If you’ve ever been the circus, you may have seen the acts where performers are suspended high above the audience, only to be held in the air by their own bodies and sheets of fabric. The performers typically roll themselves through the fabric, created a mesmerising act that captivates and leaves the audience breathless.
Now imagine that you were trying to use the same equipment to practice yoga in your local studio. Well, you don’t have to imagine anymore.
Aerial yoga rapidly becomes a very popular form of yoga. So, take the iconic ‘tree’ yoga pose. Instead of lifting one tree up and out to the side, you would now be doing so without having your feet touch the ground.
The fabric is usually connected to the ceiling of the studio, which acts as hammocks. All kinds of poses have been adapted to be performed within these hammocks. If you’re starting out, you could try a classic pose, such as downward dog. However, for the full experience, you can even try new poses, one who holds you up with your body completed suspended off the ground, while you’re upside down.
A New Way to Practice?
While this is extremely different to what many of us are used to, that’s not to say that a few people are trying it out. Founder and instructor of Spiral Space Yoga Gallery, Jessica Mikol, states that;
“While it may take a bit of getting used to (especially when it comes to trusting the fabric itself), once you are comfortable enough to let go of it with your hands, the feeling is almost like that of being buoyant in the water”.
She goes on to say that it’s like “having a hug around you”. Mikol has been an instructor for over six years and practising yoga for almost double that.
The practice has been described as many things by the individuals who have already had the opportunity to give it a try. From being “cosy” and “you have to be really engaged” to “very different” and “a great way to be in tune with your body”, it’s safe to say that the overall response has been positive.
Getting Started
If you’ve got a class which is starting to offer aerial yoga classes, you may be wondering what’s on offer if you were thinking of giving it a go yourself. Firstly, check to see whether they offer an introductory course or lessons. Of course, as with traditional yoga, safety is a key priority.
The fabric is connected onto the ceiling using a special hanger, both of which are designed to hold up to 1,000 pounds in weight. The height of the fabric hug is completely adjustable, and you should be able to start small and go higher the more your confidence increases.
If you’re pregnant or want to attend a mother-daughter session, these are available in some places, but you’ll need to ask the instructor beforehand.
Have you had the chance to give this new and exciting form of yoga a try, or are you put off that’s it more a fitness class, rather than having any noticeable form of spiritual or religious connection. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.