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Aerial Yoga Workshop

Aerial Yoga Workshop

Aerial yoga (also sometimes known as Anti-Gravity yoga) combines traditional yoga poses with the use of a low-hanging hammock – or yoga swing. Suitable for all levels, including those new to aerial yoga, this workshop will take you on an aerial journey, which will be both exhilarating and invigorating and deeply relaxing. You will be guided through some of the seemingly endless ways you can use the aerial swings, through the foundations and basics to more dynamic practices and then on to a relaxing phase as you gently rock cocooned in the hammocks.

Just like mat based yoga, Aerial yoga can be slow, gentle and relaxing as well as playful, creative and dynamic. It is a versatile practice, which brings the many benefits of a mat-based practice – and some extras! Most notably perhaps, is the sense of play, freedom and curiosity it brings to both mind and body which can often be missing from our daily lives – especially in these times.

The hammock deepens your yoga practice, taking you to the closer physical experience of yoga. You will feel a state of ease, pleasure, lightness, creativity, expansion of feeling, and stillness of mind. With the support of the hammock and the gentle pull of gravity, the body can also ease into deeper backbends, inversions and other postures that might have previously been inaccessible. It works with the body in a very different way and can be particularly beneficial for decompressing the spine for anyone with a desk-based job or who suffers from back pain.

Aerial yoga has particular benefits for strengthening and stretching the whole body, decompressing the spine, improving circulation, boosting digestion, relieving back pain and lifting your mood. 

Expect an invigorating and uplifting experience, time to connect with others in a playful environment, plus some delicious moments of deep inner calm cocooned in the swings for a final relaxation.

Aerial Yoga Workshop

Benefits of Aerial Yoga

Here is What Sets Aerial Yoga Apart: 

Play & Creativity: The swing truly lends itself to a more playful and light experience of Yoga. Play brings us into the present moment to create and experiment with movement whilst providing the opportunity for an emotional release. 

Support: Practicing yoga with the support of the hammock is comparable to hands-on assists from a teacher; the advantage being you have physical assistance in every posture throughout the class. Fear of certain postures – particularly inversions – dissipates, and the support of the hammock promotes feelings of trust, connection and peacefulness.  

Ease of Movement: The physical support that the hammock gives to the body makes every movement, more pleasurable and more potent. Every asana and transition will be easier. Every joint mobilisation will be freer. The massage of internal organs will be deeper. This ease of movement increases flexibility, builds strength, improves balance, ultimately creating more space to relax into the experience.   

Rocking: Working with the swing harnesses the physical and emotional power of the rocking motion. In a physical sense the movement helps alleviate back and arthritic pain, improves sleeping patterns, helps with weight loss, tones muscle and aids recovery from surgery. Mentally, the rocking movement reduces anxiety and depression and stimulates the release of “happy hormones”.   

Contact (Touch): In an increasingly modern, urban and technological society, touch and physical interaction is lessening and can result in stress and anxiety. With Aerial yoga the direct contact of the body against the hammock encourages an experience of wellbeing, reduced stress, and a natural release of mood enhancing hormones oxytocin and serotonin.

More Information

  • This workshop is suitable for people new to aerial yoga, but it is recommended that you have some experience of yoga
  • It is essential that students pay close attention to all verbal instructions and demonstrations from the teachers 
  • Please wear a T-shirt – rather than a vest – to cover soft tissue armpit and upper arm area 
  • This workshop is limited to 10 students 
  • We are following all government regulations to make the centre Covid secure 
  • Aerial swings are “quarantined” for a minimum of one week after use 
  • These classes are not recommended for pregnant women or those who suffer from vertigo
 
 
 

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Aerial Yoga – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aerial Yoga?
Aerial yoga, also known as Anti-Gravity Yoga, combines traditional yoga postures with the support of a low-hanging hammock or swing. It offers a unique way to explore movement, balance, and stillness whilst being fun and playful!
Do I need any experience to join?
No experience is needed. Our workshops and classes are open and are suitable for all, whether you’re a complete beginner or a regular practitioner.
What can I expect in a session?
Each session begins with the foundations — how to safely use and move with the hammock — before progressing into postures and gentle inversions. The practice ends with a deeply relaxing cocooned savasana, swaying softly in the hammock. Expect to feel both uplifted and grounded.
What are the benefits of Aerial Yoga?
Aerial yoga strengthens and stretches the whole body, decompresses the spine, improves circulation, supports digestion, relieves tension and back pain, and lifts your mood. The sense of freedom and play also helps release stress and awaken creativity.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, fitted clothing that covers your armpits and knees (to prevent friction with the hammock). Avoid zips, buckles, or jewellery, as these may catch on the fabric.
Can anyone practise Aerial Yoga?
Most people can safely enjoy aerial yoga. However, if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, glaucoma, vertigo, or a recent injury, please consult your doctor and let your teacher know before attending.
How big are the classes?
Our Aerial workshops have a maximum of 14 hammocks to allow for plenty of individual guidance and space to explore safely.
Where do the classes take place?
Classes and workshops are held at The Shala, our peaceful South London yoga centre in West Norwood. The studio is a bright, spacious, and tranquil converted Victorian warehouse designed to support deep relaxation and connection.
How do I book?
You can book your Aerial Workshop via our website. Spaces are limited and these workshops usually sell out, so early booking is recommended.
Do you offer concessions?
Yes. In line with our commitment to inclusivity, we offer low-cost and concessionary places for students, those retired, unemployed, or on low income. Please email us at admin@theshala.co.uk to enquire.