Today we’re going to talk all about Aerial yoga!
Yes, you’ve heard us right! These days, aerial yoga is all the rage. We all know how beneficial yoga is for our mind, body, and soul.
There are many distinct forms of yoga. A popular one these days is Aerial yoga. It’s like a special treat for yoga students who want to try something new! Curious about it? Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
What is Aerial Yoga?
Aerial yoga was invented in New York and quickly gained popularity throughout the world. It was created by Christopher Harrison, a dancer with a background in acrobatic performance.
It is sometimes called AntiGravity yoga since Aerial yoga uses a hammock or yoga swing instead of the traditional yoga mat, allowing students to perform postures in midair. The practice is therefore a combination of pilates, dance, and acrobatics.
Those who suffer from back pain or sit for a lot of time will benefit from this yoga because it decompresses their bodies.
How is Aerial Yoga performed?
In Aerial Yoga, the hammock is usually kept close to the ground, usually less than a meter from the floor. It becomes a swing that is used to support the hips in both forward and backbends.
Even people with limited physical capability can practice aerial yoga postures with less strain on their bodies. Aerial yoga can therefore be practiced by any fitness enthusiast. Yoga aerial is best performed under the guidance of an aerial yoga instructor. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women or those who are diagnosed with vertigo.
Health Benefits of Aerial Yoga
Total body workout
The movements of aerial yoga can be performed by moving almost all parts of the body and stretching them. This results in toned and reshaped muscles, as well as stronger joints.
Happy mind
With its meditative state, aerial yoga helps rejuvenate your emotional system, clear your mind, and relieve stress. Furthermore, it helps you cope with stress throughout the day and enhances your creativity, which helps you improve and develop your artistic skills.
Improves flexibility
By counteracting gravity, this form of yoga allows you to move like a bird with minimal effort. Through regular practice, it releases muscle tension and increases flexibility gradually. Suspended yoga strengthens core muscles and increases spinal and shoulder flexibility.
Increases strength
You need strength to perform daily chores. Antigravity yoga improves strength and flexibility. Cross-training can be beneficial when it comes to core exercises. For runners, it boosts stamina and helps them recover faster.
Heals back problems
Due to the way this yoga is performed, it allows the spine to lengthen while reducing the strain on the back. As a result, your spinal cord and hip joint are relaxed, and you feel better.
Improves balance
It is all about balance and stability in aerial yoga, and it can help you to improve these two aspects of your life inside out.
Aids digestion
The different types of stretches and movements help improve the digestive system, thus healing various yet common digestion-related issues, like constipation and indigestion. If you’re a foodie, this could be the reason.
Old age and heart disease
The practice of aerial yoga improves blood circulation and slows aging and its symptoms. The lymphatic system and circulatory system are also detoxified by aerial yoga, which reduces cardiovascular issues.
Improves memory
When you practice antigravity yoga, you become smarter and your memory is rebuilt.
How to Perform Aerial Yoga at Home
You will need a hammock and a carabiner to perform aerial yoga. You can buy it online or at a sports store. Follow the instructions and attach them to your ceiling. Simply hold the posture for a few seconds and repeat 2-3 times.
Listed below are a few simple aerial yoga poses that are suitable for beginners.
- Layback in the Cross Position:
- This is a great position for heart
- It stretches the chest and shoulders, lungs, and abdomen
- It improves the nervous system
- Improves posture
- Combat stress
- A good posture for asthma patients.
- Shoulder stretch in wrist wrap:
- Regular practicing this posture can Improve posture
- Helps reduce lower back and sciatica pain
- Deeply stretches the shoulders and spine.
- Chair in the cross position:
- Another simple posture to relieves lower back pain and sciatica pain
- Helps to improve posture.
- Low Lunge in wrist wrap:
- Stretches the hip.
- Relieves hormonal and emotional stress.
- Plank with feet in the hammock:
- Strengthens and tightens the core, shoulders, wrist, spine, legs, and arms.
- Helps relieve lower back pain.
- Improves your body posture and self-confidence
- Increases balance and stability.
- Aim and Pull with the Foot in the Hammock:
- Point your arrow in any direction.
- It Stretches the hips, thighs, and hamstrings
- Relieves sciatica and lower back pain
- Improves overall balance and focus
- Strengthens digestion.
- Star Inversion:
- Decompresses the spine
- Helps to reduce stress, anxiety, insomnia, and mild depression
- Improves creativity and calms the mind.
- Improves circulation and decreases inflammation
- Regulates body temperature
- Relieves menstrual cramps and menopause symptoms.
- Floating savasana: End your session with floating savasana
- This posture is one of the best postures for relaxing the body. It makes you feel light, and there are sensations of floating. So, it’s a form of a deep meditation
- Calms down the brain and relaxes the body and mind
- As you are hugged by silk, there is a feeling of being secure and safe.
- Refreshes the six senses.
Finally, here’s a video of how an antigravity yoga session looks like:
I hope you enjoy aerial yoga in the comfort of your home! Let us know your favorite position in the comments!
