Aerial Yoga: is it for You?

Yoga has become an increasing popular way to reduce stress and increase mobility. It has been recommended for people of all ages as part of a healthy lifestyle. If you have already tried out some yoga classes and are looking for a way to take your training to the next level, aerial yoga could be the next step for you.

Aerial yoga combines all of the strength, flexibility and breathing exercises required for traditional yoga along with a fun twist. You may have seen pictures of yogis suspended in the air from a colorful silk ribbon while maintaining difficult poses. This is typically what you will find in most aerial yoga classes. 

You will not be in the air the entire time that you are taking an aerial yoga class. The beginning of the class will start with some stretching and exercises on floor mats. During this portion of the class, students focus on proper alignment and flexibility so that they are prepared to be suspended in the air. Paying particular attention to should alignment is important because it can help you to maintain a safe position while you are suspended. 

The silk ribbons used to suspend students in the air are referred to as hammocks. They help to support the body in all types of unusual positions and can prevent injury when used correctly. One of the major advantages that aerial yoga has to offer is that students are able to achieve more advanced positions and deeper stretches than what can be achieved in traditional yoga because they can use gravity to their advantage. Having the proper equipment in an aerial yoga class can make all the difference in protecting your safety and preventing any injuries. 

Before you sign up to take your very first aerial yoga class, it is a good idea to ask the teacher how long he or she has been teaching. You will also want to let the teacher know if you have any injuries or health conditions that could make it unsafe for you to be suspended in the air for prolonged periods of time. Make sure that you wear proper attire so that your clothes do not get in the way of you being able to grab the ribbon and remain in the hammock when you are supposed to. You should also remove as much jewelry as possible so that you do not risk any cuts while hanging. 

If you are not quite ready to try out aerial yoga, there are still plenty of benefits to be gained from traditional yoga. You can find classes all over the country for students of all levels of experience. Getting proficient at yoga may take you a couple of classes. Do not be discouraged if you find some of the positions difficult at first because they require repetition and practice before you are able to achieve their full benefits. 

Study: Yoga Safe for Pregnant Women

According to a new, small study, yoga is safe for expectant moms even late into a pregnancy.

The research proved yoga poses do not appear to create stress on the baby or the mom. Researchers used real-time measurements to show yoga postures did not negatively affect blood pressure, heart rate, or other vital signs.

The study was published in December 2015 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Researchers reported the findings provide reassurance that the often-exotic-looking poses seen in yoga classes are safe for pregnant women.

However, modifications are often necessary. For example, pregnant women may need to use chairs, blocks, or the wall to balance or support themselves. This study also does not suggest women walk into advanced classes where participants are kicking their legs into a handstand.

A beginner-level or prenatal yoga class that moves at a slow or moderate pace are excellent ways for women to de-stress and get exercise while pregnant. In a healthy pregnancy, exercise at moderate intensity is very important. These findings help reinforce existing evidence of that assertion.

Yoga continues to gain popularity in the United States. More than 20 million Americans now practice yoga. That number includes pregnant women, though there is still limited research on the safety and health of practicing yoga during pregnancy.

The research team observed 25 healthy women who were between n35 and 28 weeks pregnant. Some were total beginners, some had some experience, and some practiced yoga regularly.

Each participant did a one-on-one yoga class with a teacher, during which they moved through 26 different yoga poses. Monitors tracked their vitals, including uterine contractions, blood oxygen levels, and heart rate.

Postures were standing, seated, reclining, one-legged, and also downward facing dog. No pose caused a worrisome change in vitals for the women or their babies. Moreover, there were no falls or injuries.

There are different types of yoga, some of which are not safe while pregnant. For example, women should not practice "hot yoga" or Bikram yoga during pregnancy. It's okay for pregnancy women to work hard enough to sweat, but avoid heated rooms.