Zero-compression inversions? Savasana in a cocoon? Postures called vampire and mosquito? Aerial Yoga is touted as the yoga of the future. I’ve wanted to try it since I first heard of it two years ago. Now I intend to bring it to the Gold Coast.

 

Having trained as a trapeze artist in Thailand and as a lover of Acroyoga (acrobatic yoga) and YogaSlacking (yoga on an elastic tightrope), I’ve always wanted to try Aerial Yoga but until recently it has only been available in the United States. Imagine my delight and excitement upon discovering that this new circus/yoga artform has come to Australia – the first aerial yoga classes are being held in West End, Brisbane! That’s less than 100km away from us on the Gold Coast –OMG!!!!

Described as yoga of the future, AntiGravity Aerial Yoga is a fusion of callisthenics, pilates, acrobatics and strength-training all based on a foundationof traditional yoga. Students use a silk hammock securely suspended from the ceiling, made from the same incredibly strong material used in Tissu (silk rope) circus arts.

My first time in the sling

In my first class I was excited and a little nervous – I had no idea what to expect yet had myriad expectations shaped by my trapezing days and acroyoga jams! Using the AntiGravity hammocks, we started slowly and moved through a warm up of a different kind, before practicing classical yoga postures with a lighter twist. Some of the balances were much harder than I thought – Aerial Yoga undoubtedly improves core control and conditions the nervous system.

The zero compressions inversions are out of this world, as you’re fully suspended by the hammock! Gravity defying moves and positions like mosquito and vampire add a (good-)freaky edge to the whole experience.

Because students can rely less on upper body strength to keep themselves inverted, beginners can keep themselves in the therapeutic headstand posture for longer. Finally, I experienced Savasana suspended 3 feet above the ground wrapped up in a silken cocoon – a very unique, other-worldly relaxation I assure you.

I relished the artistic and creative experience of practicing the ancient art/science of yoga I so love,in such a beautiful way. The hammock allows greater traction and hydration of vertebral discs as it lubricates and decompresses the spine. I felt taller and lighter in both body and spirit after the session – my body was loose and warm for days afterwards.

Purists and Hybridisers

I believe there are purists and there are hybridisers. I admire the practitioners of pure, traditional yoga for their immense discipline and contribution to keeping yoga what it originally was.

The schools of Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga, in my mind, lay a strong and immovable foundation to the modern practice of yoga. The teachings of Patanjali and the influences of Desikachar, BKS Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois, as well as more modern gurus, are a gift to humanity and I am ever thankful for their having lived.

These steadfast practices, after many years of dedication and practice, bring about a true understanding of yoga. This is vital in our ever-changing world.I endeavour to keep the essence of yoga alive in my general yoga classes by practising not just physical asana but also integrating pranayama (breath work), meditation, and yogic philosophy to reveal the message behind the postures and the true reason we practice.

However, I’m the first to admit that I’m a hybridiser. I believe yoga has an unlimited scope of applications and at this stage of my life, I place a huge emphasis on enjoyment and accessibility to all. If practising yoga in a hammock makes it available to an older person with osteoporosis or an 8-year-old with a short attention span, then I’m totally going to vouch for that!

If acrobatic yoga can offer us insight into the connection of all beings and just how much we rely on and support others, then hell yeah, bring it on. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also *extremely* fun! And if slacklining necessitates that I still my mindin order to stay balanced and 100% in the present moment, then that is effective meditation if ever I saw it.

There are those who argue that the recent circus-influenced yoga practices and other cross-pollinations dilute and even degrade the true meaning of yoga. I say they enhance and increase accessibility to it. The more people who discover yoga, be it through a gym, aerial yoga studio, in a park on a slackline, or through a traditional school of yoga, the more people will benefit from its unifying message. That limitless sharing and application of this ancient practice to benefit our state of wellbeing, to me, is the true spirit of yoga.