AERIAL YOGA

Aerial Yoga is a form of yoga that uses a Suspension Hammock or yoga swing to allow students to perform postures that they may not ordinarily be able to attempt on the yoga mat. In our studio, we use the YogiGym® Aerial Yoga Swing.

The Yoga Swing is a modifiable supportive cloth that includes a generous supportive foam cushion with accompanying handles that further broadens the practitioner’s experience. In an Aerial Yoga session, these handles are used disjointedly or in harmony with the swing to support and further improve each position.

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BENEFITS OF USING THE YOGIGYM® AERIAL YOGA SWING

LONGEVITY & ANTI-AGING

Reverse the signs of aging.  Regular suspended inversions manage the adverse effects that gravity imposes on our bodies. As a result we will stand and even BE taller. Improved circulation affects the “glow” and tone of the skin and boosts collagen productivity. That results in firmer, smoother skin – a kind of natural facelift! With boosted lymphatic drainage and detoxification, visual signs of toxicity such as acne, cellulite, fluid retention, and varicose veins tend to reduce. Inverted positions also help reposition prolapsed, protruding organs resulting in flatter midriff.

MENTAL BALANCE

Sleep better, feel better.  The body relaxes up to 35 % more deeply when in an inverted position. Increased flow of nutrients and oxygen to the brain boosts mental function by 14%. It also stimulates neuro-transmitter production which releases more of the “happy” hormones such as endorphins and serotonin into our nervous system. And that – results in a more positive outlook on life.

BETTER HEALTH

Improve Your Health.  Reported benefits include improved circulation, joint mobility, spinal decompression, cellular oxygenation, enhanced neurological function, lymphatic drainage, enhanced immune system and improved digestion to name just a few.

STRENGTH & FLEXIBILITY

A Total Body Workout.  Full body workouts can be achieved with the YogiGym® Aerial Yoga Swing. It is a versatile, portable gym ideal for Bodyweight Training, Core Enhancement, Flexibility, Coordination and Proprioception (Body Awareness).

YOGA PRACTICE

Advance your yoga practice safely.  Now even the more challenging yoga postures become accessible and fun. Practice you head stands, hand stands, arm balances and back bends with YogiGym® Aerial Yoga Swing. Conquer your fears and overcome limitations while feeling safe and secure.

FAQ’S 

When are the best times to invert on the aerial yoga swing?

  • Upon rising and before breakfast to energize and stretch out the body.

  • Before meals to stimulate digestion.

  • Before going to bed for a more restful sleep.

  • After travel to recover from jet-lag and adjust to time-zone changes

  • After long periods of sitting or standing.

  • Any time you want to feel refreshed and decompressed!

 For how long should one invert?

Most benefits can be experienced after only a couple of minutes of inverting but the general rule is that you can remain in an inversion for as long as you are comfortable. For the beginner it might be wise to start with shorter durations that can be increased over time.

Can one experience discomfort during an inversion?

It is normal to initially experience some pressure in the head. This generally passes in a few seconds. If it is bothersome, pressing your palms into the crown of the head while inverted will instantly remove this unpleasant sensation. If pressure is felt in the lower back or pelvic region, this is an indication that the fabric of the yoga swing has been placed too high on the spine and needs adjustment.

Mild dizziness or light-headedness may be experienced when exiting the pose.  This sensation is a reaction to the blood pressure having dropped during inversion and will pass in a few seconds.   Be sure to come up slowly and sit still in the sling for a few breaths until blood pressure has stabilized before getting out of the aerial swing.

Other symptoms such as nausea can be avoided by not eating anything heavy 2- 4 hours before inverting and not drinking 15 minutes before.

In many cases partial inversions at a lower setting with head and shoulders resting on the floor will help prepare the beginner in a more comfortable manner for full suspended inversions.

Please note: If any sharp pain or intense dizziness is felt, exit the pose immediately and speak with a health practitioner before attempting again.

Is it OK to invert during menstruation?

This is a very controversial topic as many yoga teachers have been taught by their teachers that inverting during menstruation is unsafe, yet no medical explanation as to why this is so has been provided. As long as the practitioner is comfortable in doing so, there is no reason why they shouldn’t. In fact, in many circumstances inverting may help relieve discomfort caused by bloating and mild cramping.

Can inversions cause a stroke?

No. A 1983 study published by a Dr. Goldman reported that inverting caused increased blood and internal eye pressure, creating a scare. However, two years after his original study, Dr. Goldman reversed his initial evaluation, stating: “New research shows that you are at no more of a stroke risk hanging upside-down than if you are exercising right-side-up.”

How does inverting affect high blood pressure?

This same study found that the body has mechanisms that prevent damage while inverting and in fact, oscillating up and down caused some patients’ blood pressure to even drop slightly. Experienced inverters also showed slower heart rates while inverted than when upright. It is important to note that results were based on patients in generally good health, so please take note of contra-indications and seek a doctor’s approval beforehand.

Can inversions be performed during pregnancy?

Every pregnancy is different. Generally speaking, after the first trimester most of the postures can be safely performed if the client is in good physical shape and used to the suspension aerial equipment. During the third trimester, any form of forward bending, spinal twisting or full inversions are best avoided but there are many other postures than can be of great help to relieve back pain, build strength and open the hips. Again, it depends on your physical conditon and we recommend that you have the prior consent of your doctor.

Are there any reasons not to invert?

If you have been diagnosed with or are experiencing the symptoms of any of the following conditions, do not invert without your doctor’s approval.

  • Ear, eye sinus disorders or infections in the head

  • Recent surgery or trauma to any internal organs

  • Broken or fractured bones in the hip/torso area

  • Recent head/brain injury or trauma

  • Heart and/or circulatory disorders

  • Severe spinal cord trauma

  • Fused vertebrae

  • Extreme obesity

  • Cancer of the bone

  • Detached retina

  • Glaucoma

  • Hernia