SALM TEAM 
Are you looking for a way to infuse some fun and excitement to your exercise and wellness routine?
Well, look no further because aerial yoga is here to sweep you off your feet – literally!
This exciting and invigorating form of yoga has taken the world by storm, promising not only a unique experience but also incredible health benefits for your mind, body, and soul.
Background of Aerial Yoga
Linked to a number of founders, aerial yoga, which is also known as anti-gravity yoga, combines traditional yoga poses with the support of a hammock suspended from the ceiling. The development of the practice is loosely tied to Broadway choreographer and former gymnast Christopher Harrison who pioneered the first aerial yoga workouts in 1991 by including yoga, dance, aerial acrobatics and calisthenics. In 2006, Michelle Dortignac then combined traditional yoga poses, pilates, and dance with the use of a hammock.
Aerial yoga is all about getting creative with your workout and having a blast while you’re at it. Instead of using a mat, you’ll be hanging out in a special hammock designed to handle some serious weight! This hammock is no ordinary piece of fabric either. It’s made from silk and comes with all the necessary accessories like support chains, a webbing strap, and carabiners (shackles) to keep you flying high.
The hammock then hangs from the support chains from the ceiling, less than a meter above the ground. Once you’re all set up, it’s time to get moving. The hammock acts like a swing, providing support for your hips as you dive into those forward bends and backbends. It’s a game-changer for those tricky yoga postures that can be a real pain on the mat. And here’s the best part – the hammock adds an extra element of fun and excitement to your workout with its gentle movement so you will never get bored with the same old routine.
Benefits of Aerial Yoga
The practice of aerial yoga allows practitioners to explore a whole new dimension of movement and flexibility while defying gravity. Picture yourself gracefully suspended in mid-air, flowing through poses like a circus acrobat. Sounds exhilarating, right? Not only is aerial yoga a lot of fun, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Let’s delve into the reasons why this trend is gaining popularity faster than a cheetah chasing its prey.
Builds Strength
First and foremost, aerial yoga is a fantastic way to build strength and increase flexibility. The hammock acts as a prop that supports and challenges your body in ways that traditional yoga cannot. As you engage your core muscles to maintain balance and stability, you’ll notice your strength improving with each session. Plus, the hammock allows for deeper stretches, helping to lengthen and elongate your muscles while improving your overall flexibility. This is a form of yoga that works very well in tandem with other yoga practices. People who do traditional floor yoga styles will find that the flexibility and strength they gain through those styles can help them achieve the positions they will use in aerial yoga.
Decompresses the spine
Another remarkable benefit of aerial yoga is its ability to decompress the spine. Throughout the day, gravity takes its toll on our spines, compressing the vertebrae and causing discomfort and tension. However, when you practice aerial yoga, you can hang freely, allowing your spine to elongate and decompress. It’s like giving your back a much-needed vacation! Aerial yoga removes the compression that can make it difficult to achieve the proper posture and do each pose most effectively. Many practitioners find the acquisition of this new set of skills exciting. They also find that they get the benefit of a total body workout that makes them stronger and more fit.
Balances body and mind
Aerial yoga is a fantastic stress buster. As you swing and sway in the hammock, you’ll find yourself letting go of tension and worries. The gentle rocking motion and the feeling of weightlessness create a serene and calming environment, helping to calm your mind and melt away stress – almost like a mini-retreat in the air! Aerial yoga also improves balance and body awareness because balancing on the hammock requires focus and concentration, training your body to find stability even in unconventional positions. This increased body awareness translates into better posture and alignment, both on and off the mat. You’ll find yourself standing taller and feeling more centered in your everyday life.
Now, if you’re wondering where you can experience this amazing aerial adventure, there are many studios you can consider in South Africa. If you are looking to enjoy a session or two while on holiday, look no further than Club Med Exclusive Collection La Plantation d’Albion. This luxurious all-inclusive holiday resort has recognized the soaring popularity of aerial yoga and made it available to its guests. Imagine starting your day with a sunrise aerial yoga session, surrounded by panoramic breathtaking views of the ocean and lush greenery. It’s the perfect way to begin your day, revitalizing both your body and spirit. Club Med La Plantation d’Albion truly is every yogi’s dream as it already offers traditional (mat) and paddleboard yoga courtesy of yoga guru Heberson Oliviera! And with the addition of aerial yoga, it is now possible to practice your poses on land, water and air!
So, whether you’re a yoga enthusiast or a beginner seeking a fun and challenging workout, give aerial yoga a try. It’s a thrilling and effective way to add some spice to your fitness routine while giving your body a whole new kind of challenge. And with the availability of aerial yoga at La Plantation d’Albion, you can experience this extraordinary practice in the lap of luxury.
Remember, life is all about finding balance, and what better way to achieve it than floating in the air and connecting with your inner self? Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you for it!
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