Take your workout to new heights with aerial yoga.
Sandra Lynn’s School of Dance in Vandergrift recently added two weekly classes of this hybrid way of practicing yoga.
Kim Stewart, owner and certified yoga instructor at Sandra Lynn’s, says the new classes are a hit and aerial yoga has a decompressing effect on the body.
“My Facebook page blew up. It’s fun and most are excited to try something new,” she says.
Stewart earned her aerial yoga certification in Florida and recently took over the former Yoga Folk in Allegheny Township.
“When my close friend from the Yoga Folk quickly moved to Chicago for a great job, I took over her yoga studio and was excited to get some classes on our schedule,” Stewart says.
Aerial yoga was developed in 2014 in California by Christopher Harrison, a former dancer and gymnast.
Sometimes referred to as anti-gravity yoga, this type of yoga combines traditional yoga poses, dance and Pilates, about three feet above the floor.
The airborne (at times) one-hour yoga sessions invite participants, utilizing large pieces of silk-like fabric called hammocks or slings, to hang upside down and hold traditional yoga poses, all under the watchful eye and assistance from Stewart and her studio dog, Dimples.
“He’s here a lot and very friendly,” says aerial yoga fan and participant Sonja Apperson of Plum.
The hammock serves as a swing, supporting the hips, and is held up by adjustable straps.
“It’s so soft on your joints. It helps you go to that deeper spot that most people can’t get to on the floor,” Stewart says. “Hanging upside down opens your vertebrae and releases all of the toxins.”
The yoga swings at Sandra Lynn’s can accommodate a person weighing up to 500 lbs.
Stewart says anyone potty trained and older is welcome to participate and yoga levels from beginners to advanced mix together during sessions.
“People with vertigo or a fear of hanging might not be the best fit,” Stewart advises.
Stewart hopes to add aerial yoga to Sandra Lynn’s Greensburg location soon.
Stewart stresses that poses and moves may be adjusted to suit any fitness level.
“There are many modifications to this. I have restorative classes for seniors, mommy and me classes and any of these motions can be accommodated based on your needs,” Stewart says.
Mary Tola, 42, of Buffalo Township has tried aerial yoga twice and is drawn to the potential body benefits of practicing aerial yoga.
“I’ve heard it’s good for the spine and I’ve had some back issues so I thought it would be good to try and help with healing,” Tola says.
