10 Common Misconceptions About Yoga Swings

 

Originally published on 20/01/2021

You have probably heard about yoga swings and the practice of aerial yoga from various yoga communities and other professionals. Since it has gained popularity over the years, a lot of people have started to try out this new way of working out and exploring your body.

If you do not know how aerial yoga works, it is pretty much the same as regular yoga, but with an added spice. Aerial Yoga entails the use of yoga swings/yoga trapeze or aerial hammocks, where you can explore various yoga poses – in a whole new way.

But considering that yoga swing poses are a relatively new form of workout, there has been some debate on who can use yoga swings or whether it’s suitable for certain individuals.

And if you are planning to install yoga swings in your home, you may have some questions on your mind, whether you can work out using them.

 

In this guide, we will go through some common misconceptions about yoga swings to help ease your mind so you feel confident taking flight!

 

1. You Have to Be Extremely Strong

One common misconception about yoga swings and aerial yoga is that people who practice it, or want to practice it, have to be strong. Now while strength can help you have a better and smoother flow, it is not necessarily a requirement.

Strength can be gained. Beginners who are just starting their workout routines, or aerial yoga journey in particular can enjoy a good session despite it being their first time.

Along with this, the yoga swing can actually make your life easier as it supports your entire body weight, thus making the exercises less demanding. Also, yoga swing workouts tend to be more physically accessible, compared to floor-based yoga, since you don’t have to lower yourself to the floor for most poses.

Consequently, you will be reducing the amount of pressure exerted on your knees, spine, and wrists.

If you’ve been putting off doing yoga hammock workouts because you feel your fitness levels are not up to scratch – it’s time to cast your doubts aside, install a yoga swing in your house, and start doing some basic poses.

 

2. You Need to Be Fully Coordinated

Another misconception about yoga swings is that you have to be fully coordinated to practice. Aerial yoga can be enjoyed by anyone. You can easily find joy in it whether you are a professional, a former athlete or you’re an amateur. There are classes that will definitely suit you and your body best.

Though it may look very daunting at first, it gets easier once you’ve gotten the hang of it. That’s why it is advisable to enroll in beginner aerial yoga classes to help you get familiar with how it works. Additionally, you’ll get mentored by fully fledged yogis whom you can consult with throughout your class.

So, if you are passionate about working out using anti-gravity yoga swings, the lack of balance or coordination shouldn’t be an impediment. You just need to join a beginner’s class and learn some basics.

From there, you can proceed to install the yoga swing and start practicing at your level and build up.

 

3. Yoga Swing Workouts are a Miracle Weight Loss Method

Weight loss is a journey. There is no magical form of exercise that will get you to your desired weight overnight. It is a step-by-step process that you have to constantly work on for you to make progress. Weight loss can be different for everyone. That’s why it is important to seek professional help when you want to make a change.

Now, while Aerial Yoga won’t give you instant results, it can surely help you with managing your weight over time. This is still a low-medium impact workout that helps in burning calories.

Instead of focusing too much on the number of calories that you can shed in a week through yoga swing workouts, you should instead use aerial yoga training as an all-round workout and also to help relieve the negativity and life’s pressures.

So, don’t let marketing messages or the mainstream media dictate how you should work out or how your body should look. Instead, use yoga hammocks to experience and explore a new world.

 

4. Yoga Swing Poses are not Workouts

Some people will tell you that aerial yoga is not a proper workout but just a leisure activity. The truth about yoga swings is, the poses are also effective methods of working out your body.

Apart from helping you relax and clear your mind, yoga swing poses can also help to increase your overall fitness level. They can also help to boost your balance, coordination, and flexibility.

Also, there are numerous yoga swing poses for back pain, yoga swing exercises for building core strength, yoga swing poses for upper body strength, and yoga swing movements for easing tension in the joints.

As you can see, aerial yoga is more than just hanging upside down on yoga hammocks. It’s an all-around method of working out, with immense benefits to all the areas of your body.

When you are new to learning about yoga swings and starting to use them, you may experience some anxiety or fear, since your body needs time to adjust to this new method of working out. But once you master the various poses you will find them not only interesting but also highly efficient in toning your body, boosting your flexibility, and alleviating muscle stiffness.

 

5. Hanging on Yoga Swings is Easy

You’ve probably seen videos or photos of people using yoga swings and you’ve been left with the impression that hanging on yoga swings is a piece of cake. After all, hanging upside down on yoga hammocks or swinging on a yoga swing is simple and straightforward, right?

