Aerial Yoga is very safe when practiced under the guidance of a trained instructor and with properly installed, load-tested equipment. The hammock is designed to hold significantly more weight than any practitioner. As with any physical activity, following instructions and not pushing beyond your comfort zone keeps the practice safe.

Do I need upper body strength for Aerial Yoga?

Some upper body strength is helpful but not required. The hammock supports most of your weight, and beginner classes are designed to build strength gradually. Many people who do not consider themselves strong discover newfound strength through regular Aerial practice.

What if I am afraid of heights?

The hammock is typically set just a few inches off the ground, so the height is not significant. Most of the fear around inversions is mental rather than physical. The hammock's close proximity to the ground helps alleviate this fear, allowing you to experience the thrill of inversion in a safe environment.

Can I do Aerial Yoga while pregnant?

Aerial Yoga is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester, due to the inversion elements and the risk of falling. Some specialized prenatal aerial classes may be available, but it is essential to consult your healthcare provider and inform your instructor of your pregnancy.

Aerial Yoga — Fly, Stretch & Soar

Aerial Yoga combines traditional yoga poses with the support of a soft, sturdy silk hammock suspended from the ceiling. This playful, liberating practice allows you to explore inversions, deep stretches, and strength-building poses without putting pressure on your spine, wrists, or joints. Aerial Yoga makes you feel like you are flying.

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Quick Overview

What Is Aerial Yoga?

Aerial Yoga is a modern, innovative style that uses a soft fabric hammock rigged to the ceiling to support the body in a wide range of yoga poses. The hammock bears your weight, allowing you to perform inversions, backbends, and stretches with reduced gravitational load on the spine and joints. Founded by Christopher Harrison and Michelle Dortignac in the early 2000s, Aerial Yoga has grown into a global phenomenon. Classes typically include warm-up sequences on the ground, aerial poses in the hammock, a cool-down, and deep relaxation in a cocoon-like wrap. The practice builds strength, flexibility, body awareness, and confidence.

Why It Matters

Why Aerial Yoga Matters

Aerial Yoga makes the profound benefits of inversion — traditionally one of the most intimidating categories of asana — accessible and safe for everyone. Hanging upside down decompresses the spine, improves circulation, and offers a completely new perspective on familiar poses. The hammock also enables deeper stretches than are possible on the mat, as gravity assists rather than resists muscle release. Beyond the physical, Aerial Yoga reawakens a sense of childlike play and freedom that adult life often suppresses. The feeling of flying, swinging, and being supported by the hammock brings joy, reduces stress, and builds confidence in a unique way.

Key Benefits

Benefits of Aerial Yoga

Decompresses the Spine

Inversions in the hammock allow the spine to lengthen and decompress under its own weight, relieving pressure on vertebrae and discs, and reducing back pain.

Builds Upper Body & Core Strength

Supporting yourself in the hammock requires significant engagement of the arms, shoulders, back, and core, building functional strength in a fun, low-impact way.

Allows Safe Inversions

The hammock removes the fear and risk associated with handstands, headstands, and shoulder stands, making the benefits of inversion accessible to people of all levels.

Increases Flexibility Dramatically

Gravity assists in the hammock, allowing muscles to release more deeply in hamstring stretches, backbends, and hip openers than is typically possible on the mat.

Reduces Stress & Boosts Mood

The playful, novel nature of Aerial Yoga triggers the release of endorphins and dopamine, reducing stress levels and creating a genuine sense of joy and accomplishment.

Who Is It For

Who Is Aerial Yoga For

Adventurous Practitioners

If you enjoy trying new things and bringing a sense of play into your fitness, Aerial Yoga offers a unique experience that is both challenging and joyful.

People with Back or Joint Issues

The reduced impact on joints and spinal decompression make Aerial Yoga an excellent option for those with back pain, arthritis, or joint sensitivities.

Those Afraid of Inversions

If handstands and headstands terrify you on the mat, Aerial Yoga provides a safe, supported environment to experience the benefits of being upside down.

Dancers & Performers

The movement quality, flexibility demands, and performance aspect of Aerial Yoga appeal to dancers, gymnasts, and circus arts enthusiasts.

Things To Know

Things to Know About Aerial Yoga

Trust the Hammock

The hammock is rigorously tested and rated to hold several times your body weight. Learning to trust the fabric and allow it to support you fully is the first and most important lesson in Aerial Yoga.

Wear the Right Clothing

Wear form-fitting clothing that covers your armpits and the backs of your knees — the hammock can pinch exposed skin. Long leggings and a fitted top or long-sleeved shirt are ideal.

Start with a Beginner Class

Aerial Yoga has specific techniques for getting in and out of the hammock safely. Always start with a beginner-level class to learn the fundamentals before attempting more advanced poses.

Some People Feel Motion Sick

The swinging and inverted movements can trigger motion sickness in some individuals. Inform your teacher if you are prone to dizziness or nausea so they can offer appropriate modifications.

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