as the original gymnast, spent a lot of time hanging out in the air. So, naturally, I’m very interested in certain styles. yoga: air yoga. you too? You don’t need to write acrobatics on your resume to be interested or take off in practice.
According to the “Yoga”, many types of “Yoga” have been born in the past few decades. kevin biggare-RYT 500, aerial yoga instructor. homme factory She is also the co-creator of Om Factory’s Aerial Yoga Teacher Training Curriculum. (Think yoga and Pilates, or yoga and goat!) Aerial yoga is a hybrid style, Biggar says. Basically, it is a combination of traditional yoga practice and aerial circus performance.
Meet the experts: kevin biggarI am a registered yoga teacher and aerial yoga instructor. homme factoryand co-creator of Om Factory’s Aerial Yoga Teacher Training Curriculum.
This combination not only makes for very impressive photos, but it also provides a solid workout. If you’re like me, you’ll want to try these poses as soon as possible. Always consult your doctor before making any lifestyle changes or flipping out for longer sessions.
Trying this new modality also comes with some pretty nice perks. Aerial yoga has many potential benefits, including enhancing your traditional yoga practice and adding a sense of playfulness to your fitness routine. Learn more about the benefits of flying yoga and tips to prepare your body and mind to get the most out of your aerial yoga experience.
What is aerial yoga?
Aerial yoga is a combination of traditional yoga and aerial circus performance. Biggar said most aerial yoga studios use aerial hammocks or slings, which are typically suspended at waist height above a yoga mat. Biggar says he will use the hammock for most of his work during class.
What exactly you do in class depends on your skill level and who’s teaching, Biggar says. (Beginner tips will follow shortly.) From traditional yoga poses that involve touching part of your body to the hammock (such as hammock lunges) to aerial conditioning exercises (such as core training and workouts). , there are lots of options. pull-ups), according to Mr. Biggar. Additionally, some teachers incorporate elements of Pilates or barre into their classes, he added. If you make this a routine, you might even be able to do aerial circus moves like supported flips.
7 benefits of aerial yoga
Aerial yoga may sound fun and exciting, but there’s more to gravity-defying yoga than that. According to Biggar, there are many potential benefits to practicing aerial yoga.
- It’s beginner-friendly. Biggar said some part of their body is almost always clinging to the hammock. Therefore, it can support those who are struggling with balance. This support makes it approachable even for beginners.
- You can also challenge (and improve) your balance. “There are ways to strengthen the muscles in your lower back that support your balance and increase your awareness of where your centerline is so you can have better balance,” Biggar says.
- It will help you decide on new poses. Biggar says another big benefit of aerial yoga is that you can do inversions without putting weight on your neck. For example, he explains, headstands can be very difficult for people with upper back tension or neck problems. However, the aerial yoga version allows you to stretch your spine without putting any weight on your head. “In the classical yoga curriculum, inverted poses are considered an essential part of the practice,” Biggar added. “So [aerial yoga] Give more people the opportunity to benefit from it. ”
- It can supplement traditional yoga practice. According to Bigger, aerial yoga works muscles that traditional ground-based yoga doesn’t. In particular, he says, aerial yoga strengthens muscles in the back of your body, such as the rhomboids, trapezius, and lats, while circus movements can work your hamstrings and glutes.
- You can bring some fun into your workout. “Yoga tends to be very serious,” says Biggar. He points out that while the rigor and seriousness of this discipline may be off-putting to new students, the playfulness of his yoga aerials may be more appealing.
- It creates community. At some point during the class, Bigger said, students may briefly bump into others while moving in their hammocks. That’s not a bad thing! He explains that during class, he mostly has to acknowledge the people around him. Aerial yoga seems to amplify the kind of community-building you experience at a regular yoga studio, he notes.
- It can be empowering. “As we grow up, we don’t do things that scare us anymore,” says Biggar. “Most people go through a pose or two during their first few classes to deal with their fear response.” (However, your instructor will try to make you feel safe during the class.) ) For people who live more timid lives, he explains, aerial yoga can be empowering in that it provides a safe environment to face the uncomfortable.
What to expect during an aerial yoga class
No need to worry even if you are a beginner like me. Bigger has tons of tips to help you prepare for your first flight like an aerial practice pro.
