What is Aerial Yoga?
If you love the idea of stretching, strengthening, and relaxing, all while feeling like you’re floating, you’re going to fall in love with Aerial Yoga. At first glance, it might look like something only acrobats can do, but aerial yoga is surprisingly accessible and perfect for anyone looking to take their practice (literally) to new heights.
If you’re curious about what aerial yoga is and why you should try it, keep reading; you’re about to discover your new favorite workout.
What Exactly is Aerial Yoga?
In aerial yoga, you use a soft, fabric hammock suspended from the ceiling to support your body as you move through traditional yoga poses.
The hammock acts like a supportive prop, it can help you deepen stretches, build strength, and even experience inversions (like hanging upside down) without the pressure on your spine or joints.
It’s a playful, freeing, and transformative way to connect with your body and mind. And no, you don't need to be super flexible or have any prior aerial experience to start!
What to Expect in an Aerial Yoga Class
1. Warm-Up and Ground Work
You'll begin class with a gentle warm-up on the ground to activate your muscles and prepare your body for flight.
2. Learning to Work with the Hammock
Your instructor will teach you how to use the hammock to assist and enhance classic yoga poses. You’ll learn how to balance, move, and stretch while letting the fabric support some (or all) of your body weight.
3. Deep Stretches and Core Strengthening
Expect a mix of flowing movements and deep stretches. The hammock helps you move deeper into poses you might struggle with on the mat, making your body feel open, light, and free. Plus, balancing in the air fires up your core muscles, giving you a stronger center with every class.
4. Inversions and Playful Movement
One of the coolest parts of aerial yoga is experiencing gentle inversions (like hanging upside down!). Inversions can help decompress your spine, boost circulation, and improve your mood, without the strain you might feel doing them on the ground.
5. Relaxation and Floating Savasana
At the end of class, you’ll melt into a "floating savasana," cocooned inside the hammock. It’s deeply relaxing and feels like a hug for your entire body. You’ll leave class feeling lighter, calmer, and more energized.
The Benefits of Aerial Yoga
✨ Increased Flexibility — The hammock helps you stretch deeper and more safely.
✨ Improved Strength — Balancing in the air engages your core, arms, and legs.
✨ Better Balance and Coordination — You'll develop body awareness with every move.
✨ Spinal Decompression — Inversions help relieve back tension and pressure.
✨ Stress Relief — Floating in the hammock creates a calming, almost meditative experience.
Is Aerial Yoga for You?
Absolutely! Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, aerial yoga offers something for everyone. You’ll gain strength, flexibility, and a renewed sense of fun and adventure. Plus, it's completely customizable, so you can move at your own pace and comfort level.
Try Aerial Yoga at Tough Lotus
At Tough Lotus, our aerial yoga classes are designed to help you feel supported, strong, and uplifted. Our experienced instructors make sure you’re safe, confident, and having a blast from your very first class.
Are you ready to fly, stretch, and relax all at once? Book your aerial yoga class today and experience the magic for yourself!
