Fly high with aerial yoga

WBC

If you’re like a lot of people, the first time you hear about aerial yoga it’s likely you have a lot of questions. What is it? How does it work? Is it safe? Is it real and authentic yoga? Is it for me? We’re here to answer all of your questions and more in this comprehensive guide to everything aerial yoga. Sometimes trying something new and fresh and moving your body in different ways, is helpful, stimulating and fun.

How did aerial yoga begin?

Despite it being a relatively new kind of yoga, aerial yoga’s history is complicated and unclear. Yogis have been suspending themselves upside down from trees for hundreds of years, but it wasn’t until 2001 when US physical therapist Antonio Cardenas developed a device known as the “Yoga Swing” that is similar to what you may use in aerial yoga classes today. In 2003, Kerry Neal created the “Gravotonics Yoga Swing & Exercise System” whilst living in Bali and three years of development went into making Lucas Rockwood’s Yoga Trapeze after discovering inversion slings in Thailand in 2004. From then, aerial yoga has continued to climb in popularity and is now offered at countless yoga studios around the world.

What is aerial yoga?

Aerial yoga is a type of yoga that uses a hammock or fabric suspended from the ceiling to support your body weight as you move through various yoga poses. It’s a great way to add some variety to your yoga practice, and it can also be helpful for people with injuries or chronic pain because it takes pressure off of the joints. There are many schools in Australia where aspiring aerial yoga instructors can undertake training to teach this kind of yoga. Many of these outlets are online and only require a short amount of time to learn the ropes, especially if there is prior yoga teaching knowledge, making it easy for you to become a fully qualified aerial yoga practitioner in no time.

How does aerial yoga work?

The hammock or fabric used in aerial yoga is similar to a swing, and it supports your body weight so that you can move freely without putting any strain on your joints. You’ll need to have some basic upper body strength to get started with aerial yoga, but don’t worry if you’re not super strong—the hammock will do most of the work for you.

Is aerial yoga safe?

Yes! Aerial yoga is safe for most people, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you get started. First, if you have any injuries or chronic pain, be sure to consult with your doctor before trying aerial yoga. Second, always listen to your body and stop immediately if you feel any pain. And finally, make sure the studio where you’re taking classes has qualified yoga instructors who can help you stay safe while you practice.

What are the benefits of aerial yoga?

Aerial yoga provides all of the same benefits as traditional yoga, such as increased flexibility and strength, improved circulation, and reduced stress levels. In addition, aerial yoga can also help to improve your balance and coordination. And because you are performing inversions and other poses that are not possible without the support of the hammock, aerial yoga can also help to increase your range of motion.

Is aerial yoga for me?

Aerial yoga is a great way to add some variety to your regular yoga practice, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re pregnant, have any injuries or chronic pain, we recommend talking to your doctor before trying it. Otherwise, just show up to class with an open mind and be ready to have some fun!

Check out some of our favourite aerial yoga studios below!

Melbourne:

Aerial Fitness Studio Antigravity & Aerial Yoga @ Vibes Fitness – Bulleen

Garden of Yoga – Northcote

Little Mandarin Yoga & Pilates – Melbourne CBD & Burwood East

Studio 3 Australia – Moonee Ponds & Yarraville

Sydney:

Sky-lab – Surry Hills

Transform Yoga, Pilates, Aerial – Balgowlah

Studio Arise – Chatswood

Integral – Aerial – Brookvale

Brisbane: