How does the body and mind change in an aerial yoga class?

Aerial yoga or, as it is also called, anti-gravity yoga is a practice that combines the principles of yoga, stretching, Pilates and Callanetics. It was started by American dancer and choreographer Christopher Harrison in 1991, when he created special hammocks for aerial gymnasts to perform and train. Later he realized that acrobatic tricks in the air could be accessible to everyone and opened aerial gymnastics to everyone.

anti-gravity yoga instructor

Getting off the ground is a way to disconnect from everyday life, put yourself in unfamiliar conditions and step out of your comfort zone. It gives a powerful boost to the development of inner potentials and personal resources.

Now anti-gravity yoga is one of the most popular fitness trends. When performing asanas in a suspended state, the human body is stretched, the self-renewal mechanism is triggered and the general state of health improves.

Stretching through relaxation

Aerial yoga is based on interaction with a hammock. It takes a part of the body weight. Due to gravitational forces, the main principle of aerial yoga works – stretching through relaxation.

Natural decompression of the spine in the hammock reduces the load on the back and neck, and moderate pressure on the joints makes the exercise comfortable and painless. It is beneficial for anyone who leads a sedentary lifestyle, has scoliosis or other posture disorders.

Increased flexibility

The wide canvas of the hammock gives the body plenty of room to move relative to the fulcrum. This helps you stretch more productively than during traditional yoga and stretching.

In addition, the increased flexibility and mobility of the hip and shoulder joints allows you to master more difficult asanas than when practicing on a mat. The instructor notes that aerial yoga increases the elasticity of muscles, toning them, and in case of hypertonus – relaxes.

Therefore, the classes are perfect for those who work out a lot, run and dance.

The best remedy for insomnia

Upside-down asanas stimulate active blood supply to the brain and increase the efficiency of the pituitary gland – the central organ of the endocrine system. This balances the hormonal system and reduces the risk of diabetes and osteoporosis, relieves insomnia, irritability and chronic fatigue.

In addition, aeroyoga normalizes digestion. Thanks to twisting postures, the intestines work better and activate part of the autonomic nervous system, which maintains homeostasis.

Good blood circulation strengthens neural connections and stimulates brain activity. American scientists from the University of Illinois and Wayne State University in Detroit have found that practicing aerobics improves performance and concentration, increases memory and thinking speed.

Relaxation and recreation

Yoga in hammocks includes relaxing asanas, breathing practices, flying and jumping. It reduces psycho-emotional tension and increases stress tolerance.

Aerial yoga is suitable for people of any level of physical fitness. But it is worth considering contraindications to the classes:

• high blood pressure, eye and intracranial pressure;
• retinal detachment or glaucoma;
• uncompensated spinal injuries;
• critical days, pregnancy;
• otitis media; inflammatory diseases of the nasal cavity;
• joint diseases;
• herniated discs and protrusions of the spine;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.