A few years ago, my sister and I took a leap of faith during a girls’ weekend getaway and signed up for our first aerial yoga class. We were both in our mid-40s, had no prior experience “flying,” and were excited but nervous. But once we tried it, we were hooked.
What started as an occasional weekend adventure quickly became a passion we couldn’t ignore. Fast forward two years, and I’ve found my forever home in aerial yoga—which has become a daily part of my life. Aerial yoga hasn’t just changed my fitness routine—it’s changed my body, my mind, and my confidence in ways I never expected.
What is aerial yoga?
Aerial yoga uses a hammock or silk fabric to help you perform traditional yoga poses and give you extra support, balance and the ability to do inversions. It is a blend of aerial arts, yoga and Pilates to help you become more aware of your body, stronger and more flexible.
Why Aerial Yoga Became My New Favorite Fitness Practice
As a software engineer with over 15 years of experience as a personal trainer for seniors, I thought I’d seen it all when it came to fitness. I’ve always been drawn to active exercises that get my heart pumping and give me a rush of endorphins. But traditional yoga didn’t excite me. It made me feel calm, but it never left me wanting more.
Then came aerial yoga—a practice that completely captivated me. Unlike traditional yoga, aerial yoga challenges both the mind and body in a dynamic way. It’s a full-body workout that combines strength, flexibility, and balance. Every class leaves me energized and eager to come back. With every swing in the silks, every stretch, and every inversion, I feel stronger and more capable. Now, I’m booked weeks in advance for classes and I love it!
Aerial Yoga: An Amazing Way to Increase Height and Flexibility
I’ve noticed something remarkable: Aerial yoga makes me feel taller, not shorter. The decompression benefits of hanging upside down in the silks provide a release and rejuvenation I can’t find anywhere else. As someone with a history of neck, back, and waist pain, deep tension and inversions have completely transformed my body.
READ MORE: The Power of Yoga: Freeing Your Mind Body and Spirit
Before aerial yoga, tight muscles in my shoulders and back were a constant problem. But now, I feel more fluid, agile, and more agile. These incredible physical changes are a direct result of the regular aerial yoga practice I’ve incorporated into my life.
Building Confidence Through Aerial Yoga
Perhaps the most amazing transformation has been in my confidence. Aerial yoga challenges me to face my fears head-on—whether it’s doing an inversion or learning a complicated transition. While I don’t always get the pose right on my first try, I keep looking, observing, learning, and ultimately succeeding.
Mastering moves that I once thought were impossible has helped me believe in myself more than ever. This newfound confidence has spilled over into other areas of my life. It’s a reminder that with patience and practice, anything is possible.
Aerial Yoga: More than just fitness—it’s a community
One of the greatest joys of aerial yoga is the sense of community I find in the practice. Aerial yoga isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about lifting each other up. Whether you’re challenging yourself in an inversion or trying a new pose, there’s always someone cheering you on. The camaraderie in aerial yoga is unlike anything I’ve experienced before.
These aren’t just classmates; they become family. And every time I accomplish something that once seemed impossible, a collective cheer reminds me that we’re all in this together.
Ready to fly?
If you’re looking for a way to step up your fitness routine and challenge your body and mind, aerial yoga could be the practice for you. Whether you’re in your 20s or 60s, aerial yoga offers something for everyone. From increased flexibility and strength to increased confidence and a welcoming community, the benefits are endless.
Start your aerial yoga journey today, and who knows? You might just find your own life-changing tool.
Conclusion
Aerial yoga has not only become a way for me to stay fit; it has changed my body, mind and outlook on life. Aerial yoga can help anyone, no matter what their goals are, whether they want to become stronger, more flexible or more confident. It is a way to push your body to its limits and find the strength within yourself to face problems and fears in other areas of your life.
I can confidently say that my decision to try aerial yoga was one of the best things I did at the age of sixty. If you want to get in better shape physically and mentally, give aerial yoga a try. You never know; it might even change your life!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 . Is aerial yoga safe for those who are new to it?
- Yes! Aerial yoga can help anyone, even people who have never done yoga or aerial yoga before. You can focus on your form and get into certain poses more easily because the silks give you extra support. However, it is important to learn from a qualified instructor who can guide you through the exercises safely.
Q2 . Do you need to be flexible to do aerial yoga?
- Absolutely not! Aerial yoga actually increases your range of motion. First of all, you don’t need to be an expert or already flexible. The silks help you stretch more and become more flexible in a safe and controlled way.
Q3 . Can I do aerial yoga if I’m over 50 or can’t move much?
- Yes, absolutely! Aerial yoga can help people of all ages and fitness levels, even those over 50. Aerial yoga is actually good for many seniors because it helps them become more flexible and comfortable. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting a new fitness program.
Q4. How often should I do aerial yoga?
- For best results, do aerial yoga two or three times a week. Consistency is the key to getting stronger and more flexible. But listening to your body is just as important. If you are new to the practice, don’t push yourself too hard.
Q5. What are the health benefits of aerial yoga?
- Some of the benefits of aerial yoga include:
- Increased flexibility and range of motion
- Increased strength, especially in the core and upper body
- Better posture and alignment of the spine
- Better balance and coordination
- Less stress and better mental clarity
Q6. Do you need any special equipment for aerial yoga?
- Most aerial yoga studios have the mats and silks you need. All you need is a good mood and loose, comfortable clothing. If you want to practice at home, you will need to purchase an aerial hammock or silk setup and make sure it is set up properly.
Q7. Can aerial yoga help you lose weight?
- Although aerial yoga doesn’t usually burn as many calories as cardio, it is a great way to tone your body, build muscle, and get in better shape. A balanced diet and aerial yoga can help you lose weight and make you feel stronger and more toned.
