If you like yoga, you should consider trying aerial yoga. Take your yoga routine to new heights by suspending yourself in the air in various poses. It’s a true test of strength that is rewarding and fun. 

What is aerial yoga? 

Aerial yoga has been around since the early 1990s. It is unlike any other exercise out there because of its unique combination of yoga, dance, and Pilates. Using a silk hammock, you try different poses and routines in the air.  

How strong do I have to be to try? 

You can be at any strength level, but you should be able to lift yourself off the ground while holding onto the silk, which is a foundational skill you’ll need for any pose. Different poses use different muscles, so you might be good at some and have more difficulty with others. Many people hesitate to try because they believe that the hammock can’t handle them pulling on it, but standard aerial silk hammocks hold at least 3,000 pounds. You can quickly discover your body’s limits and adjust poses and routines accordingly. The more you practice, the stronger and more comfortable you’ll become around the silks.  

Benefits of aerial yoga 

Weight Loss 

It might look graceful and easy, but aerial yoga is a serious workout. The average one-hour session will burn 500 calories or more depending on your body type.  

Easy on the joints 

Traditional mat yoga classes put pressure on joints, and that isn’t the best for people with joint issues like arthritis. However, aerial yoga puts much lighter pressure on the joints since you can sink into the silk and suspend in air rather than pressing into the floor.  

Zen 

As with any other type of yoga, you’ll end the session with shavasana. Shavasana, also known as “corpse pose” is a way to cool down and reflect after a yoga session. People often close their eyes and meditate during this. Since this is the last part of an aerial yoga session, you’ll leave feeling peaceful instead of exhausted and out of breath.  

You look cool doing it 

The great part of beginning aerial yoga is that you look cool regardless of what pose you’re in. It could be a basic pose, but you still look like an aerial god or goddess. Take photos, post about it, and brag to your friends about how well you did.  

How to get started  

Look for studios near you  

When searching for a studio near you that offers aerial yoga, look for words that say, “all levels” and “beginners welcome.” Accidentally signing up for the advanced class would be a lot to take in. Ask about discounts for students, seniors, military, and beginners discounts the studio.  

Bring a friend 

Going alone to aerial yoga for the first time could be scary, so bring along a friend who also hasn’t tried it yet. You can laugh at each other when you fall instead of feeling embarrassed.  

Don’t push it 

Listen to your body always. There is a lot of flipping and strength involved in aerial yoga, and oftentimes people become lightheaded. Don’t feel like you must keep pace with the instructor and those around you. Take a break when you need to, drink water, and join in again when you feel ready. No one expects you to do everything right on the first try.  

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