If you are one of those people who prefers to do thorough research first before embarking on a new journey, and that journey happens to be aerial yoga, then this article would be of big help to you!

Today we will talk about the misconceptions we might form whenever we think about swing yoga.

Swing yoga can be quite challenging, especially for beginners. So if you are in the midst of researching about the practice, then you have come to the right place!

Here at Gravotonics, we do not just provide you with high-quality equipment, but also words of wisdom. From tips and tricks, demonstrations, and pose suggestions — name it and we have it! Just visit our website to read more of our publications.

And now let us begin debunking the Common Misconceptions About Swing Yoga!

 

“The hammock can’t support me… I am on the heavier side.”

The activity can be graceful, but it is true it can also wrongly escalate when done hastily and without proper supervision. Did you know that most aerial hammocks could carry even up to 500 kg? Yes!

Aerial hammocks and yoga swings aren’t made from just some random fabric. Typically, they are made from nylon and parachute fabrics plus they have triple stitching throughout. Also, the metal-ware that is used is specifically made for the practice so you can be sure that it serves its purpose very well.

Also, aerial yoga is an inclusive practice. We pride ourselves on the fact that it caters to all shapes and sizes. It might be hard at first, but all you need to do is find the right level of difficulty for you which we will also talk about later on.

The only thing to be careful of is the installation. This is the weakest link, so ensure that you have strong ceiling mounts and that the structure that your rig is attached to is solid. Lastly, regularly check for any excess wear or faults in the attachments and daisy chains etc.

 

“It is so scary! Won’t I injure myself?”

Surely, there are two kinds of testimonies that you might encounter when searching for information about swing yoga: it can only be good and bad. We cannot deny that the good reviews of the practice are inspiring and motivates us to engage more.

Yet, we must also take into consideration a few of the bad ones. It is vital to take note of the possible mistakes they have done so that you will be able to avoid them once it is your turn.

Similar to any other activity out there, aerial yoga also has its share of hazards that you must consider before getting into it. If you are a beginner, then we truly suggest that you visit an aerial yoga studio near you or hire a professional aerial yogi instructor.

This way, we can be sure that you are in the right hands and are doing the asanas correctly and with the proper intent.

If you are feeling doubtful about doing it all completely on your own, then listen to your gut.

Oftentimes, it is better for us to take a step back than always choose to brave things out because not all of these instances lead to the best outcomes.

In swing yoga, still, your safety is the number one priority. Don’t just go winging it! Most likely, you will execute the asanas wrong and might pull a muscle. We seriously do not want that.

But hey, we are not here to scare you! We are saying this because we are honest that the practice has its difficulties. We have to be transparent and honest so you can understand all aspects about swing yoga.

 

“I’m not strong enough for the poses!”

Like any other workout, being proficient is not instantaneous. Although having a good grip strength is important in aerial yoga, it is very much okay if you find it hard on your first few tries.

If you are not confident enough about your grip strength, then you can always opt to use a yoga swing instead of a yoga hammock. A yoga swing includes three levels of handles that you can use when executing simple to complex poses.

Once you have practiced and improved your grip strength, which we are sure you will achieve, then you can go and try a yoga hammock. Using one will help you be more versatile and stronger.

 

“My friends say it is too hard.”

All we can say is, try it first. Remember that there is no harm in trying. You will never know it may be for you!

Aerial yoga has its level of difficulties. Particularly at that is for the beginners, intermediate, and for the pros.

Usually, beginner poses involve a lower setting of the sling, especially if you happen to have some issues or scares with height, and movements that are easy. Examples of these poses are Aerial Downward Dog, Aerial Sphinx Pose, Aerial Cobra Pose, and others that are still in contact with the ground.

For beginners, it is essential to start things slow and gradually increase the difficulty. We understand that you might have witnessed professional aerial yogis do acrobat-like poses but of course you won’t start with those!

Consistent practice is the key in aerial yoga. If you follow your schedule and instructor religiously, then it is not impossible that you will achieve your goals.

It is possible that aerial yoga is not for your friend or friends, but it might be for you.

 

“Others might look at me funny.”

We want you to know that the yoga community takes the practice — every modification of yoga very seriously and that the only fun you will get is from the satisfaction of every session and the experience with your peers.

Generally, in the fitness community, it is a non-spoken rule to respect everyone especially since all of us are trying their best to be fit and stay fit.

So, do your best not to mind judging eyes, if there are any. Channel your energy into motivating yourself rather than wondering about how your gym-mates think of you. Most likely, they might just be curious about swing yoga as well!

 

Miracle Weight-Loss Program

Na-uh! Yes, it is possible that you lose weight in aerial yoga, but that is not really the main goal.

In yoga, what we are trying to reach is peace through fluid movements and stretching of the body. In doing so, we promote mindfulness, focus, and realignment. Think of possibly losing weight just as a bonus!

Aerial yoga is therapeutic. It is slow-paced and is focused on regulating your breathing and regaining the calmness back in your body. It is supposed to be relaxing.

