Aerial yoga combines traditional asana (the physical postures of yoga) and
yoga philosophies with the aerial arts. Silk fabrics and/or ropes are hung
from above to aid practitioners in forming shapes. You can be fully
supported by the silks — even lying down entirely, like in a hammock — or
wrap the silks around particular body parts, keeping other parts on the
floor. Hanging fully or suspending individual body parts is believed to
create traction and open your body more gently and intuitively than when
you're on the floor. The silks and ropes can also be helpful for balance.
Benefits of Arial Yoga
Improved flexibility, stability, and balance: A 2019 study observed that
aerial athletes have exceptional flexibility, balance, and strength
Traction and joint decompression: Hanging upside down and inverting are
said to decompress the joints, which can compress over time due to
gravity and age
Low to moderate intensity:Low to moderate intensity: While research on this style of
yoga is limited, the most-cited study, conducted in 2016 by the American
Council on Exercise (ACE), found significant reduction in the risk
factors associated with cardiovascular heart disease
Low to moderate intensity: The same ACE-commissioned study found that 50
minutes of aerial yoga can burn upwards of 300 calories, making it a
form of low to moderate intensity exercise
Improved mental health: A small study noted significant improvements in
depression and stress levels when people practiced aerial arts for the
love of movement. This seems to bode particularly well for aerial yoga,
which applies yogic philosophies and is often less competitive and more
accessible than a circus-based or formal acrobatics class