Aerial yoga is yoga with a soft fabric hammock that takes some of your weight, so stretches feel easier and going upside down feels safe. You do not need to be flexible or experienced to start.
A fabric hammock hangs from the studio ceiling at about hip height. You use it as a seat, a sling and a support while you move through familiar yoga shapes.
Because the hammock takes your weight, poses that feel heavy on the mat feel lighter here, and hanging upside down becomes something you can try slowly, with the fabric holding you.
Benefits of aerial yoga
How aerial yoga brings you balance
Supported inversions
You hang upside down with the fabric wrapped around your hips, at your own pace and only when you feel ready.
Long, easy stretches
The hammock holds part of your body, so your muscles can let go into a stretch instead of bracing.
Grip and core
Holding and pulling on the fabric works your hands, arms and middle in a way a mat cannot.
Is aerial yoga right for you?
Beginners who want to try something new, regular students who want a different kind of stretch, and anyone curious about going upside down with support.
Is aerial yoga safe for you?
Check with your doctor first if you are pregnant, have high or low blood pressure, glaucoma, a heart condition, or a recent injury or surgery. Tell Divya before class so she can change the inversions for you.
What to wear and bring
Fitted clothes that cover your underarms and the backs of your knees, so the fabric does not rub
Bare feet, and no rings, watches or zips that could catch the fabric
A water bottle
An empty stomach: eat your last meal two to three hours before
What happens in an aerial yoga class
1Warm up on the mat while Divya sets each hammock to your height.
2Seated and standing poses in the fabric, so you learn how it holds you.
3Supported inversions for anyone who wants them, with Divya right beside you.
4Rest lying inside the hammock like a cocoon, swaying gently.