Aerial Yoga: Amazing Experience of Yoga in the Air-

Aerial Yoga: Introduction-

Yoga is a Vedic Indian method. Yoga is not only an art of keeping the body healthy, but also a practice that touches the depths of the mind and soul. Our ancient Acharyas, great men and Gurus, have considered a healthy and happy life as an integral part of human beings. Yoga develops not only the body but also the mind and soul. It is a scientific method connecting the body, mind, and soul, which has been considered an integral part of the Indian tradition for centuries.

But in the present times, many modified forms of yoga have appeared, which have made it even more effective under the modern lifestyle. One of these new forms is ‘Aerial Yoga’. This is a unique and interesting yoga method, in which yogasanas are done not on the ground, but by swinging in the air. It is also called Flying Yoga, Anti-Gravity Yoga, or Hammock Yoga.

What is Aerial Yoga?

In today’s busy lifestyle, where the need for mental peace along with physical health is increasing, aerial yoga has emerged as a balanced, exciting, and effective solution. It is not only a practice of yoga, but a wonderful blend of confidence, physical flexibility, and mental relaxation or peace. While practicing aerial yoga, the weight of the body remains free from gravity, which relieves the spine and brings flexibility to the whole body. It frees one from problems like fatigue, stress, insomnia, back pain, and mental imbalance.

In this method of aerial yoga, a special type of cloth or hammock is used, which is hung from the ceiling or any strong structure. With the help of this hammock, the body is balanced in the air and the traditional postures of yoga are practiced not only easily but also in a more effective manner, which not only stretches the physical muscles of the body but also makes the mind stress-free.

Aerial yoga gives a new energy, new enthusiasm, and excitement, along with new heights of confidence. It works on the physical, mental, and emotional levels. Aerial yoga is especially suitable for people who work sedentary jobs, suffer from back pain, or lead a stressful life. It gives them physical and mental balance as well as a new perspective.

History of Aerial Yoga: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation-

Aerial yoga is born out of the combination of ancient Indian yoga systems and modern fitness techniques. It is a system of yoga that presents the centuries-old Indian yoga system in a new and exciting form. It started in the 1990s in Western countries, especially in the US. Aerial yoga is first credited to Christopher Harrison, who was a professional dancer and gymnast. He, along with some dance and fitness instructors, developed a unique form by combining aerial movement, acrobatics, and yoga, which was later called ‘Antigravity Yoga’. Initially, this form was limited only among professional dancers and performers, but later its popularity started increasing rapidly.

Around 2007, aerial yoga started taking the form of an organized practice, and in fitness studios, it started being taught as a new yoga method. In this, Indian traditional yoga postures like Adhomukha Shavasana, Trikonasana, and Vrikshasana were performed in the air with the help of a special swing (hammock). At that time, it was not only challenging but also proved to be therapeutic. Gradually, aerial yoga spread all over the world, and today it is being taught in many yoga studios and wellness centers in India too. Aerial yoga has become a medium where ancient tradition and innovation both move together, rising above the ground, towards health and balance.

Comparison Between Traditional Yoga and Aerial Yoga-

Benefits of Aerial Yoga-

A- Physical Benefits-

1. Relief from pain and stiffness-

By hanging upside down in the air, the pressure on the spine is reduced, and it gets stretched. This provides relief from slipped disc, back pain, and neck stiffness.

2. Balance and flexibility-

While doing yoga on a hammock, one has to maintain the balance of the body, which increases the balance ability and flexibility of the muscles.

3. Fit and toned-

The core muscles, shoulder, thigh, and back muscles are activated, which makes the body fit and toned.

B- Mental Benefits-

1. Reduction in mental stress and anxiety-

The experience of lightness in the air calms the mind and removes anxiety. Relaxing with closed eyes in the cocoon pose gives the same effect as meditation.

2. Increase in self-confidence-

Hanging upside down or doing a flip can be scary for many people, but when done successfully based on practice, it gives a wonderful boost to self-confidence.

3. Increase in quality of sleep-

Aerial yoga involves deep breathing and meditation, which boosts ‘calming hormones’ in the brain, such as serotonin and melatonin. This reduces anxiety and improves sleep.

Other online resources related to yoga and exercise-

Nowadays, many online platforms provide instructions related to yoga and exercise. Like – vijaybooks.store With the help of these, you can practice yoga and exercise at home. There are other blogs related to this.

yoga.ayush.gov.in is a government website of India.

Another blog has also been written equivalent to this blog.

Eligible for Aerial Yoga-

Eligible Persons-

The eligible persons for Aerial Yoga are as follows

1- Fit and healthy people can do it.

2- Practitioners of yoga or dance can do it.

3- People who want to try new things can do it.

4- People suffering from back pain can do it, as per the advice of the doctor.

Ineligible Persons-

The ineligible persons for Aerial Yoga are as follows.

1- Those who get dizzy cannot do it.

2- Patients with high blood pressure or heart disease cannot do it.

3- Pregnant women, without special guidance, cannot do it.

4- People with eye diseases such as glaucoma cannot do it.

Major Postures-

The major postures of Aerial Yoga are as follows.

1. Cocoon Pose-

Hanging completely with the help of a hammock, relaxing in the air, is considered best for meditation and mental peace.

2. Star Inversion-

Stretching all four limbs while being upside down in the air is beneficial for both the spine and the mind.

3. Flying Warrior-

This is a variation of the warrior pose in which one bends forward with the help of a hammock while keeping the body balanced.

4. Backbend Pose-

In this pose, the back is bent backward, which opens up the muscles of the chest, stomach, and back.

Starting Aerial Yoga-

A. Choose the right place-

For this, go to your nearest yoga studio and consult a trained and certified teacher. Do not do it alone in the beginning.

B. Necessary equipment-

1- A strong hammock that can bear up to 300 kg of weight.

2- Steel hook or beam where the hammock can be hung.

3- Yoga mat, grip socks, and water bottle.

C. Dress-

For this, wear a full-sleeved top and leggings. Do not wear too tight or loose clothes. Do not wear jewelry, chains, etc.

Suggestions-

1- Practice 2-3 times a week in the beginning.

2- 5-10 minutes of warm-up is necessary for this.

3- Relax in the cocoon for 5 minutes after every session.

4- Drink more water, eat light food.

5- Follow the teacher’s instructions.

Precautions-

1- Do not turn upside down suddenly.

2- If you feel dizzy, stop immediately.

3- Consult a doctor after injury or operation.

4- Make children practice under special supervision.

Comparison Between Aerial Yoga And Gym-

Conclusion-

Aerial Yoga is not just a workout, but it gives the experience of flying in the air, and you get a combination of fitness, flexibility, and mental peace. Aerial Yoga is a method of successful life for both body and mind. For those who want to get a different experience from traditional yoga, Aerial Yoga is the best option for them. If you also want to stay healthy and want to calm your mind, then start Aerial Yoga today by joining an experienced yoga guru. It gives a new direction not only to your body and mind but also to your entire life.