http://www.care2.com/greenliving/anti-gravity-yoga-the-ups-downs.html
AntiGravity Yoga: The Ups & Downs
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. Nope, it’s me–hanging completely upside down, being supported by a 10-inch-wide piece of cloth and wondering how on earth I decided this was a good idea.
AntiGravity Yoga is the newest trend amongst the pricey “glam” gyms and has been catching on in a big way. Combining yoga, pilates and acrobatics, it promises to realign and release your joints from the pressures of gravity. I decide to try it out because it looks, for lack of a more adult phrase, super fun.
Walking into class, I get the impression that this will be easy. Guess again. Fifteen white “hammocks” are suspended from the ceiling, each supported by two large hooks so that they form a type of swing. We start out easy with our feet on the floor getting used to the support of the hammock. The goal, our instructor assures us, “is to decompress.” A lofty goal, it turns out. No stranger to yoga, I have a moderately advanced practice but this begins to quickly kick my ass. Supporting yourself while the floor assumes the brunt of your weight is one thing—supporting the entirety of your heavy, shouldn’t-have-had-that-extra-taco-at-lunch body is quite another.
“So much of our lives are spent tight and tied up in knots,” the instructor says. “The hammock allows you the freedom of release.” Ha! Freedom? I am in pain. Every part of my body is engaged—tightly gripping the hammock so I don’t fall on my head. “Trust yourself, “ he says. “You won’t let yourself fall.” He stays with me for a bit, and with his support I begin to let go.
Forty-five minutes later, I am facedown, my stomach supported by the hammock and am swinging in a controlled arc like a trapeze artist, flying through the air. The realization hits: I am playing. This is great.
I wouldn’t necessarily call it “yoga” but you do achieve a certain meditative benefit from your focused concentration. And if you’ve ever wanted to run away and join the circus, AntiGravity Yoga is definitely for you.
related stories
-
(104 comments)
-
(4 comments)
-
veronicap
(1 comment)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
11 comments
add your comment »Not sure its "Yoga" but I would definitely try it Veronica!
http://www.facebook.com/prana
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
thanks...
Kabin
Konteyner
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Hi, that is the way my mother used to put me(baby) to sleep with her SARI(indian dress).I would love to try again.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Hi,
I do agree..but Aero yoga can relax your body that is exercise for body...but in YOGA(indian) it have to get connected to your brain relaxing your mind...to know more about ancient yoga visit www.swamiramdevyoga.com
Natureadvice
http://www.justmeans.com
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I saw a demonstration of this on 'The View'. It sure looks like fun.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
That sounds pretty awesome. I love AcroYoga which is a combination of yoga and acrobatics much of which is done with a partner. But I think I have more trust in a yoga hammock than I do my boyfriend to keep me from tumbling to the ground. Great article!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I would love to try it, but I doubt if my YMCA offers it since Ms. Peterson (the hysterically funny author) describes it as found at "pricey 'glam' gyms"! I wonder if my hubby would be willing to set me up in our garage...LOL :)
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
hmmm.... well there are many different styles of yoga, this one def not being ancient in practice, but hey maybe the old yogis didn't have enough S hooks laying around to try this =) I think any form of exercise that someone can get in to is good exercise. I just have a hard time calling it 'yoga'. While it might incorporate some of the ideas of the actual practice of yoga, it really should have another name. It seems anyone will take the word Yoga and attach it to an exercise just to help sell the method, like 'Beach Body Yoga Booty Ballet' is not actual "yoga". But alas you can't copyright the term "Yoga".
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Hi sound's good..but as i know YOGA..i never think AntiGravity Yoga wont work..becuz YOGA need a relaxed body & soul position ..
NatureAdvice.
http://www.justmeans.com
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Sounds interesting - worth a try!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: