I have been practicing and teaching yoga for over 16 years. My foundation and love will always be for vinyasa but that does not mean that I have not tried other types of yoga. I have ventured into the hot yoga class and thought, "Why is it so hot in here?" I have relaxed in restorative classes and finally I have turned myself upside down in the yoga swing and found my "home." Of all the specialized yoga classes I have to say that aerial yoga is my "it" class.
I came across aerial yoga about three years ago when my friend Emily open her pilates and yoga studio in Clearwater. I came on as a pilates and traditional yoga teacher but then Emily heard about aerial yoga and said, "Do you want to take this training and certification?" I did not have a clue what this was going to be but I tend to be a woman willing to think well outside the box so I jumped in feet or should I say "swing" first!
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| Emily and Espi playing around in the swing |
At my first aerial yoga class I was so nervous. Feelings like trust and anxiousness came out of me. I tend to think I am a very confident person but the swing was intimidating and scary. I was used to doing some crazy poses on solid ground but to do them suspended in the air - no way! After my first class I was completely nauseous. The class was even a more gentle one and I thought, "I will not be able to do this let alone teach this to other people!"
Luckily our trainer was so supportive. She reassured me that how I felt both physically and emotionally were totally normal. I sat down after class, had some water and a little food and within a few minutes I was feeling better. I was still nervous to come back the next day for another day of training. I had a lot of self doubt but the tough Scandinavian in me said, "You can do this Espi." So I returned to training for the next few days and with time and practice I built self confidence in both my body and mind. Aerial yoga taught me that I can do so much more than I ever I thought I could. It made my body and mind feel so free and open.
Still not convinced? Just read some of the benefits from doing aerial yoga below:
1. This is a total body workout: Due to the nature of many of the movements, almost all the body parts are forced to move and stretch. Muscles are toned and redefined, and joints are regenerated and strengthened due to these movements.
2. Improves flexibility: Aerial yoga helps you to move more freely, with less effort, by counteracting gravity. Suspension in the air releases tension on the bones and muscles, increasing flexibility and deepening your practice. Suspended yoga strengthens core muscles and increases spinal and shoulder flexibility.
3. Heals back problems: It gives you the chance to hang freely, allowing your spine to lengthen. With less strain on your back while doing the exercises, it eases tension in the spinal cord and hip joint, helping you feel better.
4. Increases strength: Aerial yoga improves strength and flexibility, which carries over into other daily activities. Increase in both core and upper body strength will be gained just after a few classes.
5. Puts you in a great mood: Another key benefit of doing aerial yoga is that it gets your adrenaline going while going against gravity. It also releases “happy” hormones like serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine, which boost your mood and help you feel more energetic.
6. Improves balance: While going against gravity can be exciting, aerial yoga also helps with balance and stability in daily activities. Balance is a key component in daily activities, and aerial yoga helps maintain a good balance both inside and out.
7. Aids digestion: The different types of stretches and movements help improve the digestive system, thus helping in healing various digestion-related issues, including constipation and indigestion.
8. Old age and heart disease: Aerial yoga improves the circulation of blood, thus combating aging and its symptoms. Aerial yoga also helps detoxify the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which lowers the onset of various cardiovascular issues.
9. Improves memory: Aerial yoga fortifies your neural connections, thereby, rendering better memory power. In a way, practicing aerial yoga can make you smarter
10. It is simply fun! This class lets you be free, swing like a monkey and just let loose.
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| It feels as magnificent as it looks! |
There are a few contraindications to note about aerial yoga. Due to the nature of the class, with its flips and inversions, aerial yoga is not recommended for women who are pregnant. Also, if you have recently had eye surgery or suffer from vertigo, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before giving the class a try.
But when it comes to your fitness level, there are no restrictions for aerial yoga. All levels will be challenged and encouraged. Even if you have never taken a yoga class in your life, you will be amazed at how much you can do. Age does not matter either, I have kids from age nine to 75 hang in a swing and love it.
Some tips for your first class:
Wear long shorts, capris, or long pants and a shirt with at least small sleeves. Avoid wearing jewelry that may snag on the silk material and perfume or lotion that may scent it. For the ladies on the first day or two of menstruation, you may need to modify your practice. Avoid coming with a full or empty stomach, have a little something with ample time to digest. Come with an open mind and have fun!
As you can see and read aerial yoga has a lot to offer both for physical and mental health. If you want to learn more or have questions feel free to ask. Come and join us for a class - seize the swing!
I once read that you should try something new every day - maybe aerial yoga is your something new today!
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As always, the light in me honors the light in you,
Namaste
Espi
Espi
