Aerial Yoga and Aqua Yoga

What are Aerial and Aqua Yoga?

Aerial and aqua Yoga offers unique and enjoyable ways to explore and deepen your Yoga practice. They provide an opportunity to enhance strength, flexibility, and body awareness while adding an element of fun and creativity to the traditional Yoga experience. Whether you prefer the aerial couch or the soothing water environment, these forms of Yoga can offer a restorative and transformative practice for both the body and mind.

These special forms of Yoga are effective for relaxing your mind and body, increasing flexibility, weight loss, more mobility, releasing tension and blockages, and improving physical and mental wellness. It is necessary for people to completely let go of their fears while engaging in these forms of Yoga. Be it Flying Yoga or Water Yoga, you should immerse yourself in being weightless and calm.

Aerial Yoga:

Aerial Yoga, or flying Yoga, is a unique and dynamic form that incorporates a fabric hammock or swing suspended from the ceiling. Also known as antigravity Yoga allows practitioners to explore aerial exercise poses and movements while partially or fully supported by the hammock. The fabric provides a stable and versatile prop that enables practitioners to deepen their stretches, enhance flexibility, build strength, and experience a sense of weightlessness.

Aerial Yoga silks combine traditional Yoga poses with aerial acrobatics and Pilates elements. Aerial Yoga benefits offer a range of advantages, including spinal decompression, increased strength and flexibility, improved balance and body awareness, and a unique perspective on Yoga asanas. In addition, the hammock allows for deeper stretches, inversions, and fluid transitions between poses, enhancing physical and mental well-being.

Aqua Yoga:

Aqua Yoga is a form of Yoga that takes place in water, typically in a pool or any body of water. It combines traditional Yoga principles with the resistance the water provides. Aqua Yoga offers a low-impact and gentle practice suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Practising Yoga in water provides several advantages. The afloat of the water reduces the impact on joints, making it ideal for individuals with joint pain or limited mobility. The water also provides resistance, allowing for a gentle strength-building workout. In addition, Aqua Yoga helps improve flexibility, balance, and posture.

Aqua Yoga classes typically involve a combination of Yoga poses, breathwork, and meditation adapted for the aquatic environment. Floatation devices or pool noodles may provide support and stability during practice. Aqua Yoga is a refreshing and soothing experience that allows practitioners to enjoy the benefits of Yoga while connecting with the element of water.

How to perform Aerial and Aqua Yoga?

While performing any water or aerial exercise looks easy, it requires a certain level of precision and technique. Therefore, beginners should only try these Yoga forms with proper guidance and help. In addition, referring to certified professionals is necessary to receive maximum benefits and advantages.

For example, Aerial Yoga benefits include more flexibility, stability, a calmer mind, and balance. Similarly, Aqua Yoga benefits include easy joint movements or mobility, a relaxed nervous system, peace of mind, less tiredness, and even helps in releasing toxins from the body.

Performing Aerial Yoga:

• Aerial Yoga is best learned under the guidance of a certified instructor who can ensure your safety and provide proper instruction.
• Begin with a gentle warm-up, stretching and mobilising the joints to prepare your body for aerial practice.
• Ensure the aerial hammock is securely anchored to a strong, stable support point. Then, follow the instructions provided by your instructor for proper installation.
• Start with foundational poses such as supported inversions, backbends, and forward folds. Then, your instructor will guide you through the proper technique and alignment.
• Aerial Yoga requires core strength for stability and control. Activate your core muscles during each pose to maintain balance and control.
• Pay attention to your body's limits and avoid pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. Use the fabric for support and balance, but avoid excessive swinging or unsupported movements.

Performing Aqua Yoga:

• Look for a pool with the right depth where you can stand comfortably with your head way above the water level. In addition, remember to make sure that the water temperature is just right for you.
• Begin your routine with simple warm-up exercises, allowing you to stretch and mobilise your joints. Then, for example, you can start walking, jumping, or stretching. These will help you further in your routine.
• Keeping in mind the resistance of the water, change and modify traditional Yoga poses. Make sure that you focus on your body and the alignment of postures. You should remember to do the suitable asanas, don't worry about perfecting them.
• Modify your poses per your comfort and skill, and use props and flotation devices as needed for support. It would be best if you did not overdo your routine.
• While you are changing poses, remember to focus on your breathwork too. It would be great to go through various postures and add different movements.
• Work with the water to your advantage and keep yourself calm. Accept the resistance and flow of the water around you, and focus on your breath. This way, you can gain the benefits of your Yoga routine and receive mental peace.

Remember, Aerial Yoga and Aqua Yoga should be practised under the guidance of a qualified instructor. They require specialised equipment and knowledge to ensure safety and maximise the benefits of the practice. Always listen to your body, modify poses as needed, and enjoy the unique experiences these forms of Yoga offers. Follow our InstaAstro website for more information regarding yogas and their types.