Aerial yoga uses an aerial hammock as a support to explore yoga poses, to strengthen, stretch and, most importantly, have fun. These classes use a low hammock that is ideal for a relaxed and stress-free class. The hammock provides a unique and fun take on traditional yoga, allows students to deepen or hold and access postures that would have previously been inaccessible, and provides a few fun poses where you can explore and fly.
Aerial yoga improves flexibility and increases strength, the zero compression inversions can also relieve back pain, calm the nervous system and relieve stress. There is also evidence suggesting that being inverted improves posture by realigning the spine, and improves joint mobility and decompression. Most importantly, aerial yoga allows you to have fun, relax and find a safe space for you.
These classes are for adults and, unless stated otherwise, all the classes are suited to anyone with a standard range of movement and strength. If you would happily go to a normal yoga class, you can certainly come to aerial yoga. Aerial yoga is not recommended for those who are pregnant, have high or low blood pressure, vertigo, glaucoma or a sinus infection.
Wear comfortable clothes that cover the armpits and legs and you may also want to ensure you have plenty of coverage around your middle. Shoes are not worn on the silks. You can wear socks, but yoga socks are recommended. If you're wearing socks without grip please be careful. Please do not wear any jewellery or clothes with zips in aerial classes as these can get caught on the silks.
This depends on which class you take and also on how hard you make the class. I will always provide options and suggestions on how to increase the strength work and difficulty levels. I believe in students taking responsibility for their sets and knowing what they need in that moment. You monitor your own resistance so each class is as hard as or as easy as you choose to work.
Ideally, you will feel taller and lighter. Your muscles will feel as if they were worked and you will be refreshed! Back pain may be relieved and you will feel relaxed. Come enough and you may even begin to feel much stronger!
Yes. The rigging is rated to 6000lbs and the silk hammock is rated for 1200lbs. The points in the ceiling where our aerial yoga equipment is suspended have been placed by a professional safety rigger and certified by an engineer.
Anyone can attend an aerial class if they are mindful and respectful of their own conditions. I'd recommend extreme caution to people who have/are very high or low blood pressure, easy onset vertigo, pregnancy, glaucoma, recent surgery, heart disease, osteoporosis, bone weakness, recent head injury, cerebral sclerosis, propensity for fainting, artificial hips, carpal tunnel syndrome, severe arthritis, sinusitis or head cold, recent stroke or botox injections (within six hours). You must have a general level of fitness to attend an aerial yoga class.
You are sent a Zoom link for the class in the 24 hours before it begins. If you are on the link in the five minutes before the class begins, you will be let in immediately; if you are late, there may be a slight delay in letting you in. Remember, I cannot necessarily see you and I may not be looking. DO NOT do anything that hurts. There is a difference between painful and challenging and you know that line. Every body is different. Take responsibility for your body and your limitations. As we are online, the class may occasionally freeze. If so, move into the nearest comfortable pose and bring yourself back to a centred breathing position.
Whether you have your camera on in group classes is entirely up to you. I will automatically turn all students on mute as well. I do look at the camera, so you may find I am responding more to your needs if I can see you. But, of course, depending on the number of students I may not be able to see everyone anyway. If you have any questions about what we did, you're always welcome to send a message after the class and we can discuss. For one-to-one classes, camera on is definitely preferred, although we can discuss other ways of approaching the classes.
My online yoga classes can be done from anywhere in the world. Keep in mind that the times listed are UK times though. One-to-one classes can of course be adapted to suit whatever time of day it is for you so long as I'm awake!
I would suggest a yoga (or camping) mat, but this is not essential. The group classes are designed in such a way that no props are required. For individual classes, we may discuss what you have available and make use of it.
You will need enough space to lie down flat, and ideally enough space that you can stretch your arms straight out to the sides without hitting anything. Basically, make a (snow) angel on the floor as a guide. This space should be clear of obstructions. If you find balance difficult, make sure you are clear of sharp corners, do the easiest level and approach any balance poses with extra care.
Clothing that you can move in. If you are on a wooden/slidy floor and not using a mat, do not wear socks, or wear socks with grip on the soles.
These online yoga classes encourage you to make meaningful connections between the body, movement, sensations and emotions. There are also benefits that you may gain in terms of strength, flexibility and fitness, as well as physical and mental awareness. We cultivate an approach to the body and mind that is warm, kind and honest.
Online yoga mainly involves a series of stretching and some strengthening poses, along with an important focus on our own interiority, so there should be very little danger. We do practice some balance poses, and these are always presented as options. It is important to be aware of your own limitations, as well as your environment, know the difference between difficult and painful and never push your body beyond what it can manage. Take responsibility for your safety. I cannot see people well on a camera. I provide a guide. Ultimately, you decide what is best for you.
Expect to be challenged to think, to breathe consciously and to be. In this, it is good to arrive at these classes with a sense of openness, particularly to what is going on in the mind.
These classes are for adults and require a relatively standard range of movement. They are designed to be as inclusive as possible, but of course not everyone will be able to do these classes. If you are unsure, send me a message and we can chat further about what you are looking for. All classes are pitched at beginner yogi level and up.
T yoga is designed for most abilities, from beginner up. Group classes are designed to be open to most abilities, so long as you have a relatively standard range of movement. Options are also given to provide levels of difficulty. However, keep in mind that this is never at an advanced level. Advanced circus-style moves are not part of conscious yoga.
This online yoga is designed to relax, restore and rejuvenate, as well as to get you thinking about some of the ways your mind unconsciously and consciously works. Different classes will focus on different themes, and you may find that these affect the above in various ways.
