Aerial Yoga is a newer modality of yoga that continues to expand each day; however, the understanding of what to expect during an Aviana Aerial Yoga practice may not yet be readily understood, please refer to these frequently asked questions to potentially ease some of the hesitation you may feel.
Who is aerial yoga beneficial for?
Everyone (with some exceptions), depending on the class that you choose to participate in. Just like with any yoga class there are many different styles of practice and different instructors. It is always best to connect with the studio that you are looking to attend a class at and ask questions in regards to your goals and your aspirations for wanting to practice aerial yoga. Studios that have participated in the Aviana Aerial Yoga Training should offer a variety of classes to cater to the needs of a diversified group of individuals with just about something for everyone. If after reading the following list of contraindications you still feel uncertain as to whether or not you can attend, please contact the studio directly and request to connect to the instructor, or plan to set up a private session for your first time in order to explore the practice at your pace and to meet your needs.
Please note the following contraindications:
Absolute
(meaning that aerial yoga should be avoided, may be able to discuss a restorative class with the hammock only 6-10 inches elevated from the ground)
Relative
(A gentle aerial yoga class may be an option, without inversions pending a discussion with your physician and/or proceeding with caution. Pursuing private aerial sessions depending upon the expertise of the instructor may also be available as well)
When looking at participating in an aerial yoga class, you will want to be certain that you select the class that is best for you. Aviana programs offer a variety of options in order to cater the individual needs of each person looking to benefit from aerial yoga. The restorative based classes will offer the option of having the hammock lower to the ground where it is hovering a short 6 to 10 inches. With the hammock at this height it will offer your body guidance and support to release and supple into asanas without the anticipation that may arise from being completely off of the ground. Throughout the class you will always feel safe and secure close to the Earth, yet able to explore new spaces of awareness with the hammocks support.
The regular flow based classes and play classes will offer the aerial yoga hammock at a hip height level. This will invite a practice that will allow you to explore inversions and the feeling of liberated flight. The hammock will be compressing over various areas of the body; therefore, please refer to the list of contraindications in order to ensure the optimum benefits for your body, mind, and spirit.
Do you have to have really strong upper body strength to do it?
Building upper body strength is a benefit to the practice of aerial yoga. When you are first getting started it is not required that you have a strong grip or strong upper body. For every asana and exercise taught by Aviana Aerial Yoga instructors there are modifications and varying levels of fitness ability. Aviana instructors are able to cater the class to meet you where you are at and help you to see where your body will allow you to go.
When getting started you may notice that you awaken new muscles in your upper body and feel the strength of your own two hands. This is the beauty of the practicing aerial, it will improve your strength and confidence in being able to stand tall, bold, and bright with the awareness of your own power you hold within your hands.
For a more advanced practice that involves more asanas elevated in the air, yes you will need to have the ability to appropriately engage your grip strength and back strength, but that is the joy of the journey. There are many options when choosing a class that is appropriate for you, so be certain to read the description in order to determine if it is the appropriate level of class for your ability and aspirations.
Can I take the class if I am pregnant?
Only if you are still within your first trimester is it safe to participate in an aerial yoga practice. Beyond the first trimester, and with your physician’s permission, you may continue to pursue classes or private sessions specifically designed for prenatal.
Do I need a mat to practice?
While, yes, this is a practice of yoga in flight, you will in fact be connected to the Earth quite a bit during the class; therefore, you will be requested to have your own mat to bring to class, unless the studio you are attending is providing them.
The mat is placed directly underneath the hammock and will provide support and comfort while standing, kneeling, and lying down during the flow. Please note that some of the thinner and lighter mats have a tendency to slip on the floors of studios when flowing with the hammock, so please be sure to have a good quality mat for class. Your Aviana Aerial Yoga Instructor will check your mat at the start of the class and if needed will swap your mat out for one of the loaner studio mats in order to provide you the best possible experience.
Do I need my own aerial yoga hammock to participate?
Most studios that offer Aviana Aerial Yoga will provide you a hammock to use for class; however, some studios may offer them as a rental in order to provide you with the lowest cost per class price if you have your own hammock. There are many wonderful benefits to having your own hammock and if you are interested in purchasing your own please visit the Aviana store to find out how to order your own.
What should I wear?
Aviana Aerial Yoga classes require that you wear a top that covers your armpits, leggings that cover to at least your knees and that your outfit is snuggly (yet comfortably) fitting to your body. This will ensure that you have the most possible comfort during your class as the fabric will be rubbing in certain areas of the body and you do not want it to be rubbing against your skin. Ouch. In addition, please remove all jewelry including earrings, bracelets, and necklaces prior to class. Lastly, if you are a smoker please refrain from smoking prior to class and please do not wear any perfumes or colognes. This will prevent the fabric of the hammocks from smelling funky for the next person.
What is a class experience like?
Each class experience will vary depending upon the type of class offered and of course the Aviana Aerial Yoga Instructor teaching it. There are a variety of class options available depending on the studio location and their aerial yoga program:
Please refer to the class description at the studio you are attending to obtain a clearer picture as what to anticipate for class. Each Aviana Aerial Yoga class will include the experience of aromatherapy as well as time for reflection and meditation within the hammock. Aviana classes are taught by instructors that have obtained the highest level of quality training, displayed their commitment to aerial yoga, and demonstrated their attentiveness to safety, modifications, and continuing education on delivering top-notch instruction in order to set every student up for success.
Everyone (with some exceptions), depending on the class that you choose to participate in. Just like with any yoga class there are many different styles of practice and different instructors. It is always best to connect with the studio that you are looking to attend a class at and ask questions in regards to your goals and your aspirations for wanting to practice aerial yoga. Studios that have participated in the Aviana Aerial Yoga Training should offer a variety of classes to cater to the needs of a diversified group of individuals with just about something for everyone. If after reading the following list of contraindications you still feel uncertain as to whether or not you can attend, please contact the studio directly and request to connect to the instructor, or plan to set up a private session for your first time in order to explore the practice at your pace and to meet your needs.
Please note the following contraindications:
Absolute
(meaning that aerial yoga should be avoided, may be able to discuss a restorative class with the hammock only 6-10 inches elevated from the ground)
- Vertigo
- Inner Ear Conditions
- Recent Surgery
- Glaucoma
- Recent Concussion or Head Injury
- Epilepsy
- Recent Stroke
- Botox (within 24 hours)
- Pregnancy beyond the 1st Trimester
- Propensity for Fainting
- Obesity
- Hiatal Hernia
- Sutures in any part of the body
- Recent gashes, lacerations, or wounds
- If you are taking any medications that can cause dizziness, light headedness, propensity for fainting, or extreme fatigue
Relative
(A gentle aerial yoga class may be an option, without inversions pending a discussion with your physician and/or proceeding with caution. Pursuing private aerial sessions depending upon the expertise of the instructor may also be available as well)
- Osteoporosis
- Artificial Hips
- Head Cold, Flu or Sinusitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Severe Arthritis
- Disc Herniation
- Severe Balance Issues
- Severe Muscle Spasms
- Severe Neck or Back Pain
- Heart Disease
- Hypertension
- Hypotension
When looking at participating in an aerial yoga class, you will want to be certain that you select the class that is best for you. Aviana programs offer a variety of options in order to cater the individual needs of each person looking to benefit from aerial yoga. The restorative based classes will offer the option of having the hammock lower to the ground where it is hovering a short 6 to 10 inches. With the hammock at this height it will offer your body guidance and support to release and supple into asanas without the anticipation that may arise from being completely off of the ground. Throughout the class you will always feel safe and secure close to the Earth, yet able to explore new spaces of awareness with the hammocks support.
The regular flow based classes and play classes will offer the aerial yoga hammock at a hip height level. This will invite a practice that will allow you to explore inversions and the feeling of liberated flight. The hammock will be compressing over various areas of the body; therefore, please refer to the list of contraindications in order to ensure the optimum benefits for your body, mind, and spirit.
Do you have to have really strong upper body strength to do it?
Building upper body strength is a benefit to the practice of aerial yoga. When you are first getting started it is not required that you have a strong grip or strong upper body. For every asana and exercise taught by Aviana Aerial Yoga instructors there are modifications and varying levels of fitness ability. Aviana instructors are able to cater the class to meet you where you are at and help you to see where your body will allow you to go.
