Suspension Yoga – so much more than inversions
Spoiler Alert – Suspension Yoga isn’t just a gimmick! (And you don’t have to go upside down)
In the ever-evolving world of yoga, Suspension Yoga has emerged as an exciting and effective practice that combines traditional yoga poses with the support of a suspended hammock. Also known as aerial yoga or anti-gravity yoga, Suspension Yoga allows practitioners to perform poses while partially or fully supported above the ground. This unique approach not only makes yoga more accessible but also offers a wide range of benefits.
What Is Suspension Yoga?
Suspension yoga involves the use of a specially designed fabric hammock suspended from the ceiling. The hammock supports the body during various yoga poses and stretches. By reducing the effects of gravity, practitioners can explore movements that may be difficult to achieve in traditional mat-based yoga.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve flexibility or an experienced yogi seeking a new challenge, Suspension Yoga offers a versatile and enjoyable workout.
Top Benefits of Suspension Yoga
1. Improves Flexibility
One of the most notable benefits of Suspension Yoga is the potential for enhanced flexibility. The hammock supports your body weight, allowing you to stretch deeper into poses without placing excessive strain on joints and muscles. Over time, this can increase your range of motion and improve overall mobility.
2. Builds Core and Upper Body Strength
Maintaining balance while suspended requires constant engagement of the core muscles. Many suspension yoga poses challenge the abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles, helping to develop a stronger and more stable core. Sara’s Friday lunchtime Core & Strength ramps up the focus on the core with the addition of upper body work. This can really complement your yoga practice by incorporating pulling actions to fire up muscles that are sometimes neglected in yoga . – if you like Reformer or TRX we reckon you’ll love this!
3. Reduces Pressure on Joints
Traditional exercise can sometimes place stress on the knees, hips, and spine. Suspension yoga distributes body weight more evenly, reducing impact on the joints. It’s a great low-impact fitness routine.
4. Enhances Balance and Coordination
Working against gravity and maintaining stability in the hammock improves body awareness, balance, and coordination. These skills can translate into better posture and improved performance in everyday activities.
5. Supports Spinal Health
There are often options to incorporate gentle inversions, where the body is partially or fully upside down. These inversions can help decompress the spine, relieve tension, and create space between vertebrae, potentially reducing back discomfort caused by prolonged sitting or poor posture.
6. Boosts Circulation
The combination of stretching, movement, and inversion encourages healthy blood flow throughout the body. Improved circulation can support muscle recovery and increase energy levels.
7. Relieves Stress and Anxiety
Taking your Savasana in a hammock is taking relaxation to a new level. The sensation of floating in the hammock can create a calming effect, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue. Many practitioners describe the experience as both therapeutic and deeply relaxing.
8. IT’S FUN!
One of the reasons Suspension Yoga continues to gain popularity is that it’s really enjoyable. The playful nature of swinging, floating, and exploring new movements is a whole heap of fun!
As with any exercise there are contraindications – please be aware that if you have glaucoma, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or recent surgeries, you should consult a healthcare professional before participating in any inversion-based exercises.
Sara runs two classes each week using the Suspension rigs – Core & Strength is a 45 minute upper body blast, Suspension Yoga is a 60 minute class that features many familiar Asana (poses) but with a suspension twist!
Find this week’s schedule and book your next class HERE.
