Aerial yoga looks fun and exciting, which is why it is steadily becoming more popular.
Unfortunately, aerial yoga classes are not readily available to everyone. For some people, it’s a matter of location: smaller towns are less likely to have a studio equipped to teach aerial classes, and commuting can be expensive and time-consuming.
For others, attending an aerial yoga class is difficult due to time constraints: after all, we have jobs, families, and other responsibilities that may prevent us from attending a class at a specific time.
So, we designed this guide to help make your aerial yoga dream a reality.
You’ll learn how to do aerial yoga at home, including what equipment you’ll need, important safety tips, plus a quick beginner video to help you get started!
What Do I Need for Aerial Yoga?
Naturally, the first question you ask yourself is, “what do I need?“. Unlike the more traditional branches of yoga, aerial yoga will require some spending to make sure you can practice safely and efficiently.
Space
Aerial yoga is a physical practice that requires ample space for the full range of motion. That said, it wouldn’t usually require more space than the regular yoga practice since aerial yoga poses are confined to the location of the yoga hammock. Your practice space can be indoors or outdoors (weather permitting). The location largely depends on your rigging capabilities: e.g., does your home have the capacity to have an anchor point (or points) installed, does your home have a yard, etc.
Equipment
Aerial yoga practice is an investment. Practicing this activity without equipment is impossible, so make sure you have the budget and willpower to see it through!
Yoga hammock
The first (and obvious) piece of equipment you need is a yoga hammock, also known as a yoga swing. It’s a piece of stretchy silk material shaped like a loop. Unlike conventional hammocks, the ends of this contraption are attached overhead. Some aerial yoga swings are attached by a single anchor point (where the ends are “jointed” at the top), while others have separate anchor points. To add to further confusion, some yoga hammocks feature additional straps with handles for your hands and feet.
Aerial Yoga Hammock
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Rigging
Unless you can hang your yoga swing, it has no use. So before buying that vital piece of equipment, think about how it can be rigged in your practice space. If you plan to practice at home, you must install a reliable anchor point (or points).
- Ceiling anchors: These usually come in the form of thick metal rings that can withstand the weight of the practitioner and the strain added by movement. The anchor(s) must be attached to a solid part of your ceiling or roof, ensuring it does not come out or bring the building down. Ensure this type of anchor comes from a reputable source and is installed by a professional.
- Horizontal beams: If you live in a home with exposed beams, you are in luck! Provided that the beams are in good condition, you should be able to create an anchor point using an aerial sling and a carabiner. It’s also a good idea to secure your anchor points, so they do not slide along the beam.
- Metal frames and rigs: Aerial yoga was inspired by aerial circus arts. As such, there is plenty of equipment out there specifically designed to support various aerial apparatuses, including yoga swings. Some are designed as permanent rigs: they are usually heavier and more sturdy. Others are portable due to the fact they are made of multiple components that can be taken apart and put back together. The type you choose will depend on your practice space, the frequency of practice, and of course, your budget. Most metal rigs are designed to be outdoors, so the weather may also be a factor.
- Use what you’ve got: The alternative to the above is to find something you could attach your yoga swing to… that already exists! For example, you might use a tree branch, a pull-up bar, a section, or an outdoor parkour setup. Of course, if you go down this route, you have to be content with having to install and take down your yoga swing at the start and the end of your training session. If your “rig” is in a public space, you should also be mindful of other people.
Clothes
You do not need any special clothes to practice aerial yoga. Make sure that the clothes you wear are comfortable and provide you with a full range of motion. Avoid loose clothing that could be caught in the yoga swing or clothing that would obstruct your vision when you’re inverted. If you have long hair, it’s best to have it tied up.
Related: What to Wear to Aerial Yoga
Guidance
Once the physical components of the practice are taken care of, you’ll need to ensure you have a good source of instruction. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of YouTube tutorials, mobile apps, and social media accounts dedicated to aerial yoga instruction.
Aerial Yoga at Home Beginners Video
Safety First
- Make sure you practice in a space free of obstructions. Don’t practice in a room full of sharp corners or fragile objects. Avoid mirrors and glass windows in the immediate proximity of the hammock. Remove anything you may not want to land on. You may even add some soft matting underneath the yoga hammock in case of a fall.
- Make sure your pets and children do not have access to your practice space to avoid accidents. Yoga, including aerial yoga, should be a relaxing, freeing experience.
- Always check the rigging before the practice. A simple safety check before you place any weight on the hammock will reduce the risk of an accident.
It helps to have a practice partner who can encourage and nudge you in the right direction. Aerial yoga can be quite disorienting. When you no longer have contact with the ground, you may need extra guidance. Having an extra person in the room is also helpful if you need to get out of a sticky situation (e.g., if you get stuck).
Home Aerial Yoga FAQs
How Do You Choose a Yoga Hammock?
Finding the right equipment depends on several factors.
- If your home can only have one possible anchor, that will dictate the type of swing you will be able to install.
- Make sure to get a hammock appropriately rated for your weight, as it may vary depending on the manufacturer.
- Aerial yoga hammocks with additional straps may be more expensive, but they can expand the range of poses you can perform and help users with limited mobility.
- Finally, consider your budget for the swing and any rigging equipment (slings, anchors, carabiners, etc.)
How High of a Ceiling Do You Need for Aerial Yoga?
Your ceiling should typically be at least 8 feet (2.5m) high, depending on the brand of hammock you have. Refer to the owner’s manual of your specific hammock, as the stretchiness of the material is a factor in how high it will need to be hung.
How Far Apart Should Aerial Yoga Hooks Be?
If your hammock has a double rig point setup, you will typically want the hooks to be at least 16 inches apart up to 32 inches. Though it really comes down to personal preference.