Aerial Yoga, often called Aerial Yoga swing or hammock yoga, offers a refreshing and innovative twist on traditional yoga practices. This dynamic form of yoga involves performing poses while suspended in mid-air, supported by a specially designed fabric hammock. The hammock provides stability and support, facilitating a broader range of motion and allowing practitioners to explore deeper stretches. This unique practice enhances flexibility and core engagement and offers a heightened sense of relaxation, making it a must-try for yoga enthusiasts. Thane-based yoga teacher and wellness coach Suvi Choudhary, who specialises in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Aerial Yoga and Multi Style Yoga, says, “Combining the principles of yoga, Pilates, and aerial arts, Aerial Yoga creates a low-impact yet highly effective practice that enhances flexibility, strength, balance, and overall well-being.
Choudhary, the founder of Suvi’s Yoga House, emphasises Aerial Yoga’s supportive and freeing nature. She says, “It’s for people who want to explore their strength and flexibility and have fun while doing yoga.” The repertoire includes various asanas that suit this yogic practice’s aerial nature. It’s quite a challenge as mastering the moves requires upper body strength and stamina. Choudhary underlines that apart from offering regular yoga benefits, Aerial Yoga gives more freedom of movement, as one can move more freely, with less effort, by counteracting gravity. The sense of weightlessness experienced in Aerial Yoga can alleviate pressure on the spine and joints, making it an ideal practice for those seeking to relieve tension or improve their posture. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, Aerial Yoga offers a unique and accessible way to elevate your practice, encouraging physical and mental rejuvenation. “There are techniques to go upside down using a rope. It is all about the art of your breathing and body coordination to perform it. It’s an ancient art only formed from rope yoga and can be performed by anyone and any age,” says Choudhary, who also teaches at the International Yoga School in Thane and Goa.
Edited excerpts from a candid conversation with Chaudhary to delve deeper into the world of Aerial Yoga and uncover the secrets behind its growing popularity.
- What distinguishes Aerial Yoga from traditional yoga?
Aerial Yoga, a modern fusion of Iyengar, Pilates, and dance on fabric, offers a unique and exhilarating experience. Established in 2006, it is distinct in its use of fabric for support and anti-gravity postures, providing a thrilling twist to traditional yoga practices.
- What inspired you to try Aerial Yoga, and what was your first experience like?
My decision to try Aerial Yoga was influenced by its reputation for alleviating back pain and improving overall body mobility. The thrill of going upside down during my first session was both scary and fun, a feeling I’ll never forget.
- Can you explain the benefits of Aerial Yoga for beginners?
It helps correct body and spine posture and improve core strength and overall body flexibility. One of the best yoga styles for people who can’t perform yoga on the floor on the mat is Aerial Yoga, which allows them to explore many asanas.
- How does Aerial Yoga improve flexibility and range of motion?
It helps a person improve flexibility more in this art than in any other yoga style because the fabric gives nice support to the body, which reduces pain. Also, anti-gravity posture helps to calm the mind, relax the anxious mind, and improve confidence.
- Can you discuss the benefits of Aerial Yoga for stress relief and mental well-being?
Yes, sure. In Aerial Yoga, if you do meditation along with sound therapy, you will experience amazing and instant stress relief. Aerial Yoga can be the best practice for people who are highly stressed out, unable to sleep, or have migraines, providing a soothing experience.
- How does Aerial Yoga engage the core and improve overall strength?
Many Pilates exercises we perform on the aerial directly affect the core. Also, climbing up on the aerial requires core strength, so you partially work your core while performing the art.
- What equipment is used in Aerial Yoga, and how is it set up?
Aerial Yoga requires a 6-meter-long, 2.5-meter-wide silk fabric that provides stability without excessive stretch. This fabric is hung using two daisy chains and high-quality mountain climbing hooks.
- What safety precautions should be taken when practising Aerial Yoga?
It’s crucial to start your practice with a trained teacher, understand your body’s limitations, and inform the trainer of any medical issues. For safety, placing a mattress under the aerial fabric is also recommended. This emphasis on safety and proper training ensures that practitioners can enjoy the unique benefits of Aerial Yoga with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that their well-being is a top priority and they are well-prepared for their practice.
- How do you ensure proper alignment and support while in the air?
If you can breathe properly, you do not feel discomfort, and you can hold the posture without pain, you are in proper alignment. If you practice alone, you can put a mirror before you and perform the art to see if you are in the correct posture.
- How do you modify poses for students with different experience levels?
There is always a mix of flexible students in the class, so according to every student’s capability, we push them, warm them up to get a rough idea of their flexibility and strength, and then design the class accordingly.
- What training or certifications are required to teach Aerial Yoga?
Aerial yoga is one of the best options for people who can’t perform yoga on the floor on the mat, as it allows them to explore many asanas.
To start your teaching or practice journey, you should have at least a basic certification of completing 50 hours of Aerial Yoga from Yoga Alliance USA.
- Can you share a personal success story or transformation through Aerial Yoga?
I’m thrilled to be an Aerial Yoga teacher. I’ve had many opportunities to teach people from all over the world and make them capable of teaching others. One of my most outstanding achievements was Assisting Shraddha Kapoor with Aerial Yoga postures for one of the advertisement projects.
- How has Aerial Yoga impacted your life beyond the physical practice?
People started knowing me and our yoga school for Aerial Yoga; they trusted us to begin their yoga journey with us. We have branches in Thane, Karjat, and Goa, so people travel from other states to learn this art at our school. This is the biggest ever success for me and my yoga school.
- What do students say about their experiences with Aerial Yoga?
Their first experience is mostly thrilled. They feel like flying, flexible, with fabulous body movements, and super happy to start their yoga journey and share this tool with others.
- What tips would you give someone trying Aerial Yoga for the first time?
Trust your trainer, be patient, don’t compare yourself to others. Aerial Yoga is a journey, and progress takes time.
- How can students deepen their practice and challenge themselves?
There are many advanced courses and workshops available for Aerial Yoga. One should always keep practising because practice is the key to deepening one’s Aerial Yoga journey.
So, if you are tempted to try Aerial Yoga, Chaudhary offers advice: “Everyone should try Aerial Yoga art, which is one of the fabulous yoga styles. This style helps people open their bodies differently than any other yoga style because it is supportive and anti-gravity.”
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