Up in the air

Feel free, go ahead, hang, swing, be upside down to explore this unique and amazing form of yoga

Aerial yoga, or what we call as Aeryoga is a relatively new and innovative way of keeping in shape. It is a unique combination of yoga and aerial acrobatics. Aeryoga is a great way to keep in shape and understand body alignment through the use of hammock as a vital prop in this workout regime.

The hammock is attached to the ceiling with a swivel hook. The hammock itself is made of the same fabric that circus artistes and aerial acrobats use. The entire structure is very solid and built keeping all safety guidelines in mind. the hammock is used as an external prop to help deepen the postural stretch. It also helps in creating safety locks along the posture, providing the practitionerwith the ability to hang upside down without any scope of a fall or injury.

There are varied levels of classes for beginners and advanced practioners, to help understand the foundation better and slowly make the practice more exciting and adventurous. Although almost all yoga asanas can be performed with the help of the aerial hammock, here are a few asanas that work wonders for fitness and flexibility.

Place the leg on the hammock. It is a variation of the uthitha hasta pada augusta and is also called a simple hamstring stretch. Place one leg on the hammock and keep your hands straight on both sides. It’s excellent for runners and those who experience stiffness in their legs due to intense cardiovascular workout.

This pose is called shalabhasana. It is an intense lower back stretch to strengthen the lower back muscles. It is excellent for people who spend long work hours just standing. Hammock helps as a useful prop.

This pose is a simple back bend. It’s a part of the surya namaskar series. Pose with your arms in namaste, standing straight in a back bend. It is excellent for the heart chakra opening. The hammock acts as a very helpful prop here.

This is an inverted lotus pose. You’re completely inverted in this pose, with the soles of your feet together. It’s an advanced posture that works wonders for diabetes and thyroid related issues.

This tree pose or the vrikshasana is excellent for core control and balance. You have to place your feet on the hammock and stand on one leg.

This pose is called the hanging downward dog asana. Place your legs on the hammock, with your head down and looking up. It is excellent for shoulder openers. It’s also a good beginner inversion. It is easy to get into and fun to be in.

The writer is an aerial yoga expert at Nivesaa.