I’m sure you’ve seen one of the latest fitness trends scrolling about on Instagram; Aerial Yoga. This acrobat-esque yoga doesn’t just make for beautiful Instagram-worthy pictures, it’s also super beneficial to your health!
What is Aerial Yoga?
This anti-gravity yoga practice combines basic yoga with gymnastics, pilates, dance and acrobatics, all performed in a silky sling hanging from the ceiling! But you don’t need to be a pro in any of these fields to enjoy the benefits of aerial yoga. Anyone can do it! Whether you’re a complete yoga novice or you’re a devoted yogi yourself, you can hop into a silk sling and start effortlessly doing some elegant poses and cool tricks!
What are the health benefits?
Total Body Workout
Aerial yoga is a full-body workout. The movements and poses force every part of your body to move and stretch. You will work out all kinds of muscles (during even just ONE session of aerial yoga) without even trying! A study even shows that aerial yoga burns just as many calories as power walking. I don’t know about you, but working out without even trying sounds like a dream.
Core Strengthening
If you are unfamiliar with the “core” of your body; it refers to your abs and lower back. Because you are suspended in the air, you change your point of stability from your feet to your core..without even realizing it! This means that all of your workouts will be focused on your core stability. You will get the ab workout you always wanted without even specifically focusing on your tummy!
Increases Flexibility
I don’t know about you, but I am not the most flexible person. And doing yoga on a mat proves to be very difficult for not-so-flexible people. However, since aerial yoga is done in the air by hanging, you are able to move more freely and with ease through all of the different poses. Being suspended in the air releases tension on all of your joints, bones, and muscles, it’s easier to master poses and in the process gain flexibility. Once you’ve mastered your air work, I’m sure your floor work will become much easier as well.
Reduces Stress
Just like all other forms of yoga, when practicing aerial yoga, your body aligns and releases endorphins, reducing stress in your mind and body. This alignment also allows your body to release tension, giving you a mind-body connection. Research shows that mind-body activities are great for reducing stress.
Anti-Aging
Performing aerial yoga significantly improves blood circulation in the body. By hanging upside down, fresh oxygenated blood is circulated to your face and neck, reducing the chance for lines and wrinkles to occur. It sounds like a free and natural facelift to me! Sign me up!
There are many MANY benefits of doing aerial yoga and you don’t have to be a pro to start!
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