“It just gives you a chance to be playful and be a kid again,” says Becky Byrns, owner of Yoga East in East Brainerd which boasts the only aerial yoga classes offered in Chattanooga.
This new yoga craze is practiced with a long piece of cloth, similar to a hammock or sling, that holds participants suspended off the ground. Beginner classes, such as the Aerial Yoga Basics class offered at Yoga East, may have handles attached to the ropes of the hammock for added security and moveability. “You can take the practice as deeply or as gently as you desire,” says Byrns. “Just about any age can do it if they are healthy.”
The practice involves a lot of abdominal work, so Byrns tells participants not to be surprised afterward if they feel some soreness in that area. “Aerial yoga is a lot of core, core, core,” she says. “You’re engaging your core whether you like it or not because you are trying to balance.”
For those with back or joint problems, aerial yoga provides a safer way to practice that eases tension on the bones and muscles, relieving compression caused by the pull of gravity and elongating the spine.
Fast Facts
What should I wear?Shirts should completely cover the armpit area and long, non-restricting pants such as exercise pants, tights or leggings are recommended. Avoid wearing jewelry, especially bracelets, as they can snag on the fabric.What should I bring?Participants should bring a yoga mat, as the classes include some floor work.Who can participate in aerial yoga?Any healthy person can try aerial yoga. The oldest participant at Yoga East was 72 years old, while the youngest was 6 (in Yoga East’s Kids’ Aerial Yoga class). Those with high or low blood pressure or who are pregnant should consult their doctor before taking a class.