When many people talk about taking yoga off the mat they are referring to embracing the principles of yoga in your daily life. For example, yoga teaches you to be in the moment and to focus on the present. It also teaches you to be flexible and strong – both mentally and physically. These are all wonderful benefits that can help you take your daily yoga practice into your daily life.
Yoga off the mat can also refer to the new and growing practice of aerial yoga. If you really want to get up and off the mat, try hanging in mid-air!
What Is Aerial Yoga?
Like the practice of yoga where there are literally dozens of different styles and practices, the growing trend of aerial yoga also seems to be branching off into a number of different styles. Aerial yoga is the practice of blending traditional yoga methodology and poses with the aerial arts. Aerial arts are most often associated with trapeze and fabric arts which require balance, strengthening, and good physical conditioning.
Like traditional yoga, aerial yoga is designed to build strength, conditioning, flexibility, and endurance. It requires focus, breathing techniques, and an open mind. It is also deliciously fun! If you have an adventurous spirit and are looking to try something new, aerial yoga may be a perfect fit.
What to Expect from an Aerial Yoga Class
Each aerial yoga school or class will utilize different techniques. All schools utilize a hammock or a large piece of fabric that supports your weight as you move through traditional yoga movements. The fabric supports your body during inverted positions. It is more like a swing than a beach hammock.
You can perform everything from handstands to childís pose in an aerial yoga class, plus a number of other poses that simply may not be possible in a traditional yoga class.
I love aerial yoga, it’s my favorite type. it feels so freeing like like your walking on air. The pose seems a lot less challenging but they work them I promise. The first few times I went I was sore4 the day after, so don’t think you’re wasting your time just swinging around.
Some classes spend the entire class utilizing the fabric hammock while other classes combine floor and aerial poses.
Can Anyone Do Aerial Yoga?
While aerial yoga is perfect for people of all fitness levels, if you are pregnant or have high or low blood pressure it may not be right for you. Additionally, if you have vision problems or inner ear problems then aerial yoga may affect your balance and thus not be a good fit. Otherwise, if you enjoy trying new things and exploring your body and a vast range of movements, look for an aerial yoga class in your area. It is a growing trend and sure to be in a center near you.
I’m so excited to read your post on aerial yoga since it’s something I’ve always wanted to try but have felt nervous about. I’m an avid yogi and practice 4-5x/ week and can’t wait to find a local place nearby to try aerial yoga. I also want to share that yoga has changed my life in so many ways and one of my teachers shared the benefits of yoga with me in this post https://pantearahimian.com/sierra-nolands-secrets-to-yoga-will-make-you-change-your-life/
Very interesting read. I’d like to try this one fsy although I doubt I’ll be any good haha
I’ve almost broken my neck a couple of times myself, haha others make it look effortless.
This seems like a fun workout.
It’s a lot of fun, once you get past about to break your neck it’s comfortable. Thank you for coming by.
It’s good motivation to know that ones body can go into different positions (without the medical health limitations of course like you mentioned) Awesome post
Thank you so much and thanks for stopping by.
I love aerial yoga!! The tricky bit is sometimes finding classes as it’s not practised everywhere.
It is really hard to find classes, this is the only one I’ve found, and it’s only a few times a month. I love it too.
As someone who wants to start yoga, this is such an interesting post to me. Thanks for sharing.
It’s so mjch fun! Don’t get me wrong the first few times will be trying but you’ll get the hang of it eventually. I have the grace of a fainting goat.