Your fitness routine needs to be a dynamic one. Researchers believe that it is vital to keep playing around with your workout plan to stave off plateaus and monotony. If one happens to be someone who is always searching for something adventurous and exciting, aerial yoga will be your best bet.
It is one of the most trending fitness trends worldwide. Ever since the World caught up with yoga, fitness enthusiasts worldwide started experimenting with the ancient form to arrive at dynamic workout regimens [1].
Aerial yoga is a traditional yoga against gravity. You are suspended in the air – at least 3 to 4 feet off the ground – with the aid of a uniquely designed cloth-based hammock.
While in the air, we try to get into several postures and hold the pose. It might look simple to practice, but the truth is, it is way too complex to handle all at the same time. Keep in mind; we are against gravity, so we not only need to balance our weight but hold the position for a significant amount of time [2].
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What Is Aerial Yoga?
Anti-gravity yoga or Aerial Yoga is a combination of traditional yoga asanas, dance moves, and acrobatics, done suspended in the air with a hammock’s aid. A decade ago, it was conceptualized by fitness enthusiasts in the United States (New York) to make exercise sessions more pleasurable.
Also, specific challenging yoga poses that are tough to assume on the ground are much easier to practice when we are suspended in the air. We can try all the yoga poses suspended in the air, with a few exclusively adapted for aerial yoga.
Anti-gravity Yoga and Air Yoga are a few of the other names of Aerial Yoga. To practice Aerial Yoga, we require a hammock suspended from the ceiling by support chains about two to three feet off the ground or as per our comfort.
We need not worry about the hammock tearing with our body’s weight and the pressure we thrust upon it during yoga as it can take a load up to 300 kgs. The hammock will add variety to our yoga session, and the fun of doing asanas in the air is unmatchable.
How is aerial yoga advantageous over the regular yogic practice where we are engaging in a body-weight workout?
We might think that aerial yoga is less effective, but it is definitely not. It engages our muscles like nothing else. We are always struggling with our body-weight and the gravitational pull, which will always keep on challenging us.
Aerial yoga is great for flexibility. Essentially, the workout is a brainchild of an ex-gymnast, Chris Harrison, who believed in marrying acrobatics with yogic postures.
As we counter gravity, not only are we building muscles, burning calories, enhancing our core strength but also expanding our flexibility. It is excellent for the blood flow and spine.
Aerial yoga strengthens our back and builds endurance. All parts of our body are actively engaged while we try to flex and hold mid-air. We literally feel our body opening up and refreshed. We would highly recommend it for those who seek some adventure and fun and an added dose of challenge from their fitness regimen.
Anyone can try aerial yoga; however, it depends on our current state of flexibility and fitness. Do not be deterred; with determination and practice, we can eventually beat all odds and nail the art.
Excited already? Step out for your air yoga trial class, but before you go, it is imperative to remember these things:
- If you’ve had a history of any-bone related trauma or spinal injury, discuss it with the health expert as well as the aerial yoga trainer.
- Always learn under a certified trainer.
- Individuals who experience vertigo should not try air yoga.
- Those with a history of bone replacement surgery, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular issues should also check with their physician before giving it a try.
- Pregnant women should not try aerial yoga.
- Wear comfortable but fitted clothes and practice bare feet.
- Don’t have a heavy meal before you workout.
- Make sure that your hands are not slippery.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
Benefits of Aerial Yoga
1. Total body workout
The aerial yoga movements force each part of our body to move and stretch. So the muscles are redefined and toned, and the joints get regenerated and strengthened thanks to these movements [3].
2. Improves flexibility
Aerial yoga helps us move freely and by counteracting gravity and putting in less effort. Remaining suspended in the air releases tension in the muscles and bones and increases flexibility. It also strengthens core muscles and increases shoulder and spinal flexibility [4].
3. Aids digestion
The movements and stretches that are a part of the workout boost the digestive system, helping heal various digestion-related problems, including indigestion and constipation.
4. Good for the back
By hanging freely, we allow the spine to lengthen. There is less strain on our back while exercising; it eases tension in the hip joint and spinal cord.
5. Anti-aging
It enhances blood circulation, thereby battling aging and its symptoms. It detoxifies the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which delays the onset of cardiovascular issues.
Bottom Line
Aerial yoga is a great way to understand our body dynamics with the ground and when suspended in the air. It is a fun workout that gives us a never before experience of flying. Join an Air Yoga class and enjoy the magic that will unfold.