Appropriate clothing for aerial yoga
You can attend your first aerial yoga class as usual. Here’s what Bigger recommends wearing to feel comfortable and perform well.
- Wear close-fitting athletic clothing. You’ll probably be more comfortable, advises Biggar. That way, you don’t have to worry about having a malfunction (and potentially feeling self-conscious) when you flip your wardrobe over.
- Cover with long pants/sleeves. We also recommend wearing at least capri-length pants (like these best-selling leggings). Biggar says short pants can be uncomfortable because the hammock wraps around your knees and the back of your thighs. (Does the dough burn? No, it’s fine!) “Similarly, there are some moments when the hammock gets close to your armpits,” he says. A shirt with sleeves is better than a tank top.
- Wear a sports bra. This is not a HIIT class, but don’t forget your supportive sports bra. Please specify that you need adequate support when moving with the hammock.
- Leave your jewelry at home. When it comes to accessories, it’s best (in most cases) to leave them alone. “Jewelry can damage a hammock,” explains Biggar. So don’t be surprised if your instructor asks you to remove it. YOUR FITNESS He added that while trackers may be safe to wear, some people may find them uncomfortable.
What to do before an aerial yoga class
Regarding physical preparation, Ms. Bigger recommends coming to class well hydrated to avoid dizziness or lightheadedness. Also, don’t arrive full or empty. For example, “If you’re coming to evening classes, make sure you don’t skip lunch,” he adds.
Mentally, acknowledge that you’re doing something completely new, advises Biggar. Even if you’re a yoga teacher on a mat, using an aerial hammock can change the nature of the pose and make you lose track of what you’re doing, he added.
It is expected (and okay) that you may feel some discomfort during class. For example, Biggar explains that wrapping a hammock tightly around your body isn’t comfortable for the first time. Your teacher should know how to adjust the pose or add padding to make you comfortable, but you should ask for modifications, he adds. Don’t be shy!
Finally, Bigger points out that you don’t want to stumble into your first aerial yoga class right at the beginning. He suggests arriving about 10 minutes early so you can get comfortable in the studio and give the instructor time to adjust the height of your hammock.
What happens in an aerial yoga class
Om Factory’s aerial yoga classes work as follows: When ready, students will be invited into the room. Each participant places a mat under the hammock, and the instructor adjusts the mat height accordingly.
Classes often begin in a similar way to a regular yoga class. Your instructor may choose to begin with centering and grounding poses and breathing, or may begin with an initial meditation. Then begins his 75-minute class, which combines stretching, strengthening, yoga poses, conditioning, aerial circus, and dance. The exact structure of your class will depend on a variety of factors, including teacher preferences. For example, Bigger might spend her 45 minutes doing yoga and devoting her last 30 minutes to an aerial circus. Sometimes I incorporate moments into my lessons when students pull out their phones and take pictures of what they’re learning.
“Classes usually end with about five minutes of aerial savasana,” Biggar said, adding that it’s basically like taking a nap in a hammock. (Please let me participate too!)
Comparison of aerial yoga and mat yoga
You may be wondering how an aerial session compares to your favorite mat yoga class. Bigger says that while this structure may actually seem quite familiar, there are some differences.
For example, he says something like sun salutations is closer to an intermediate level of aerial yoga. So while most Vinyasa yoga classes start with a seated meditation, seated stretch, downward dog, walk up to the mat, or sun salutation A, you can probably expect a different kind of warm-up in an aerial class.
Where to find aerial yoga classes
Let me guess. I can’t wait to try aerial yoga. (Same thing, girls.) To help you out, here’s a list of studios across the country that offer aerial yoga classes.
Chicago/Denver/Los Angeles/Phoenix: air
Dallas: blue feather
Los Angeles: fly fit lenice
new york: homme factory
new york: Christopher Harrison’s Antigravity Laboratory
Orlando: Elevate Yoga Center
Seattle: Flight Room Seattle
Erin Warwood is a writer, runner, and sparkling water enthusiast based in San Francisco. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. In her free time, she can be found watching Survivor, trying new Peloton workouts, and reading Emily Giffin’s novels. Her ultimate goal is to become a morning person.
