Introduction
Aerial yoga is a type of fitness routine that combines traditional yoga poses and movements with those of aerial arts like acrobatics and dance. It incorporates the use of anti-gravity stretches, hangs, and poses known as “poses” while suspended in a hammock or fabric sling while also using breathwork to help you relax during the practice. Benefits of aerial yoga include core strength development, increased flexibility and overall relaxation. All levels are welcome”even beginners”and it can be an exciting way to connect with one’s body and mind in an unusual setting. It may also help athletes improve their coordination, overcome fear of heights and practice mindfulness exercises when approaching difficult physical challenges.
While there is overlap between aerial yoga and aerial arts, they do have key differences in terms of tools used as well as purpose. Aerial arts refers to performances from hanging equipment including but not limited to ring, trapeze, silks and lyra. Acrobatic moves typically includes static poses rather than velocity dynamic swings that often accompany circus or circus-style acts whereas aerial yoga focuses more on moves that involve gentle movement such as stretching, adjusting posture slowly or varying positions on the fabric hammocks through a range of motion.
Additionally, while both tend to make use of props like ropes, slings or trapezes etc., these items have different implications within each context. For aerials arts performers they are often seen as objects used to allow them to better display their intensifying states of skillful physicality through techniques that involve things such as momentum shifts coordinated with breath and beat; which contrasts greatly with the way props are used within an aerial yoga session where they are primarily utilized for support when transitioning into a new pose / pathway positioning yourself within your mind AND body in order to promote calming introspection or energizing meditation through focused breathing exercises ( Pranayama). Furthermore other types of art including contemporary dance can often be included into aerial yogas practice such as meridian line visualization through expressed ‘movement mantras’.
Strength Training
Aerial yoga can be an incredibly helpful workout for aerial arts like trapeze, lyra and silk. Various forms of aerial yoga are great for strength training as they involve quite a few challenging postures that require the participant to use their own bodyweight in order to stay suspended in the air. This type of strength training works different muscles in the body and helps build up core strength along with arm, back and leg muscles.
Here are some exercises you can try during your aerial yoga session:
• Inverting Core-Strengthening V-Ups – A full body workout designed to target the core by having the participant start off in a V-sit position before inverting themselves and using their arms for weight resistance.
• Aerial Shoulder Presses – Exercise that requires participants to sit on a sling or hammock while lifting themselves from side to side using their shoulders and arms as resistance.
• Acroyoga Flips & Twists – This is a combination exercise which combines both flips and twists with acro poses such as handstands, splits, cartwheels and more. The key here is to stay coordinated throughout each movement for maximum benefit.
• Triceps Dips – Holding onto both surfaces of the sling or hammock near one’s hips, this exercise focuses on building up triceps strength by pulling oneself up and down while focusing on balance control.
• Full Body Plank Slides – An advanced exercise involving planks while laying across a hammock or sling before moving up and down while maintaining strict form throughout each movement. It helps strengthen multiple muscle groups including core, back, arms and legs.
Mobility and Flexibility
Aerial Yoga can certainly be beneficial to increasing flexibility and mobility in practitioners of aerial arts. Training in aerial yoga helps the body to become more used to bending and stretching, offering a wide range of benefits such as improved balance and coordination, range of motion, strength, alignment and posture. During classes, postures (known as “asanas”) can be taken to greater depths than on the ground. This is because there is less compressive weight on elementals like bones, joints and muscles that provide stability and also experience tension when stretched. With reduced compression comes an increased ability in practicing postures with a greater freedom and range of motion compared to those done on the ground. In some cases, practitioners may even be able to achieve certain aerials (such as inversions or wraps) that otherwise proved difficult due to limited upper body strength or limited flexibility. Therefore, aerial yoga can help significantly with improving flexibility for the purpose of completing aerial-related skills safely.
Starting Out with Aerial Yoga
Aerial yoga is an excellent way to get started if you plan on incorporating aerial arts into your workout. It utilizes a highflying combination of traditional yoga postures, pilates and acrobatics as you perform the poses while being suspended in the air with a fabric swing. Aerial yoga is suitable for all ages and levels; it helps increase flexibility and strength, reduce stress, improve posture, balance and body awareness.