Well, not so fast. While hanging on yoga swings may appear easy, that is not always the case. Watching seasoned aerial yogists do the various yoga swing poses is not the same as doing it yourself. At the end of your first aerial yoga session, you will feel as if someone has been pulling your body in different directions.

From calves to thighs, hands to forearms, almost every part of your body will be sore, including your abs. But this should not discourage you from continuing with the workouts. Like any exercise, as you spend more time on the yoga swings, your body will eventually adjust and the soreness will subside.

 

6. Yoga Swing Training is for Women Only

If you search “yoga swing poses” on Google, most of the images that appear are those of women hanging on yoga hammocks. You may be left with the impression about yoga swings that its a women’s thing only.

The truth is, yoga swing workouts are meant for every person. In fact, one of the most prominent authorities in the aerial yoga space is a man named Christopher Harrison. While most yoga studios may have more women than men, it doesn’t mean that this type of training is reserved for girls only.

So Men, don’t let the images that pop up fool you that aerial yoga workouts are reserved of women only. Install a yoga swing in your house, get the workout gear, and start hanging upside down on the sling today.

 

7. Yoga Swings are not for Old People

Yoga swing workouts are designed for all age groups, including people in their 60s, 70s or even 80s. In short, age should not be a concern if you are interested in this type of workout.

In fact, yoga hammock workouts are a great form of training and exercise for older people. When doing various aerial yoga poses, you will be working on your balance, stability, and flexibility.

Furthermore, some poses may involve weight-bearing exercises, which can help to build bone density, thereby preventing osteoporosis – which is quite a common ailment for senior citizens.

Though older people should still proceed with caution. If you have underlying issues that could affect your overall state, it is vital to consult with a professional first so that you are ensured of safety.

 

8. Yoga Swings are for Slim People Only

One of the biggest misconceptions about yoga swings is that it is for slim people only and while most images may showcase photos of slim, fit women, aerial yoga has room for every person. There are no weight limits when it comes to yoga swing workouts.

When properly installed, most yoga swing setups are sturdy enough to support weights of around 600 pounds. So, when you are hanging on the hammocks, you don’t have to worry about anything, since your body is fully and well supported.

Therefore, if you are passionate about aerial yoga, nothing should stop you from doing the various workouts, regardless of your body size or weight.

 

9. Yoga Swing Training is a Passing Fad

Aerial yoga has generated quite a fair amount of buzz on social media platforms and mainstream media, over the last few years.

You may be left wondering whether this is just another fitness fad that will soon lose its popularity. The reality is, aerial yoga has been growing in popularity for the past 20 odd years, so yoga swing training is not going away any time soon.

Without a doubt, its incredible benefits will outlive its hype. Don’t hesitate to add aerial yoga to your workout routine, just because you think it’s a fad.

 

10. Yoga Swing Workouts Are Expensive

Because aerial practices are such a niche market, a lot of people think that you have to be rich to enjoy a good aerial yoga session. Obviously, this is not true. You can definitely have a quality and productive session without spending a lot of money.

There is a lot of quality equipment that can provide you with the same high-level experience. You just need to do your research and identify what works best for you and your budget.

If you think enrolling in an aerial yoga class is something that is out of your price range, you can easily build your yoga set up at home. You will need to invest in some items as these might come with a certain price, however, in the long run, you will be able to save not just your money, but your time as well.

Now, if you need that professional help, try to look for studios or classes that provide a beginner discount or seasonal promos that will help you save a couple of bucks. Other studios have good referral programs as well so you can try to look for yogis in your community and ask for a recommendation.

In the end, you do not need to spend a lot of money to be able to enjoy the wonders of Aerial Yoga. You just need to be wise and do your research so you can find what works you best.

 

Misconceptions About Yoga Swings

These are just some of the most common misconceptions about yoga swings or aerial yoga practice in general. It is understandable that you will feel intimidated by this practice, especially as an amateur, but it’s always like that for your firsts.

There is no harm in trying. If you’re really interested in this, try to do your initial research first and see if it’s something you would truly be interested in and be able to enjoy in the long run. There are a lot of existing communities that are totally beginner-friendly. You can browse through different FAQs so you’ll feel more connected and comfortable about the practice.

On top of this, remember that yoga aims to bring about positive feelings and experiences to everyone. You do not have to put so much pressure on yourself going into this practice. After all, we all have to start somewhere.

We hope that we’ve answered some questions that you may be having and shed some light on the common misconceptions about yoga swings and yoga swing workouts.

Regardless of your age, gender, fitness level, or body size, yoga swing workouts are open to everyone. Now, give it a try and see for yourself!