Developed by former gymnast Christopher Harrison aerial yoga involves exercises that enable you to stretch and strengthen your body without overworking your joints. Find out what is aerial yoga and discover if it matches your workout style!
Aerial Yoga, a.k.a. Anti Gravity Yoga
The anti gravity or aerial yoga isn’t just a classic yoga routine. In fact, it’s the perfect combination between Pilates, aerial acrobatics and calisthenics by using a hammock apparatus. Does Cirque du Soleil ring any bells? Plus, one of the best things about anti gravity yoga is that it offers its users the chance to mix standard yoga poses, such as the ‘cat cow’ or ‘downward dog’, with new acrobatic moves, like ‘the chandelier’ or ‘the awesome possum’, which will eventually lead to a total body workout routine.
Aerial Yoga at Home: Great Pieces of Advice
When practicing aerial yoga at home, it’s advisable to work out on an empty stomach, as the hammock will put pressure on your abdomen, So, you’ll want to avoid possible digestive issues caused by your intense workout.
Moreover, if you want to practice aerial yoga at home, you should wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt as the hammock can dig into your skin, due to your body weight. This way, you’ll protect your body and fully enjoy one of the latest workout trends.
Here’s another great piece of advice when it comes to aerial yoga: be relaxed. You don’t have to be a pro after the first session, and you’ll probably make mistakes because you don’t know what to expect. That’s why it’s important to have a great sense of humor and be willing to try new things. Ask your aerial yoga trainer to pay you a visit. He’ll guide you and he’ll suggest what types of exercises you should start with.
Aerial Yoga Benefits
This type of workout has a lot of benefits for your body and mind. Firstly, you need to know that one of the best aerial yoga benefits is the fact that it tones and redefines your body. You’ll feel stronger, fit and you’ll kiss back pain goodbye.
Furthermore, this type of exercises will also boost your mental abilities and will help you fight cellulite. Your muscles will be stronger and leaner, and you’ll look and feel amazing.
Other Great Benefits of Aerial Yoga
Here are other great benefits of aerial yoga: it helps relax the mind, it fights high blood pressure and reactivates the digestive, lymphatic and circulatory systems. Plus, you should also include its anti-aging powers amongst the best aerial yoga benefits!
What to Expect When Practicing Aerial Yoga
You’re probably wondering what you should expect when practicing aerial yoga. Here’s what! Anti gravity yoga trainers say it’s better to have an open mind about this routine. Pay attention to your instructor and don’t be afraid of the hammock. It’s there for a reason, right?
At first, you might find it difficult to do all the back flips your instructor prepared for your workout routine, however, you need to know that a hammock can support up to 970 kg, so there’s no need to worry about it.
Moreover, you should also know that this essential utensil in practicing aerial yoga is fixed on the ceiling using a mountain climbing equipment. This being said, you just need to overcome your initial fear and you’ll be able to enjoy a great and intense exercise. It’s always great to spice up a little your regular training session!
Aerial Yoga Technique
The anti gravity Restorative Yoga is a more gentle and meditative version of the anti gravity aerial yoga. This technique submits your body to a series to gyro-kinetic motions that will enable you to focus better using powerful visualizations. It features a large variety of flowing spinal traction forms and full body inversions that will strengthen your body.
Furthermore, this great anti gravity yoga exercise will help you work from different hammock heights which eventually allows the gentle opening of your spine and hips.
Don’t miss:Yoga Stretching | Basic Yoga StretchesYoga Poses for Period Pain Relief
Photos: Thinkstock
