Aerial Yoga

• Support — The hammock holds your weight, allowing you to relax into poses without muscular effort—similar to using props in Restorative Yoga
• Deepening — Gravity works with you, not against you. Suspended forward folds and hip openers can access depths not possible on the ground.
• Inversion — Full inversions become accessible without putting weight on head or neck. The hammock supports your hips while you hang freely.

• Aerial Warrior — Warrior pose with hammock support for balance and deeper hip opening
• Spinal Decompression — Hanging inverted allows gravity to gently decompress the spine
• Flying Pigeon — Advanced arm balance made accessible through hammock assistance
• Supported Savasana — Deep relaxation while gently cradled in the hammock
• Hammock Wrap — Cocoon wrap provides gentle traction for the entire spine
• Star Pose — Suspended backbend with full support

• Spinal decompression — Hanging inverted reverses compression on the spine
• Improved circulation — Inversions improve circulation without neck strain
• Increased flexibility — The hammock provides stability for deeper stretches
• Core strengthening — Engaging core muscles to maintain balance in the fabric
• Stress relief — The playful nature reduces mental stress
• Mental clarity — Inversions shift perspective and boost confidence

• Duration — 60-75 minutes typical
• Class Size — Small (8-15 max) due to equipment
• What to Wear — Fitted clothing recommended
• Cost — $25-35 per class
• Experience — All levels welcome
• Props Needed — Hammock provided by studio

Aerial Yoga isn't appropriate for everyone. Consult a healthcare provider before practicing if you have any of the following conditions:

Specific contraindications include:

Foundational class for beginners. Learn hammock safety, basic poses, and how to get comfortable with suspension. Starts mostly on the ground, progresses to partial and full suspension.

Vinyasa-style class adapted for the hammock. Flowing sequences link poses together, often with more dynamic movement and transitions. Requires baseline familiarity with the hammock.

Slower, gentler practice using the hammock for deep relaxation. Long holds, minimal effort, emphasis on nervous system restoration. The hammock becomes a cocoon.

More fitness-focused with strength and cardio elements. May include climbing, flipping, and more acrobatic movements. Less traditional yoga, more circus-inspired.

Some yoga purists question whether Aerial Yoga is "real yoga." The practice certainly departs from tradition—there are no aerial hammocks in the Yoga Sutras. But the fundamental elements of yoga remain: breath awareness, presence, body-mind connection, and the cultivation of equanimity.

Perhaps the better question isn't whether Aerial Yoga is authentic yoga, but whether it serves your practice. For some, the hammock opens doors that ground-based practice cannot. For others, it's a fun complement to a traditional practice. And for many, it's simply an accessible way to experience the benefits of inversion without the years of preparation typically required.

Find studios offering Aerial Yoga classes in your area.