Aerial Yoga

Puerto de la Cruz

Aerial Yoga is a mind-body hybrid practice that combines Hatha Yoga using an aerial swing. During the class, the teacher guides students through meditation, pranayama practice, and a sequence of asanas using both the mat and the swing. The result is a fluid and elegant discipline that gently stretches the body, calms the mind, and uplifts the spirit.

By changing conventional motor dynamics and spatial perception, it allows the body to achieve movements and postures that would otherwise be unthinkable or reserved for advanced practitioners. Just think of inverted postures, where the fabric acts as a safety harness, offering support and guiding you into the posture, unloading the body’s weight onto it. Thus, inversions become accessible to everyone.

Cira teaching an aerial yoga class at Tushala

The origins of Aerial Yoga are difficult to trace to a single person. It was in the second half of the 20th century that yoga master BKS Iyengar began using props in yoga: one of them was ropes, likely based on ancient images of Indian ascetics. In 1991, gymnast Christopher Harrison founded AntiGravity Inc., a federation of gymnastic athletes, and developed the aerial hammock. Meanwhile, various people such as American physiotherapist Antonio Cárdenas developed a device known as the "Yoga Swing" in 2001. In Bali in 2003, Kerry Neal created the "Gravotonics Yoga Swing & Exercise System." In 2004, in Thailand, Lucas Rockwood founded "Yogabody" and developed the Yoga Trapeze. Since then, Aerial Yoga has spread worldwide, capturing the hearts of many practitioners.

With the safe support of a yoga aerial swing, people find a way to overcome their fears and boost their self-esteem. And they have a lot of fun!

Perhaps the most notable benefit of Aerial Yoga is spinal decompression. By offering a therapeutic practice, aerial yoga helps the spine stretch to its maximum. The vertebrae gently separate, creating space between the cartilaginous intervertebral discs. As a spiritual activity, you get all the benefits of meditation, such as focus, surrender, a sense of fulfillment, peace, and a calm mind. Plus, your mood will improve after class.

Let’s summarize the benefits of aerial yoga below:

  • Relieves back pain
  • Improves flexibility
  • No impact on joints
  • Increases strength
  • Full body workout
  • Improves posture
  • Boosts blood circulation
  • Promotes body awareness
  • Develops spatial intelligence
  • Reduces stress/anxiety
  • Aids digestion
  • Stimulates lymphatic drainage
  • Increases self-confidence
  • Improves your mood
  • It’s a lot of fun!

Aerial Yoga is an excellent practice that promotes emotional, spiritual, and physical health. No prior experience is required and it is suitable for all levels of practitioners.