Aerial yoga
Aerial yoga is yoga done with the support of a soft fabric hammock hung from the ceiling. In Ukraine it is often sold as fly yoga. The hammock hangs low and holds part of your weight, so you can stretch, balance and hang upside down with less strain than on the mat.
What it is for
Section titled “What it is for”- Strength in the arms, shoulders and core: you hold on and lift yourself in the fabric.
- Flexibility: the hammock supports you in deeper stretches and backbends.
- Hanging upside down with no weight on your head and neck — many people enjoy the gentle stretch it gives the back.
- Balance, body awareness and a sense of play; many come for the feeling of flying.
- Rest: classes often end with relaxation lying inside the hammock, as in a cocoon.
Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”- The studio provides the hammocks, one per person, and mats beneath them.
- Fitted clothes that cover your armpits and the backs of your knees, because the fabric rubs bare skin. Leggings and a T-shirt with sleeves work well.
- No zips, buckles, rings or watches — they catch on the fabric.
- No body lotion on the day: it makes the fabric slippery.
- You practise barefoot. Bring water and a hair tie.
How a class goes
Section titled “How a class goes”- 60–75 minutes, in small groups because each person needs their own hammock.
- It starts with a warm-up on the mat or sitting in the hammock, then standing poses with the fabric as support, then deeper stretches.
- Upside-down poses come in the middle, when the body is warm. The instructor shows each way in step by step and helps with the first ones.
- Most classes end with relaxation in the hammock.
- Eat lightly and not just before class — hanging upside down on a full stomach is unpleasant. Some people feel dizzy the first time; come up slowly and rest when you need to.
Who it suits best
Section titled “Who it suits best”- Beginners in yoga: the hammock makes many poses easier. For yoga on the mat, see Hatha yoga.
- People who sit a lot and want to stretch and move in a new way.
- Anybody curious about aerial work before trying Aerial silks or the Aerial hoop.
- People who want a calm class with a playful side.
- It is less suited to anybody who should not be upside down. With high blood pressure, glaucoma or other eye problems, a heart condition, dizziness, after recent surgery or a head injury, or in pregnancy, ask your doctor first and tell the instructor.