Fitness Goals for 2019

My fitness goal this year besides being fit (lol) is to try new activities that I haven’t done before with the hopes of discovering something I truly enjoy! (Click HERE for my previous post titled: Health and Well Being Check In) I hit the lotto with my first choice – aerial yoga. Yoga has been part of my physical activity for many years. This seemed like the logical first activity to try since I know I like yoga and all of it’s benefits and it looked like it would be a blast! Let me tell you it didn’t disappoint!

What Is Aerial Yoga?

According to Yogapedia, “Aerial yoga is a type of yoga which uses a hammock or yoga swing to allow students to perform postures that they may not ordinarily be able to attempt on the yoga mat. It is often also referred to as AntiGravity® yoga. It combines traditional yoga with moves inspired by pilates, dance and acrobatics.”

Aerial yoga originated in New York and is now popular all over the world. It was created by Christopher Harrison, a dancer with a performance background in acrobatics.

Aerial yoga is thought to be particularly beneficial for students who spend a long time sitting, or who have back pain, because it has a decompressing effect on the body.

Yogapedia Explains Aerial Yoga

In Aerial yoga, the hammock is kept close to the ground, generally less than a meter from the floor. It becomes a swing which can support the hips in both forward and back bends. For many people, yoga postures that are difficult on the ground can be performed more easily and with less strain on the body in mid-air.

Is is suggested that in addition to the emotional, physical and spiritual benefits of all yoga practice, Aerial yoga has particular benefits for strengthening and stretching the whole body, decompressing the spine, improving circulation, boosting digestion and lifting one’s mood. In particular, Aerial yoga strengthens the core as well as the arms and legs, to support the body in mid-air.

Although Aerial yoga can be performed by people with all levels of fitness, it is not recommended for pregnant women or those who suffer from vertigo, due to the flips and inversions practiced during the class.

The Vaughan Center

My husband and I joined the Vaughan Center at the beginning of the year. We chose the all inclusive option in order to be able to access all that the facility has to offer. I particularly like the classes, the indoor track and the weight room. The pool will be a great option for my granddaughter and Len likes to swim for a work out. The Vaughan Center’s marque was promoting the aerial yoga class and that’s when I knew it would be the first new activity I would try. The class is an additional cost on top of our membership. However, you don’t have to be a member to take the class.

Five Sessions of Aerial Yoga

As you can imagine, I was full of excited anticipation and slightly nervous heading into my first class. It’s important to state that a bump in the road can cause me to feel nauseous; and I don’t do any type of carnival rides. Would the movement of the silk cause me to be sick? Do I have enough upper body and core strength? Lots of self-doubt was going through my mind!

I was the oldest in the class but that doesn’t bother me in the least. I was pleasantly surprised to discover our instructor, Heather, had taught yoga classes that I took at my previous gym. Knowing her style also relaxed me further. Then she informed us that if we were spinning too much we could signal for her to come and stop us. She also told us that she had peppermint oil if we were feeling nauseous. These two statement caused my anxiety to re-escalate.

The first direction we were given was to put our right leg in the silk. I tried to lift my leg but couldn’t get it high enough and needed to assist with my hands…UGH! I was feeling like this might not be a good idea. Once I calmed myself down, got out of my head and out of my way the experience was AH MA ZING!!!

Some of the simplest of poses were difficult for me; and some of the more complicated felt easier! Go figure! Heather was so patient and kind to all of us. She always modeled first what we’d be doing and then gave us all of the variations and options depending on our body that night and our abilities. She would walk around and give us individual assistance as needed. Heather was always positive and very encouraging! I can’t say enough good things about her and my overall experience.

The last night of class was “picture night”! I was thrilled as I knew I’d being doing the post but was also surprised that all of the others wanted pictures as well..such FUN!

I look a bit wrecked so please know it was after a full day of work and a full aerial yoga class! But look at that smile…aerial yoga is pure JOY for me! A testament to my experience!

Aerial Yoga Video

This was the first time we “flew” on the silk. You might not be able to tell but it does take some core strength. I LOVED this!!!

Heather informed us that she’d be teaching another five week session starting at the end of April through May. Aerial yoga won’t be offered again until the fall. I’m sure you can guess that I signed myself up. This is such an amazing workout and so much fun for me! I didn’t want to wait until the fall. Trying other activities will have to wait another five weeks.

Next up in the realm of yoga, will be goat yoga! Care to join us?

or maybe “Rage Yoga”, which combines beer, cursing and catharsis! Lori, this sounds like it’d be up our alley! lol

NAMASTE!

Let’s Chat

What do you think about aerial yoga? Is it an activity you’d like to try? What activity should I try next? Do you have a favorite fitness activity? Leave us a comment!

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