Aerial yoga is an activity that we can all enjoy and benefit from. It will help you unwind at the end of a long day, or invigorate you when you need a boost. It can provide fun for all the family, on a daily or more infrequent basis.
The practice of aerial yoga around the world is still in its infancy and different people will have different ideas about what it should involve. Essentially, aerial yoga is a discipline involving yoga-style moves (stretches and strengthening exercises done in a controlled manner) with the support or aid of a hammock or sling made with an ‘aerial silk’ suspended at both ends.
Aerial Yoga for Anyone
Describing more than 100 poses and sequences, Aerial Yoga for Anyone is a comprehensive guide to techniques and poses of aerial yoga.
It provides all the information a complete beginner needs to get started at home, and also includes enough innovation and novelty to inspire the more experienced aerial yogi or aerial yoga teacher.
"I ordered it and it arrived today - much earlier than it said - and it is AMAZING! I've really struggled to find a good aerial yoga book but you’ve written it! Love it!" - Laura
Restorative Yoga
A typical aerial yoga session will start and finish with either a seated or reclining meditation in the open hammock. Aerial Yoga for Anyone gives suggestions for relaxed, safe, open hammock exploration for when you are feeling nervous, tired or sore.
Warm-ups for Every Day
Aerial yoga presents many tempting and interesting moves and postures. It would be all too easy to get carried away and pull a muscle in trying too hard too soon. Aerial Yoga for Anyone describes plenty of aerial warm-ups to warm your muscles up properly before visiting other chapters.
Planks and Crows
Help you strengthen your core muscles and prepare for more advanced postures. In turn, having stronger core muscles will stand you in good stead in everyday life and protect other muscles (such as your back) from injury.
“This book offers something for everyone, from meditation and stretching to stronger and more acrobatic poses. The instructions are easy to follow and my daughters and I have had hours of fun with it.” – Rachel Mellor, Fitness Instructor.
Flying Poses
A pose is termed ‘flying’ if it uses the fabric in a gathered position and also involves a complete loss of contact with the ground. Aerial Yoga for Anyone takes you through these more daunting poses step by step.
Open Hammock Somersaults
These poses involve going upside down using the open hammock, which offers support and security. If you would like to try some fun moves, have a go at these after you’ve warmed up.
Inversions
These poses involve going upside down using the hammock as a sling. They may be a little more challenging than the open hammock poses.
“Aerial yoga is one of my favourite activities. Whenever I take a class it puts a smile on my face for the rest of the day.” – Sammy Carter, Aerial Yoga Instructor.
The Wheel
This is a yoga term for advanced back bends. Take it easy with these if you are not used to them, or if you have any problems with your spine and neck, and use a counter-pose afterwards regardless. Back bends, done with care, strengthen the back and protect against the sort of injuries we can get from too much desk-time and screen-time.
Splits and Dancers' Moves
These moves place strong emphasis on the flexibility of your legs. Dancers’ moves also require good backward bend ability and balance. The poses are grounded, so there’s no fear of falling down, but are quite advanced nevertheless.
Power Play
Primarily a series of strong somersaults which can be achieved by pulling on the gathered fabric and using core strength. Aerial Yoga for Anyone describes a range of sequences and poses to build your arm and grip strength.
