El airplane It is also known as antigravity yoga or aerial yoga. As its own name indicates, it is a practice derived from that ancient discipline that comes from India. Therefore, it is also associated with meditation habits of the traditional religions of Asia. Likewise, he merges them with ancestral theories of exercises in suspension.
You should not confuse it with the call aerial dance that you can see in some circus shows. In this case, pure aesthetic beauty is pursued, while in aerial yoga there is an essential component of spirituality. To encourage you to try it, we are going to explain everything you need to know about this discipline.
How is aerial yoga practiced?
A person in full practice of aerial yoga
The first thing you should know is that aerial yoga potentiates and stimulates both the physical and spiritual aspects and even emotions. Likewise, it harmoniously combines concepts of traditional yoga with other disciplines such as pilates, gymnastics, dance and relaxation.
Moreover, fits all people, in such a way that you can practice it whether you are a professional athlete or if you like classic yoga. It doesn't even have an age limit. It is a discipline valid for all. It has different levels and it is also flexible to enhance one or another of its advantages. For example, there are aerial yoga exercises that are more oriented towards relaxation, others that are more toning, or others that are more sporty.
In fact, you don't even need to be hanging during the entire session, you can take breaks and, above all, adjust your postures. Regarding this, there are three degrees of complexity. Level zero is basic and is for restorative purposes. People with bone or mobility problems can do it. It is also good for pregnant women.
Regarding level one, it consists of performing different postures, but in contact with the ground. It is already the third level that is made of acrobatic shape. If you decide to practice it, your body will be most of the time suspended in the air or in inversion. That is, with the head down.
The swing
The air yoga swing
In any case, the common instrument to practice it is the swing. This name is given to a wide cloth that is suspended from the ceiling and on which the exercises are carried out. As with other tools for sports practice, more sophisticated swings have been appearing. Thus, currently, you have them non-slip or with parachute fabric in order to resist heavy weights without breaking.
In addition, they now incorporate accessories so that you can perform different exercises by placing the fabric in different positions. For example, a multifunctional strap for the trapezius that allows you to do inversion therapies with which the spine is decompressed.
Apart from all this, the swing is attached to the ceiling by means of fixings to which the fabric is attached by means of extension straps. This way, you can remove it when you're not using it. But more important than its instruments are the benefits that aerial yoga brings you.
benefits of aerial yoga
A student prepares for the aerial yoga class
Compared to yoga, the ancient discipline from which it comes, this practice is much more recent. However, also is inspired by ancient knowledge. As we have already told you, unlike his older brother, his exercises are performed suspended on the swing.
In addition, it combines the physical and spiritual with the purely artistic due to its plasticity. So it's also a lot of fun. In fact, those who have started doing it have quickly become hooked. And it also has many benefits for your health.
Thus, it improves certain circulation problems. Since you will have your legs elevated on the swing, it makes lymphatic drainage effect. With this, for example, decreases cellulite. In addition, by requiring different movements, strengthens the spine and relieves back pain. If you have a job where you spend a lot of time sitting, it will be perfect for eliminating contractures.
Likewise, like all physical exercise, improves breathing, But also strengthens the joints and makes your abs stronger. Balance and acrobatic exercises are perfect for these muscles. And all this without forcing the postures or overloading the muscles.
On the other hand, if you want lose weight, it is also a perfect discipline. During a fifty minute session, you can burn around three hundred and twenty calories, the same as walking for an hour at a good pace. And, as if this were not enough, it also helps you to redefine your silhouette. Also, aerial yoga is good for muscle rehabilitation therapies.
But this practice also serves as an aid to the spirit and state of mind. As with traditional yoga, it contributes to reduce stress and anxiety. In another sense, it helps you concentrate better and that you have a proper balance between mind and body. With all this, it stimulates your mental clarity and even your creative capacity.
But above all, aerial yoga is very funny. If you do it, rest assured that you will get out of your usual routines and have a good time. However, if you have never done it, you should put yourself in the hands of professional instructors. Because, although you do not need prior training, it is not easy and you could suffer an injury.
Where to practice aerial yoga
Many gyms and sports centers already offer aerial yoga classes
In our country there are many centers where you can enjoy this discipline. In fact, according to its website, the creator of aerial yoga is Spanish Rafael Martinez, who registered him as inventor. However, anyone with the proper training can lead sessions of this practice.
Therefore, you have air yoga spaces in almost every city in our nation. In some they will be specialized centers, while, in others, it will be about gyms that include it between their activities. But, in any case, it will not be difficult for you to find classes in this discipline in your city. What you should check is that the person conducting the sessions is a person duly qualified for that.
In conclusion, the airplane It is a practice that combines sport and the spiritual. Not in vain, it comes from the Indian discipline that gives it its name and dates back to very ancient times. it's an exercise very good for your physical and emotional health. But, above all, it's a lot of fun and it's easier than you think. Dare to practice it and check it out.