Yet, if your goal is to lose weight but still want to practice aerial yoga, then you can do a session of this as a cool down! Not only have you stretched your muscles properly, it is also somehow an additional workout!

But, keep in mind, that aerial yoga is not the sole solution for weight loss — it just helps.

 

“I don’t think I’m flexible enough.”

Similar to what we said about the grip strength, flexibility is achieved over time, not overnight.

Flexibility is indeed important in aerial yoga, especially with more progressive and complex poses, but it is surely practiced as well in the easier levels and this is why, again, we recommend that you start easy.

Before you conclude that you are not flexible enough and that you can’t really do aerial yoga, why not give it a go for say, one to two weeks? We assure you that if and when you are doing it right, you will be more flexible than you once thought you aren’t. Everyone begins somewhere, start yours now.

 

As Physical Therapy

Another misconception about swing yoga is that it is bad for physical therapy, which is not true.

Aerial yoga is restorative. With the help of an aerial hammock or yoga swing, the recovering patient gets support gently and easily plus practices them to get used to their own weight again. But of course, it varies from case to case.

Inversion therapy is very popular to relieve back pain and correct posture, and the yoga swing is the perfect devise for this end.

In the use of aerial yoga as a form of physical therapy, we advise that you seek first the approval of your physician and receive treatment from a licensed physical therapist since the knowledge of swing yogis are for fitness and the medical aspect is another thing.

Yet, if it is just you trying to recover from fatigue that accumulated through weeks or months of working, then incorporating it through your day might do the job.

 

Too Hard for Kids

You might be surprised by the number of children who also do aerial yoga.

Since gymnastics is one of the famous recreational activities that most kids do, aerial yoga does not stray far.

A lot of parents choose swing yoga as their kids’ exercise off practice. This helps their young bodies to grow better and recover from other activities that they did for the day or simply just to introduce them to fitness.

So, if you are also looking for a way to get your kid into fitness but at the same time have fun and discover something new, then let them try aerial yoga! This practice may also be a way for you guys to bond.

Spending time with them while they are still young, as much as possible, matters so much. Believe us when we say that they will take it with them throughout their life.

 

Not for Senior Citizens

Aerial yoga is for everyone! Like, literally. Similar to what we said last time, it is an inclusive practice and you just have to find the right difficulty for you.

Aerial yoga is a great exercise, especially for seniors who have been sitting, lying down, or generally staying stagnant for a long time in a day. It provides a gentle stretch for them and is not too straining.

Also, the fluidity of the practice could be just what they are looking for. Most of the time, our grandparents refuse to do strenuous tasks, especially exercising, since their body might not or cannot handle it anymore.

With aerial yoga, not only that they have done their daily exercise, it has also been therapeutic and may even help them with their postures!

Add up some calming music and maybe their favorite tea after the session, what a very nice day!

 

Clothing… Requirements?

There is definitely not a need for fancy workout clothes when practicing aerial yoga! Lounge wear, and even your pajamas will do as long as you can move freely and are comfortable with it. You do not need to buy expensive ones in order to do the asanas right!

With clothing, it is enough that you wear something that covers your armpits, hugs your body right, or even loose ones, or something that covers your arms and legs especially if your skin is not yet used to the fabric of the sling. This helps reduce friction and prevent scratching. (Try to avoid overly lose clothing that may get tangled in the equipment.)

In a nutshell, wear something that feels like a second skin. In aerial yoga, what you look like does not matter, but what you acquire from the practice does.

 

Too Expensive

Some may find it expensive, but we encourage you to look at it as investing in your overall wellness. You will not regret choosing to be fit early on once you reach your 30’s. Classes can range in price, so hunt around if you’re budget conscious.

Of course you can always buy your own aerial hammock or yoga swing and practice from home. In this case its just a once off upfront cost to buy and set up your equipment, which might only be the equivalent of a month or three of paying for classes somewhere!

The products that we produce are authentically made by Bali artisans, so you are assured that they will serve you for a very long time with proper care, of course.

Aerial yoga is probably one of the most restorative and relaxing exercises that you can choose, especially if you are a working adult or university student who has very limited time for themselves. Sparing an hour or two for a session will help improve not only your physical health but your mental health, as well.

With all the benefits that aerial yoga entails, we can conclude these outweigh the expenses that you will incur.

 

Our Takeaways

We at Gravotonics are honest and pledge to the practice of Aerial Yoga. We do not preach something that we do not know, have not experienced, or not in any way beneficial to everyone in the community or those who are planning to join.

These common misconceptions about swing yoga are only some that you might encounter researching and finding your way through this exciting and rejuvenating practice.

Swing yoga is a specific practice firmly rooted in the foundations of traditional yoga, based on Hatha yoga, and incorporating Iyengar alignment.

It’s not the aerial arts/ aerial silks kind that is more focused on the graceful esthetic aspects.

If you happen to have more questions then feel free to connect with us through our website! Our team is ready to assist you especially on your aerial yoga equipment needs.

Don’t miss out on the fun and wellness, try swing yoga now!