The Growing Yoga Trend That Keeps You Hanging Mid-Air

Rooted in ancient wisdom, yoga stands as one of the most profound gifts of India’s to the world. Being a holistic practice for both body and the soul, yoga has evolved into several innovative forms over time. The latest trend defying gravity, Aerial Yoga, takes you mid air, hanging on a silk fabric. This airborne yoga form combines traditional asanas and yoga philosophies providing the benefits of dance, pilates, aerobatic arts offering all the benefits of yoga along with the fun that keeps you in rhythm of your mind.

From all the Bollywood celebrities to fitness enthusiasts across the globe, Aeria Yoga has taken over the wellness world by storm. To know more about this jaw-dropping and transformative yoga trend, we reached out to a certified Aerial Yoga trainer. Based in Agonda, a village in Goa, Rinul has been training yoga lovers for more than a decade.

Aerial Yoga: A Fun Way To Defy Gravity

Aerial yoga is a playful form of movement that allows you to flow, invert and move with ease. Performed using silky hammocks suspended from the ceiling, this flying yoga invites practitioners to move, float, and flip with curiosity. The hammock acts as a swing to lift and support specific parts of the body, leaving the rest freely in the air.

During the discussion, Rinul shares how this playful form of yoga helps you connect deeply with yourself. She says, “What makes Aerial Yoga truly fun is approaching it with a childlike spirit, free from perfection. One should explore the rhythm of their body and mind rather than perform. Sway in the hammock, invert gently, and laugh when things don’t go as planned. When you trust the hammock, you start to rediscover joy in movement.”

Also Read: 8 Benefits Of Aerial Yoga Exercise

Benefits Of Aerial Yoga

Aerial Yoga is a unique blend of playfulness with discipline and does more than just burning calories. According to Rinul, below are some of the Aerial Yoga benefits:

• Decompresses the spine and improves posture.
• Builds core and upper body strength.
• Deeply relaxes the body and mind.
• Helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system through inverted and cocooned hammock flows.
• Releases tension in the spine and joints while enhancing strength, balance and flexibility.
• It boosts confidence, helping you look at things from a different perspective while inverted.
• Practising Aerial Yoga helps release hormones like serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin, uplifting your mood and overall well-being.
• Reduce stress and anxiety.

Who Can Practice?

Rinul explains, “The aerobatic and mind-bending poses may seem intimidating, but Aerial Yoga welcomes everyone, regardless of practice level, body type, weight or age. Beginners often find it supportive as the hammock assists in alignment and balance. However, it is important to start under the guidance of a trained instructor who can adjust the fabric height, poses, and transitions according to your body.”

What To Wear?

Unlike most other Yoga forms practised on a mat, Aerial Yoga lifts you off the floor and places you in a new dimension. This unique approach requires a little extra attention while choosing what to wear for safety and comfort. Rinul advises, “One should choose fitted, stretchable clothing that covers your underarms and knees to prevent friction burns from the fabric. Also avoid zippers and sharp accessories, as they can snag the hammock. Practising barefoot offers the best for grip and control.”

Also Read: Aerial Pilates Vs Aerial Yoga: Know Similarities And Differences Between The Two 

Tips To Avoid Injury

Aerial Yoga is generally gentle on your body as the hammock provides good support by taking up to 40% of your body weight. However, it still requires mindfulness and safety. Rinul shares a few key tips to prevent any mishaps and injuries:

• Warm up properly before getting into the hammock.
• Engage your core in every pose to stay safe and steady.
• Always honour your body's rhythm.
• Use certified and quality equipment.
• Check your hammock before putting any pressure to ensure it is securely rigged and weight-tested.
• Avoid practicing right after meals.
• Maintain awareness of your breath throughout the session.

Dos And Dont’s

During the discussion, Rinul mentions key dos and don'ts for anyone planning to try Aerial Yoga:

Dos

• Respect the limitations of your body.
• Engage your core for balance and stability.
• Keep patience and give your body time to adapt.
• Do not hesitate to ask help when not sure of any flow.
• Stay consistent.

Don’t

• Do not compare your practice to others.
• Never force yourself into inversions when you are not ready.
• Never wear or carry any sharp object.
• Never forget to breathe and smile as tension blocks your natural flow.

Bottomline

Aerial Yoga is a relatively new practice that has quickly become a choice for everyone into fitness. It does not require any specific dietary changes and supports weight loss and muscle building effortlessly. Beyond physical fitness, it helps you reconnect with your inner child, reminding you that yoga can be light, liberating, and deeply healing.