and classical floor exercises to be ideal. Whenever traditional yoga poses too many challenges for you and you're too tense and cramped for some particularly difficult asanas , an hour in the air proves to be extremely relaxing.
Of course, aerial yoga, which is, in short, a harmonious blend of Pilates , aerial acrobatics, and the familiar yoga poses on the floor, also has a lot to offer as a standalone workout. In addition to the benefits already mentioned, these include the development of natural balance, a feeling of protection and security, and, last but not least, the fun factor that should not be underestimated. It also has a positive effect on body, mind, and spirit.
Trying is better than studying - Aerial Yoga trial lesson
Have you ever felt like relaxing in an aerial yoga sling? You'll experience the full extent of its positive effects once you sit in the soft sling yourself. This will finally give you the opportunity to relax not only your limbs but also your soul. Many yoga studios offer free aerial yoga classes so you can get to know the style without any obligation.
Have you ever tried aerial yoga? Can you recommend an aerial yoga class? What do you particularly like about the sling exercises? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
