The rise of anti-gravity yoga has many people wondering what the difference is between it and normal yoga. This guide will answer your questions.
Anti-Gravity Yoga is on the rise and has many people wondering exactly what it is and how it is different from normal yoga. Follow our guide and we will help you decide if Anti-Gravity Yoga will work for you.
What Is Anti-Gravity Yoga?
Anti-Gravity Yoga or Aerial Yoga is not yoga done in an anti-gravity machine, but rather is a form of yoga where the participant is suspended in the air supported by a soft, fabric hammock that hangs from the ceiling.
The hammock usually hangs about three feet from the ground but can be adjusted depending on the participant or instructor.
In an Anti-Gravity Yoga class, you will be guided through traditional yoga poses or anti-gravity yoga moves using the hammock for support. You can expect poses to range from sitting in the Hammock and stretching to poses that require you to hang upside down and finding poses and stretches.
Anti-Gravity Yoga, like traditional yoga, is a great way to work on fitness, flexibility, and strength, and is a great option for those who would don’t feel that traditional yoga is for them.
Advantages of Anti-Gravity Yoga
Anti-Gravity Yoga offers all the benefits of traditional yoga along with some additional advantages.
Increased Flexibility
Many participants find the hammock allows for a greater range of movement and allows them to access positions they may not be able to in traditional yoga. This results in better stretches and more fulfilling practices.
Increase Muscle Strength
Hanging from the hammock forces your muscles to work a little harder to keep your stable and balanced, this is especially good for your core.
It Is Great for Weight Loss
Anti-Gravity Yoga is a full-body workout that is a great mix of both cardio and strength training. Doing poses, stretches, and inversions will work your whole body which is really important in burning calories and will encourage increased blood flow throughout your body.
Anti-Gravity yoga can be the perfect practice for beginners to get into fitness and training.
It Is Great for Your Back
Anti-gravity yoga can be better for your back than an inversion table. Anti-gravity yoga gives you a chance to hang freely, allowing your spine to lengthen. Many people who practice anti-gravity yoga have found the practice has relieved much of the tension or pain in they were suffering in their back.
Stress Relief
Just like traditional yoga, anti-gravity yoga is an excellent stress relief activity. Physically, anti-gravity yoga helps relieve the tension in your muscles that build up with both physical and emotional exertion.
Mentally, anti-gravity yoga is a mindfulness practice, helping you detach and be present. For many individuals, yoga is about finding the right practice for you. Anti-gravity yoga offers you an alternative to traditional yoga that might just be the perfect fit for you, allowing you to make the most of your practice.
Improved Focus
You will have to concentrate a little harder during your anti-gravity yoga practice since you are doing more challenging positions by hanging in the hammock. The practice alone will help you get in touch with your body and cause you to become more aware of your surroundings.
It Isn’t Just Yoga
Whilst it is called Anti-Gravity or Aerial Yoga, and some of the practice is derived from traditional yoga, many of the poses are inspired by other practices such as pilates, gymnastics, and dance.
What To Expect
Even though we know all the benefits of adding Anti-Gravity Yoga to our fitness routine, it is normal to feel a little intimidated before giving it a go, it is a very different way of exercising.
The best thing to do is to drop all expectations and go into the class with an open mind. For first-timers, finding a beginner’s class with an experienced instructor is a great way to ease into anti-gravity yoga. Whilst it might seem intimidating Anti-Gravity Yoga is very accessible and a good instructor will ease you into the practice with confidence.
Anti-Gravity Yoga is one hundred percent safe, so all you need to do is listen to your instructor and trust the hammock. The hammock can typically hold up to 2000lbs and is secured using mountain-climbing rated gear.
No matter your fitness level or experience, anti-gravity is surprisingly accessible and you will be amazed at how much you can do. Everyone can get something out of anti-gravity yoga and you will find yourself progressing really quickly.
What You Will Need Before Your First Class
Here is everything you need to bring to your first class:
Wear form-fitting clothes. You will be maneuvering from pose to pose in the hammock and baggy clothes can be an unnecessary hassle during the practice.
If you don’t feel comfortable in leggings and tank tops, slim-fitting t-shirts and looser yoga pants will be perfect. You can shop here for all your anti-gravity yoga needs. Also, leave the jewelry at home.
When you walk into class take off your shoes. You will notice that everyone practices barefoot. It might seem weird at first, but the practice is much easier barefoot and feel more natural.
Make sure you hydrate before class. Drinking lots of water should be part of anyone’s routine but is especially important in the hours leading up to practice.
Most classes will have short breaks for water, but you will find your practice more fulfilling if you are hydrated beforehand. A small meal or snack leading up to class can also boost your energy.
Flying High
After an hour of swinging, flipping, hanging, and pushing your body in a totally new way you are sure to leave the class with a big smile.
If you love traditional Yoga chances are you will love Anti-Gravity Yoga as a new addition to your practice. If you are new to Yoga you might find Anti-Gravity Yoga is just the practice for you. Now it’s up to you to get out there and give it a go.
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