Starting out with aerial yoga requires preparation due to the fact that it is both physically demanding and technically challenging. Before you begin training, ensure that you purchase the right equipment ” such as an aerial hoop or silk ” as well as take some time to familiarise yourself with the fundamental principles of pole or aerial suspension fitness before attempting any advanced moves. Additionally, it’s important that you warm up correctly before any session ” stretches, gentle pre-workouts (such as striking a pose on a static pole), or even sitting exercises can help prepare your body for what’s ahead!
Once ready power through more complicated moves without fear hold traction movements such as scissor splits while upside-down on the rope/hammock by using core muscles and developing better shoulder stability. You will also benefit from building posture control by slowly lifting into different shapes only using primitive muscle engagement applications. The combination of balance skill set and core control is key for experiencing maximum benefit out of doing an aerial yoga class or workout offering success in other arenas of aerial arts such as trapeze, HoopDance or even Circus Arts which draw from stationary poses executed with perfect form in midair.
Precautions to Consider When Doing Aerial Yoga
Aerial yoga, also known as anti-gravity or anti-gravity fitness, is becoming increasingly popular in gyms and studios around the world. Aerial yoga uses suspension equipment such as a hammock, rope or sheet of fabric suspended from the ceiling to help support a yogi’s body in various challenging postures. Because aerial yoga adds an extra dimension to traditional asanas, it has become a method of choice for many people interested in exploring new ways to practice yoga.
However, aerial yoga can be dangerous if not done properly. It is important that one takes necessary precautions before diving into this type of practice. Here are some things to consider when doing aerial yoga:
• Wear proper clothing: Loose clothing may get caught on the swing during the practice and result in an awkward situation. Make sure that you are wearing fitted and stretchy clothing that will allow you to move freely and won’t hinder your movements.
• Get familiarized with environment: Make sure to familiarize yourself with your surroundings and check for any potential hazards before starting your practice session. Be aware of heavy objects, air vents or ceiling fans that may pose a risk of injury when hanging upside down from the swing.
• Receive adequate training: Before starting any aerial activity it’s important to receive appropriate training by certified instructors who will ensure proper technique and form while navigating through the movements safely.
• Warm up thoroughly: As with all forms of physical activities it’s important to warm up prior to using the feet or arms to support your bodyweight while in-air; this will allow wider range of movement while protecting joints from overextension injuries.
Recommended Equipment for Aerial Yoga
Aerial yoga can help with aerial arts, allowing practitioners to strengthen and increase flexibility in their bodies. It also helps improve body coordination and balance along with spatial awareness. To start practicing aerial yoga, you will need certain equipment. The most important piece of equipment is a fabric hammock, also known as a silk or sling. These have various heights that need to be adjusted in accordance to the user’s size and comfort while they are performing certain exercises. Aerial yoga can also be performed using a suspended wooden structure, but it’s not recommended for beginners. Additionally, straps may be necessary depending on the poses being practiced; these help to support the body while going through complex postures. Finally, before performing any aerial yoga move, users should check that all of their equipment is stable and secure before beginning their practice routine.
Conclusion
Yes, aerial yoga can absolutely help with aerial arts! Aerial yoga helps build up strength and flexibility, both of which are key to becoming an accomplished aerial arts practitioner. Developing a strong core is also crucial to mastering these types of movements, which is something that aerial yoga focuses on. Furthermore, aerial yoga gives practitioners the opportunity to practice inversions that can help with creating choreography in the air. Finally, many aerial artists find that practicing formats such as pilates or stretching alongside their regular aerial classes helps them progress more quickly and effectively. All in all, if you’re looking to take your aerial skills to the next level, incorporating some sort of additional fitness routine into your routine could be extremely beneficial.
I am passionate about yoga and this is my blog. I have been practicing yoga for over 10 years and teaching for 5. Yoga has transformed my life in so many ways and I love being able to share that with others. My hope is that through this blog, I can help people learn more about yoga, connect with other yogis, and find inspiration to live a healthier, happier life.
