Buying guide for best yoga aerial equipment
Yoga helps people feel grounded and centered, which inspires some practitioners to take their practice to the next level. That’s where yoga aerial equipment enters the picture. These mounted systems of fabric and straps deliver a weightless experience so you can stretch, relax, and explore new poses. They’re affordable and easy to install, so you can enjoy aerial yoga, inversion therapy, or relaxation in the comfort of your own home.
Yoga aerial equipment is versatile enough for all levels and types of training. For traditional aerial yoga, also called trapeze yoga, you’re able to try new techniques with traditional poses and experiment with new ones. The straps and main sling, called the hammock, are fully adjustable to accommodate your ability and comfort level. You can also use yoga aerial equipment for inversion therapy if you experience pain or discomfort from stress or chronic conditions. It’s also ideal for simply relaxing — unwind and enjoy the weightless feeling of lying in a cocoon hammock.
Key considerations
Why use yoga aerial equipment?
Aerial yoga: Also called trapeze yoga, aerial yoga is a completely different experience than floor practice. It incorporates inversions and extensions into the flow in a fun, intense workout. You’ll be able to get in touch with yourself to explore poses, balance, and focus in a whole new way.
Inversion therapy: Inversion therapy is easily identifiable by its upside-down poses, which aim to place the heart higher than the head. Some of its reported benefits include improved circulation and cardiovascular function. It’s also believed to be beneficial to those who suffer from osteoarthritis, depression, insomnia, and chronic pain. Prior to beginning inversion therapy, it’s recommended that you consult with your doctor to make sure it’s a safe option for you.
Relaxation: Pure and simple, some people enjoy the relaxation aspect of using yoga aerial equipment. The hammock, also called the main sling, offers the ability to cocoon yourself for a nap or mediation. The airy, effortless suspension delivers a calming, de-stressing experience.
Components
Yoga aerial equipment comprises a few main parts. It helps to learn and recognize them so you can get comfortable using each one effectively.
Hammock: The hammock, or main sling, is the wide banana-shaped material inside which you can stretch out. It’s also used as a central location in certain poses.
Extension straps: These have a series of loops through which you can adjust the height of the hanging straps. The straps are equipped with handles that provide a soft grip for your hands and some traction for your feet.
Hardware: This includes the mounts and carabiners and is the most important element for safety reasons. The mounts should be properly secured and regularly checked to make sure they aren’t loose or unstable. Carabiners secure the main sling and hanging straps to the extension straps. They should be completely closed before beginning an aerial yoga session. If you want even more secure carabiners, you can invest in some that have a twisting lock mechanism that keeps them from accidentally opening.
Installation
Location: You have quite a few options in terms of where you install your yoga aerial equipment. A ceiling, beam, doorframe, and even tree can be utilized. In fact, you could purchase multiple mounting sets to install indoors and outdoors so you can use your yoga aerial equipment anywhere.
Setup: Yoga aerial equipment comes with instructions that are written so the average person can mount and hang it. Depending on where you intend to mount it, though, it could require some drilling and measuring. If you’re unsure whether you can successfully — and more importantly, securely — install it on your own, ask a carpenter to set it up for you.
Weight capacity
The combined strength of the material and straps can support the weight of the average adult. The weight capacity of the equipment can range from 200 to 2,000 pounds. With a range that big, it’s essential that you check before buying. If you’re concerned about the weight limit of your yoga aerial equipment, defer to the maker regarding the recommended maximum load.
Yoga aerial equipment features
Color
Depending on the makers, you can find yoga aerial equipment in up to a dozen colors. For the most part, the material and straps tend to be monochromatic, though there are some dynamic color combinations available in high-end sets. Patterns and designs are also available, however these are harder to find and more expensive.
Materials
The main sling and straps are made of nylon or silk blends. These blends have a degree of elasticity to provide the maximum stretch and feeling of weightlessness. The extension straps are made of tightly woven nylon webbing with high tensile strength to support the weight of an average adult.
Instructions
Some yoga aerial equipment comes with supplemental instructional materials, such as tutorials, pose cards, or access to online communities. For sets that include these materials, expect rudimentary lessons that teach you the basics of aerial yoga, inversion therapy, and cocooning. They don’t replace the hands-on instruction of an aerial yoga instructor, so it’s strongly recommended that you attend at least one beginning class to get a real feel for this style of yoga practice.
Yoga aerial equipment prices
Yoga aerial equipment sets cost between $50 and $150.
Inexpensive: At the low end of the range, between $50 and $75, you’ll find sets made of mostly parachute fabric or nylon tricot that come with extension straps.
Mid-range: Sets that cost between $75 and $110 have quality construction, including well-made handles and tight stitching.
Expensive: High-end sets, priced between $110 and $150, are studio- and performance-quality equipment. They’re made of unique silk or nylon blends and often come with a full hardware and installation kit.
Tips
- Make sure the room has ample space. Set up your yoga aerial equipment in a room that is at least ten feet tall with plenty of space away from furniture and walls.
- Utilize voice command devices. There’s no need to interrupt your aerial yoga session to change the channel or song. Take advantage of voice command technology on your phone or smart devices to effortlessly switch programming.
- Take a class. Invest the time and money in a drop-in aerial yoga class to receive firsthand experience that you can replicate at home. In addition to learning poses and flow, you’ll also pick up tips for safe practice.
- Supervise any children using the equipment. If you’re letting children use the yoga aerial equipment, supervise them the entire time to reduce the likelihood of injury and improper use.
FAQ
Q. How do I wash my yoga aerial equipment?
A. It depends on the fabric, though hand-washing and air-drying are the safest methods for all the material blends. Because the material is so long, you could temporarily mount it outside to dry. Be sure there’s enough room between the line and the ground and the line won’t be weighed down by the material.
Q. Do I have to bring my own yoga aerial equipment to a studio for class?
A. Generally speaking, no. If a yoga studio offers aerial yoga, their space is outfitted with the proper mounts and equipment that are already set up prior to class. If you feel more comfortable using your own equipment, however, speak to the studio owner. They could allow you to use your own, though if they’re concerned about liability, they may require you to only use their studio-approved equipment.
