Yoga In Flight

Aerial Yoga, aka Unnata. 

Let’s face it; when you think of yoga, many of you think of old skinny men from India getting in bizarrely twisted postures humming to the sounds of nature and breathing like it’s an art form.  Okay, that’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, but yoga is actually a bit more complex than that.  In fact, there is a form of yoga that is ‘new’ to many of you.  That’s right, aerial yoga.

Aerial Yoga is a unique type of Hatha Yoga that combines the traditional yoga poses with the physical training of aerial acrobatics. Aerial Yoga is an unique hybrid of dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, pilates and of course yoga.  Aerial Yoga uses a low hanging fabric hammock to partially or fully support the weight of the body that increases flexibility, relieves tension in the spine and neck, and develops core muscles. During an Aerial Class, the instructors work to assist the students to translate the sensation they feel on the mat into the hammock. While the body is being supported students learn how to achieve proper alignment through relaxation versus effort while increasing a peaceful mentally, spiritually and physically state.

Most frequently asked questions about aerial yoga

What is Aerial Yoga & What are the benefits?

There are many forms of Aerial Yoga out there right now but to me Aerial yoga is tradititional yoga using a prop such as the hammock to assist the practioers in achieving proper alignment, relieving tension and stress on the body, elongating the spine and moving each joint through its full range of movement.

Is it only for advanced yoga practitioners?

No, anyone can do yoga, you are never too old to begin a yoga practice. If your breathing you are doing yoga. So therefore, in Aerial Yoga we are taking our floor practice into the hammock either partial or fully supported. If you sit in aerial child pose, you are doing yoga.

What are the contraindications?

Who should not practice aerial yoga? Even with a traditional yoga practice the practioner should adjust their practice based on their own physical limitations. It is the same within an aerial yoga practice.

How often should someone practice?

That is a tough question…for me, incorporating yoga into my daily routine provides the balance that I need in my life.

What is required to wear?

Wear loose, stretchy comfortable clothing. It is recommended that participants of Aerial Yoga wear leggings that cover the back of your knees and shirts that cover your armpits. Do not wear clothing that has metal, buttons or zippers and no jewlery of any kind should be worn on the hammocks.

Is aerial yoga also for guys?

Yes, absolutely, Guys are more muscular and becuase of that tend to have less range of motion. Aerial yoga allows men to get into poses in the hammock that they would not be able to in their mat practice. I love when I see men come to class.

BIO – Vita LoFria has been a certified yoga instructor for more than a decade and most recently, licensed as an Unnata® Aerial Yoga Instructor. Vita grew up in Queens, NY where she spent a lot of her time studying dance and gymnastics. In 1996, she took her first yoga class and knew she found the mind body connection she was searching for. In 2001 she became a registered teacher through the Yoga Alliance after completing her 200 hour training through Yoga & Inner Peace and began teaching at the center. She extended her studies to become certified in Restorative Yoga, Breathing and Meditation and most recently a Licensed Unnata® Aerial Yoga Instructor. Vita holds a degree in Alternative Medicine with a minor in Exercise Physiology.  This background has helped her promote healthy living through education, nutrition and physical fitness.Vita’s mission is to empower others to find balance within one’s self and to discover their life force.  Please go to www.vita-prana.com for more information on Aerial Yoga.