10 Tips For Your Next Aerial Yoga Class

So you’ve finally decided to try out that class your friend keep raving about. You’re all but about to put on your favorite pair of leggings and head out the door when suddenly you realize, you’re about to try something completely new. And that’s scary.

I think we can all relate to that little bit of anxiety we feel before diving head first into uncharted territory, it's completely natural to feel a little out of your element but luckily, I am here to help.

If you want to know more about Aerial Yoga feel free to check out my article here and here is why maybe you should put of going to class for now.

I’ve been to quite a few aerial classes over the past few years and in doing so, picked up the general “etiquette” if you will. Little tips, tricks and advise that, I hope, will put your mind at ease and make you feel a lot more confident going into the class.

1. Wear tight fabrics

Long sleeved shirt and leggings are usually the way to go. This will protect your skin from the hammock while still keeping you limb and mobile.

2. Jewelry is a big no no

Leave all your rings, hoop earrings and necklaces at your locker cause you don’t want any of that bling messing with your inversions, getting caught in the fabric or potentially ripping anything.

3. Get to class a bit early

And when you do, go ahead and introduce yourself to the instructor and be sure to tell them it's your first time, they will gladly explain the basics and guide you through the process!

4. Eat a light meal at least 1 hour before class

That way you won’t be going on a completely empty stomach which could cause dizziness and you won't be going on a full stomach making you unable to do an inversion or causing nausea.

5. Don’t rush and listen carefully

It's important to remember to be mindful of the instructor and be very careful. Listen to all of the instructions fully before attempting to do any pose yourself.

6. Use your breath to get more out of poses

When you exhale you can allow good ol’ gravity to give you that extra stretch and simply relax into the pose.

7. Inform the instructor about any injuries, conditions and anything else you think may be relevant.

This is super important! The instructor is very educated and knows the best alternatives or changes for your personal situation, but if you don’t tell them… how will they know? Don’t be shy and do tell your instructor everything you deem relevant. It will benefit you in the long run by saving you any possible complications and so on.

8. Don’t over exert yourself

Know your limits! If you see someone in the class going really deep into a pose or doing some crazy inversion – don’t be discouraged! They probably have had a lot more practice! In time and with the right determination we can all achieve really great things, whether that be on a mat, on a hammock or anywhere else. Don’t, however, try to push yourself past your level of comfort in order to compete. Yoga is not a competition but a gentle practice of bettering yourself.

9. End the practice with a relaxation pose on the floor.

Childs pose is great for this. Sit on your calves as you would if you were about to pray and gently lower your stomach over your thighs, stretching your arms over your head. While we also relax in the hammock after practice, this will help you become more grounded (quite literally) and get a feel for steady ground once again.

10. Have fun!

This is a no brainer. Aerial Yoga is a fun, playful, exciting and super interesting practice. It’s important to practice mindfully and calmly but don't forget to enjoy yourself as you swing from side to side on a beautiful piece of colored silk!