When getting started you may notice that you awaken new muscles in your upper body and feel the strength of your own two hands. This is the beauty of the practicing aerial, it will improve your strength and confidence in being able to stand tall, bold, and bright with the awareness of your own power you hold within your hands.
For a more advanced practice that involves more asanas elevated in the air, yes you will need to have the ability to appropriately engage your grip strength and back strength, but that is the joy of the journey. There are many options when choosing a class that is appropriate for you, so be certain to read the description in order to determine if it is the appropriate level of class for your ability and aspirations.
Can I take the class if I am pregnant?
Only if you are still within your first trimester is it safe to participate in an aerial yoga practice. Beyond the first trimester, and with your physician’s permission, you may continue to pursue classes or private sessions specifically designed for prenatal.
Do I need a mat to practice?
While, yes, this is a practice of yoga in flight, you will in fact be connected to the Earth quite a bit during the class; therefore, you will be requested to have your own mat to bring to class, unless the studio you are attending is providing them.
The mat is placed directly underneath the hammock and will provide support and comfort while standing, kneeling, and lying down during the flow. Please note that some of the thinner and lighter mats have a tendency to slip on the floors of studios when flowing with the hammock, so please be sure to have a good quality mat for class. Your Aviana Aerial Yoga Instructor will check your mat at the start of the class and if needed will swap your mat out for one of the loaner studio mats in order to provide you the best possible experience.
Do I need my own aerial yoga hammock to participate?
Most studios that offer Aviana Aerial Yoga will provide you a hammock to use for class; however, some studios may offer them as a rental in order to provide you with the lowest cost per class price if you have your own hammock. There are many wonderful benefits to having your own hammock and if you are interested in purchasing your own please visit the Aviana store to find out how to order your own.
What should I wear?
Aviana Aerial Yoga classes require that you wear a top that covers your armpits, leggings that cover to at least your knees and that your outfit is snuggly (yet comfortably) fitting to your body. This will ensure that you have the most possible comfort during your class as the fabric will be rubbing in certain areas of the body and you do not want it to be rubbing against your skin. Ouch. In addition, please remove all jewelry including earrings, bracelets, and necklaces prior to class. Lastly, if you are a smoker please refrain from smoking prior to class and please do not wear any perfumes or colognes. This will prevent the fabric of the hammocks from smelling funky for the next person.
What is a class experience like?
Each class experience will vary depending upon the type of class offered and of course the Aviana Aerial Yoga Instructor teaching it. There are a variety of class options available depending on the studio location and their aerial yoga program:
- Aviana Restorative Classes: The hammock is lowered closer to the ground to hover a gentle 6-10 inches from the floor. This provides the body a cocoon of support as you stay closely connected to your mat yet allows elevation, lift, and support in various asanas. The restorative classes offer rejuvenation to the nervous system, relaxation, deep muscular releases, and time to build a trusting relationship with your hammock and your instructor.
- Aviana Flow Based Classes: The hammock for these classes are adjusted to align with your hip height. The class will begin with a gentle warm up, cnnection to the breath, and to the core, followed by some focused flow work, and then lift off time to explore a new perspective! Then class will wind down and close with time to relax, absorb, and reflect in your own personal cocoon.
- Aviana Fitness Based Classes: The hammock for these classes are adusted to align with your hip height. The class will begin with core activation, range of motion exercises, breathing techniques to charge up your energy, and will energetically flow with the hammock as a powerful tool for increased strength, toning, and engagement, all while lengthening and releasing in between exercises.
Please refer to the class description at the studio you are attending to obtain a clearer picture as what to anticipate for class. Each Aviana Aerial Yoga class will include the experience of aromatherapy as well as time for reflection and meditation within the hammock. Aviana classes are taught by instructors that have obtained the highest level of quality training, displayed their commitment to aerial yoga, and demonstrated their attentiveness to safety, modifications, and continuing education on delivering top-notch instruction in order to set every student up for success.
Still have a question regarding Aviana Aerial Yoga Classes?
Contact the studio in which you are intending to attend your class or please feel welcome to ask an Aviana Aerial Yoga Representative by submitting your question on our contact page.
Contact the studio in which you are intending to attend your class or please feel welcome to ask an Aviana Aerial Yoga Representative by submitting your question on our contact page.
