Are you ready to take your yoga practice to new heights? Aerial yoga might be just the thing you’ve been searching for. Combining elements of traditional yoga with the thrill of acrobatics, aerial yoga is a dynamic and engaging way to boost your fitness levels while having a blast. Let’s unravel the enchanting world of aerial yoga and its various subdivisions, from silks to lyra, trapeze and the hammock.
Aerial Yoga
Aerial yoga is a mesmerizing fusion of yoga, dance, and aerial acrobatics that takes your practice off the mat and into the air. It involves performing yoga poses using specially designed fabric apparatuses suspended from the ceiling. Mixed aerial classes provide a full-body workout, targeting balance, strength, and flexibility while allowing you to explore the world from a new perspective.
The Different Subdivisions of Aerial Yoga
1. Silks (Aerial Fabric)
Aerial silks, also known as aerial fabric or tissu, consist of two long pieces of fabric suspended from the ceiling. Practitioners use these silks to wrap, twist, and contort their bodies into stunning poses. This subdivision is known for its graceful and flowing movements, which require a combination of strength and flexibility.
2. Lyra (Aerial Hoop)
The aerial hoop, or lyra, is a circular steel apparatus suspended in the air. Aerialists use the hoop to perform a wide range of dynamic poses and tricks, both inside and outside the hoop. Lyra routines often incorporate beautiful spins and transitions, making it a captivating choice for those looking to add an artistic flair to their workouts.
3. Trapeze (Aerial Bar)
Aerial trapeze, similar to the traditional circus trapeze, involves performing poses and swings on a horizontal bar suspended from the ceiling. It’s known for its thrilling and daring movements, requiring a combination of strength and agility. Trapeze is a fantastic way to build upper body and core strength while gaining confidence in the air.
4. The Hammock (Aerial Sling)
The aerial hammock, or sling, is often considered the most beginner-friendly of all the aerial yoga subdivisions. It consists of a long piece of fabric suspended in a U-shape. The hammock supports the body during poses, making it easier for newcomers to explore the aerial world. As beginners gain confidence and strength, they can progress to more advanced subdivisions like silks, lyra, or trapeze.
“Mixed aerial classes provide a full-body workout, targeting balance, strength, and flexibility …”
Benefits of Aerial Yoga
Aerial yoga offers a plethora of physical and mental benefits:
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your fitness journey, aerial yoga has something to offer. Don’t be intimidated by its seemingly gravity-defying poses. Most beginners begin their journey with the accessible and supportive hammock, gradually building the skills and confidence needed to explore the other subdivisions.
Cirque Art Studio
Cirque Art Studio is a premier circus performance arts school in North Miami Beach, FL, located in the Keystone Plaza. We focus on exercise and physical fitness programs for youth and adults, women, and men, that strengthen the body and improve overall flexibility and mobility. Get physically and mentally stronger and increase your body’s range of motion. Our circus skills classes are fun for everyone! In addition to our youth classes, for kids we offer an after-school program and seasonal camps.
You can enroll in an adult Acrobatics & Tumbling, Mixed Aerial (Aerial Yoga), Flexibility and Contortion, or Hand Balancing class today, or enroll your child in our After School Program, Youth Contortion, or Youth Aerial Silks classes by clicking here.
