Aerial Yoga utilises a silk aerial hammock suspended from two symmetrical points on the ceiling at hip height. The hammock is made of a structural nylon aerial fabric that is rated to hold up to 500kg. The aerial hammock is designed to adapt to the shape of the body and support body weight so movements feel free and light! The Aerial hammock helps you to improve joint range of motion through gentle traction techniques. It also allows access to supported inverted postures, which are effective in visceral decompression, improving digestive and reproductive function, and is also effective in conditioning respiratory function. Many people experience a wonderful after effect of mental decompression with this practice and it has been used to assist improving mental health and aid trauma recovery.
Each class will involve the aerial hammock and working on a yoga mat on the floor. The hammock is adaptable to a fusion of genres that may include elements of yoga, Pilates, or strength conditioning and fitness, depending on the outcome goal of the class. In classes the instructor guides students through postures with visual and verbal demonstrations and leads the class in a harmonised ensemble experience. Each class is concluded with traditional yoga relaxation on the floor or ‘cocooning’ in the hammock where one may enjoy being gently rocked.
Students who enjoy more personalised tuition or require individualised care can also benefit from attending tailored one-on-one or small group therapeutic sessions that combine traditional floor and aerial approaches. This service is available for self-managed NDIS support.
Children are introduced to healthful movement through aerial play and interactive games that invite a child to build trusting relationships, self-esteem and empowerment. Creative Arts Therapy modalities involving sound and art making are combined in this session to enhance a childs capacity for self-expression and creativity. At the end of each session, Children are guided in sensory meditations that assist with developing emotional regulation and relaxation. These classes are grouped in developmentally appropriate age ranges.
In Aerial Yoga we encourage protecting your skin with full length leggings of a cotton or cotton blend fabric (as it is non-slippery) and close fitting, sleeved shirts (remember loose tops will fall down when you invert!). We also encourage grip socks as this aids safety. PLEASE wear clothing with NO ZIPPERS OR SEQUINS, AND REMOVE JEWELRY, MAKE UP OR FAKE TAN prior to class as these will damage the hammocks.
Bring a towel and water bottle. Yoga mats are optional; however they are recommended for added comfort in floor positions.
There are myriad benefits of aerial hammock exercise! This unique practice can be an incredible way to reach optimal health when more mainstream fitness options are ineffective or compound existing joint compression or chronic pain conditions. However, it can also be adapted to elite and gymnastic movement experiences for athletic cross training and working with children.
Aerial yoga is complementary to traditional yoga allowing the student to experience gravity and antigravity environments. However Aerial applications are much kinder on the joints and can be a much more accessible form of movement for those who find sitting on the floor very challenging. Many students who practice aerial yoga reap the benefits of enhanced alignment, control and balance and discover great improvements in their floor-based abilities in traditional yoga and other sporting activities.
