Everything you need to know about aerial yoga

Before even starting to go into the detail of the discipline, you should know that the term “aerial yoga” does not simply designate yoga sessions that one would practice outdoors, in the open air. In order to enlighten you on the subject, let’s first see what so-called “aerial” yoga consists of, which is called “Fly Yoga” among our friends across the Atlantic.

What is aerial yoga?

This discipline comes to us from the United States, more precisely from New York, where a certain Christopher Harrison gave birth to the concept, then developed it, during the 2000s. He worked for a long time in the world of the circus and learned the multiple benefits and benefits of muscular activity that would be practiced suspended or in the air. From a base of Anti-Gravity Fitness (fitness by being suspended via a kind of hammock), Harrison will lead various practitioners to imagine this truly amazing discipline.

It is in particular the French yoga teacher Florie Ravinet, from 2008-2009, who will codify the whole thing with the help of physiotherapists and thus create the first aerial yoga course in the world. Since then, she opened a special school of Fly Yoga which is located in Paris. From there, in France but not only – centers are springing up all over the world – aerial yoga has continued to develop and conquer new followers of all ages.

A most complete form of yoga

Once you have understood that this type of yoga is practiced partly in the air, suspended from a kind of hammock (one could almost consider that it is a form of exercise practiced in semi-weightlessness), it is important to know that all the exercises and postures are performed in balance and therefore do not cause the slightest compression of the vertebrae. Both extremely original and really fun, this very sporty activity is absolutely perfect for working all parts of the body.

The postures and positions that you will have to take and hold are performed with flexibility, softness and without jolts. Not only does your body – both in terms of muscles, joints and skeleton – work hard, but the mind is also put to work. In addition, and this is something that should not be overlooked, the discipline is also very steeped in artistic sensitivity. If aerial yoga allows stretching the muscle fibers without subjecting ligament or cartilage trauma, it still requires real effort and deep concentration in order to be correctly apprehended by practitioners.

Who is this discipline for?

This type of yoga is simply open to everyone, without exception (excluding obesity, from 3 years old for toddlers, and insofar as you do not suffer from a cervical pathology). You don’t have to be an expert acrobat to get into the practice because there are postures that are suitable for all levels. Even if you’ve never done yoga in your entire life, you’ll be able to pull off movements with ease from the very first session.

The hammock is also there to simplify your postures and give you access to a better amplitude without having to force. It will allow you to take and hold various postures that would be completely inaccessible to you without it, because it significantly reduces the weight of the body while offering more freedom from the ground. We can consider that the hammock is a kind of protective and soothing cocoon that will promote relaxation since when we love it quietly, we feel extremely good, safe and relaxed.

To conclude

Aerial yoga has all kinds of virtues and is for everyone. It allows you to work on the mind and body (especially with complete muscle strengthening), improves the sense of balance and gives an absolutely incomparable feeling of freedom. In general, a session lasts between 1 hour and 1h15, but this can vary depending on the teacher and the specific session for which he will have intended you. If you want to know more, do a little research around your home, it is possible that courses are given.