Shortly after finishing completing my 200 hour yoga teacher training at Namaste School of Yoga in Salmon Arm, I heard that another studio, Gr.Attitude Hot Yoga Studio was offering a 4 week session of aerial yoga. As a lover of inversions, I knew I had to give it a try. I found a friend to sign up with me and from the first flip upside down, I knew I was hooked. I finished my first 4 week session and immediately signed up for the next 4 week session. I just couldn’t get enough!!!
A few months later I heard that Gr.Attitude Hot Yoga Studio was offering a 50 hour Zero-Gravity Aerial Yoga Teacher Training, so I was 100% in!! I finished my certification in March and am currently teaching Aerial classes at Gr.Attitude in Salmon Arm.
The health benefits of aerial yoga are fantastic: The practice of inversions in the silks can aid in lengthening and decompressing the spine - great for students with back pain. Aerial yoga is wonderful for increasing flexibility as students can use the silk as a prop to go deeper into the poses. Aerial yoga is a fun way to increase upper body strength which was noticeable over the 4 week sessions. Aerial yoga is also excellent for stress relief as it causes the body to release serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin. All these happy hormones play a role in boosting your mood. Aerial yoga can help improve circulation and memory, all while feeling like a 7 year old on the school playground hanging upside down on the monkey bars. It’s a fun, full body work out that isn’t just for experienced yogis. No prior yoga classes are needed to enjoy this activity!
A few tips for your first class:
- eat a light meal
- ensure you are well hydrated
- remove all jewelry (it can snag the silks)
- wear fitted yoga type clothes
- find an instructor with aerial certification
- check with your health care professional that this is a good fit for your body
So get out, try something new and have some fun while doing it!!
Oh and the best parts of class? SAVASANA completely supported by the silks - so relaxing you might just want to stay there!
A few tips for your first class:
- eat a light meal
- ensure you are well hydrated
- remove all jewelry (it can snag the silks)
- wear fitted yoga type clothes
- find an instructor with aerial certification
- check with your health care professional that this is a good fit for your body
So get out, try something new and have some fun while doing it!!
Oh and the best parts of class? SAVASANA completely supported by the silks - so relaxing you might just want to stay there!
About the Author:
Erin Ferguson is an avid runner, hiker, paddle boarder and general adventurer. She completed her RYT-200 hour Hatha yoga teacher training at Namaste Yoga School in Salmon Arm BC in July 2015 and has since specialized and trained in both yin and aerial yoga. She is a true lover of nature and a mother to four active children, who keep her very busy.
Erin Ferguson is an avid runner, hiker, paddle boarder and general adventurer. She completed her RYT-200 hour Hatha yoga teacher training at Namaste Yoga School in Salmon Arm BC in July 2015 and has since specialized and trained in both yin and aerial yoga. She is a true lover of nature and a mother to four active children, who keep her very busy.
Photos by Viktoria Haack