|
Friday, March 27, 2009
|
Lifting Off with Aerial Yoga |
|
|
|
|
For decades the props used in yoga asana practice have been evolving from their humble beginnings. From simple “bricks” like the ones of stone first used by B.K.S. Iyengar, to walls that resemble a torture chamber with ropes and pulleys, the art of the prop can be sometimes be more complex than the asana that it is designed to enhance. Now throw anti-gravity yoga and aerial yoga into the mix, and you have a whole new approach to the experience of asana. These “slings” that hang from the ceiling, suspend the practitioner in mid-air for what becomes an acrobatic approach to asana.
The anti-gravity style of yoga was created by gymnast and yogi Christopher Harrison for the nationwide chain of gyms called Crunch, and approaches asana from a playful point of view. Participants are encouraged to stay “lighthearted” while manipulating the “laws of physics” as they hang suspended in the air exploring back bends and inversions or wrapping up cocoon-like for a unique expression of savasana. The soft fabric hammock is utilized to change one's dynamic relationship to the ground, allowing the participant to better understand their body and its relationship to physics. The effects of this experiment claim to make inversions more accessible by alleviating back and neck compression and to align the spine and decompress the joints of the body. Aerial and anti-gravity yoga originate with creators who have backgrounds dance, gymnastics and acrobatics. The yoga swing concept has been utilized by gymnasts for the sake of exploring the air for a while, and some found that many of the movements were similar to yoga asana. So the concept was molded and enhanced to fit into the practice of asana within a yoga class. The practice combines elements of yoga, aerobics, pilates, and acrobatics to produce an entirely new spin on the physical aspects of yoga asana and its popularity in urban yoga circles is growing. The fabric hammock differs from traditionally utilized props in several ways, one of which is that the entire class is practiced in tandem with the swing. From the beginning to savasana, the hammocks are props that are never put away, all of the asanas in an aerial yoga class are modified to include the support of the swing. Some classes make use of the swings throughout the entire class, while others use it as more of a prop to assist specific asanas. Samadhi Yoga Institute in Puerto Rico has developed a whole system using the swing. Owner Lizelle Arzuaga has developed a program that integrates the format of traditional Samadhi yoga classes to the swing with a combination of of vinyasa like floor exercises, modified sun salutes and even savasana. Whether or not one can find the deeper aspects of yoga from a swing above the ground is an individual determination, but as a committed yoga practitioner myself, I would revel in the chance to explore asana while hanging suspended from the ceiling. What an authentic exploration of Leela this practice could be! In Sanskrit, Leela is the universal play of consciousness, that aspect of joyful abandon that lies in each and every situation, the game of life. In fact, Leela is life itself free of all constraints, limitations and illusions. It is the field in which we play out our roles in life to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our purpose. Sometimes we struggle to find the freedom and fun in our everyday situations. Even in our yoga practice, we can become so serious and determined that we miss the bigger picture of joy that is the gift of the practice. Lizelle began using the swings for therapeutic purposes only, but she found as she worked with them more and more, that they brought her students a playfulness and joy that they weren’t always finding in traditional asana classes, so she began creating whole classes with the swing. “I haven’t taught a single aerial yoga class yet where someone doesn’t laugh. We shout, we scream and we have a lot of fun.” “In contrast to a traditional asana class where we use strength to hold our asana,” says Lizelle, “aerial yoga is about learning how to let go within the asana.” There are a few contraindications to aerial yoga, similar to those of inversions, people who suffer from uncontrolled high blood pressure or glaucoma shouldn’t practice it. But for all of the many people who suffer from neck or back problems that have prevented them from pursuing a yoga practice in the past, aerial yoga or anti-gravity yoga might be the answer. The traction that this practice provides allows freedom of center, and eliminates the spinal compression that can occur in a traditional asana class. Aerial yoga may not take the place of traditional asana classes, but it can bring balance to your practice. The principles of balance and core integration that are the major focuses of this style of yoga can help to develop deeper strength and balance that you can apply to a more traditional practice. So find an aerial yoga class near you, and tell us all about it! 4 Comments
Where can you buy the soft fabric hammock?
1
April 06, 2009
Though there are probably several sources for yoga swings, the one that I would suggest is yoga-aerea.com in Puerto Rico. Though the whole site is in Spanish, the owner speaks perfect English and can assist you in the purchase of swing. Talk to Lizelle Arzuaga.
Samadhi Yoga Intitute Tel. 787.721.8420 787.593.5342 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it 2
April 06, 2009
This sounds so neat.
I like how it is surposed to bring more playfulness to yoga. It seams really creative and fun!!!! I would love to try something like this, it seams like it would bring a whole new element of freedom to yoga. i love the sky and to feel like i was flying would be amazing. 3
April 24, 2009
I ordered my hammocks (slings) from Aerial Revolution in San Diego. The owner was great to work with and offered pictures and installation concerns etc. You can also order right on line - this is the secure site:
http://www.aerialrevolution.com/aerialequipment.htm It is an Amazing form of Yoga and movement! 4
June 14, 2011
Write comment
You must be logged in to a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.
|
Our Sponsor
 Come to our
Winter Yoga & Meditation Retreat and spend 7 days practicing yoga in paradise! |
| Free Newsletter |
|---|
| Premium Content |
|---|
| Our membership site is chocked full of detailed yogic information and deluxe features. Take our membership tour to find out all of the benefits of joining. |
| Spread the Love |
|---|
|
Add this page to one (or more!) of your favorite social bookmarking sites: 
|
| New Users |
|---|
| To get the most out of our site, we suggest you take some time to explore before jumping into the practice. Browse our yoga 101 section for general info on the history and types of yoga, then start exploring asanas the physical postures used in hatha yoga. Remember to breathe and always start your yoga practice with a brief meditation. Questions? check out our yoga message board. If you are new to yoga, please read our Yoga for Beginner's page |
| Yoga Scholarships |
|---|
| To encourage and support the development and training of great yoga teachers we have created a Yoga Scholarship program. If you need financial assistance for your 200+ hour yoga teacher training please apply for our scholarship. Partial scholarships are awarded twice a year to qualified candidates. |
| Yogic Wisdom |
|---|
|
At each moment you choose the intentions
That will shape your experiences and those things
Upon which you will focus your attention.
If you choose consciously, you evolve consciously. Gary Zukov |
| Our Most Popular Pages |
|---|
| RSS Syndication |
|---|
 Subscribe to our RSS feed to keep informed on all new updates to YogaBasics.com.
In order to use our Newsfeed you need to cut and paste the URL into a RSS reader or use your browser's RSS "subscribe" button.
|
Ahimsa, the yogic practice of non violence must be adhered to when engaging in the practice of hatha yoga. Respect your body's limitations and inner wisdom, if something feels wrong or dangerous, please do not do it.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.
All contents copyright 2001-2012 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.
All contents copyright 2001-2012 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.
