If you want to learn a new perspective and take your yoga practice to a whole new level, Aerial Yoga is a must-try. Aerial Yoga, also called anti-gravity yoga, makes you feel weightless. It allows you to say bye-bye to gravity, and all those delicious inversions will come much easier.
The hammock poses that are adjusted with aerial yoga release tension in the muscles. Savasana, the cocoon-like pose at the end of class, is a must!
Here’s a guide to help you avoid common aerial yoga mistakes.
Expectations for a Regular Yoga class
Aerial Yoga is quite different from your usual Hatha class. Aerial Yoga is different from your regular Hatha class. Yes, there are some similar poses, but you’ll get a combination of acrobatics, Yoga, and hammock support.
You don’t have to be a professional circus performer to take a class. These poses are easy to learn and will help you improve your hammock practice.
Picking Hammocks Too Low or High for You
The fabric hammock hanging from the ceiling will be your friend and confidant during class. The hammocks in the classroom may be suspended at different heights. If you pick one that is too low or high for you, it may make the practice uncomfortable. Choose one that reaches your waist between your pubic bone and your navel.
Clothing that does not work for you
Wear long pants, long sleeves, or shirts with long armpits to help decompress the hammock. Wearing clothing that is too loose can cause the hammock to tangle or expose more skin than you intended in an inversion.
You should also check to make sure you’re not wearing anything distracting, such as jewelry or clothing with zippers. These may interfere with the hammock.
Eat Before Class
Eating before a yoga class isn’t recommended. Aerial Yoga has more inversions than regular Yoga, so it is even more important that you allow yourself at least 1-2 hours before class to digest. You can flip yourself upside-down without worrying about your stomach.
You may think that a hammock can relax your muscles
You can’t be lazy just because you have a hammock to support you. On a hammock, you will need to use more core muscles than when standing on the floor. It’s important to use your core strength to maintain balance on the hammock because its uneven surface can pull you in different directions.
It also means all the supporting muscles that you may not notice on solid ground are activated at a higher level when doing Aerial Yoga. As you pull yourself onto the hammock, your arms will be strengthened, giving your muscles a good workout.
Hammocks: Do not Trust Them
The hammocks can hold up to 1,000 pounds of weight, so don’t be afraid. No matter how big you are, the hammock will hold your weight. Relax into the hammock and enjoy weightlessness.
Take It Too Seriously
Aerial Yoga is a great way to explore and play with your body, just as you did when you were a child. Try to approach every class with a playful spirit and curiosity. Anti-gravity encourages us to be active and lighthearted.
Aerial Yoga is the perfect way to start your new year. Your new year will be a healthy, fun, and weightless experience.