Aerial Yoga: what it is and exercises

Aerial yoga is a discipline that is rapidly gaining ground in Italy, as it represents an innovative and fun way to stay in shape and take care of your psychophysical balance.

Its invention dates back to 2014, by the yoga and meditation teacher Michelle Dortignac, who cleverly combined the asanas of traditional yoga and the principles of Pilates, using special hammocks for air suspension.

Yoga with hammocks

The hammocks used for the practice of aerial yoga are large, made of elastic and resistant fabric, but soft to the touch.
The hammocks are hung from the ceiling by using tape, carabiners or expanding fisheries, all systems that essentially allow the variation of distance of the hammock from the ground according to need.

These supports, despite their softness, are able to hold up to 300 kg in weight and allow full freedom of movement. The practice in suspension allows anyone to try their hand at asanas that are otherwise complex  to perform on the ground, such as inversions or yoga positions that require the body to be verticalized upside down.

Benefits of aerial yoga

Aerial yoga combines the benefits of traditional yoga with the advantages given by the practice in "weightlessness". In addition to improving breathing and posture, helping to maintain muscle tone and fighting osteoporosis and promoting the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, aerial yoga is able to:

• heal and strengthen joints;
• effectively decompress the spine;
• lengthen the lumbar area;
• relieve tension in the cervical area and trapezius;
• oxygenate the brain;
• balance the global psychophysical health status;
• promote good mood and endorphin release;
• fight stress.

Essentially, aerial yoga can be a valuable tool to keep fit and take care of yourself at 360 °, having fun and challenging the laws of physics.

How to do an aerial yoga lesson

In general, an aerial yoga lesson is conducted in four phases:

1. Moment of centering within one's hammock;
2. Warm-up of the muscles, relaxation of the joints and activation of the abdomen;
3. Practice of traditional asanas in suspension;
4. Relaxation

Finally, here are some useful recommendations for practicing yoga with hammocks:

• Wear tight but comfortable clothes that cover the points of contact or rubbing with the fabric of the hammock (ankles, underarms, lower back);
• Avoid wearing necklaces, bracelets, watches or earrings;
• Do not wear socks;
• It is advisable to practice on an empty stomach or to avoid substantial snacks just before the lesson.

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