Aerial yoga can feel intimidating to try for the first time. The hammock may seem daunting, but it is actually a tool for greater support and assistance in your movement practice.

We welcome all levels of experience, and our Level 1 classes are designed and taught with beginners in mind. By choosing the right level of class, you will be able to progress at your own pace when you feel comfortable and confident doing so.

That being said, here are some tips for having an awesome first class:

Your first few classes may be a little uncomfortable at times as your body adjusts to the pressure of the hammock - similar to a deep tissue massage. The good news: this tells you that you are releasing tension, tightness, and myofascial adhesions - since this is what normally causes the discomfort! Keep it up and the discomfort will dissipate.

Many people find it helpful to avoid eating an hour before class. Doing inversions on a full stomach can be quite uncomfortable! It’s also normal to experience some nausea and/or dizziness in your first several classes, especially if you’ve never practiced inversions before. Most students find this completely goes away after 3-5 classes. You should also be prepared to feel a release of happy hormones, increased confidence and a stronger and longer body.

I could wax poetic about the benefits of an aerial practice all day, every day, but there is truly no substitute for just jumping in and giving it a try to see if it’s for you.

If you are looking for a class 100% tailored to brand new beginners, we highly recommend our Intro to Aerial Yoga Workshop. Additionally, you can always sign up for a private lesson with one of our instructors.

Looking forward to seeing you in class!

PS a yoga mat is NOT needed for our classes. All props will be provided. All you need to bring is your water bottle.

Wear comfortable clothing that feels good to move in (ie: whatever you’d wear for a regular yoga class). More form fitting clothing tends to be less “in the way” of the hammock and less likely to leave you exposed during inversions, but you do you. We don’t recommend shorts, as it can result in “rope burn”.

Please remove all jewelry that may get caught on or snag the hammock. Especially rings/earrings, bracelets/watches, or hair clips.

Our hammocks are built to support up to 2,000lbs each, so students can be assured of their safety regardless of body size.

One concern for students in larger bodies can be pulling up into the fabric and additional compression from the hammock, but there are many ways we can help accommodate any issues that come up. You will be encouraged and welcomed at any size!

Your concerns on health related issues, medications and appropriateness of exercise and aerial yoga in particular should be thoroughly discussed with your personal health care provider before partaking in any fitness routine.

That being said, here is a list of conditions that are contraindicated for aerial yoga. If you have any of these I would recommend NOT participating in aerial yoga:

• Pregnancy

• Fainting

• Epilepsy

• Glaucoma

• Radiculitis

• Hiatal hernia

• Recent surgery

• Open or healing wounds

• Sutures on any part of the body

• Botulinum injection

• Botox within last 6 hours

• Vertigo or Inner ear conditions

• Recent head injury or concussion

• Recent stroke or brain bleeds/aneurysms

• Taking medications that cause dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, or extreme fatigue.

The following contraindications are relative to their severity. With approval from your primary physician, gentle aerial yoga may be an option. Please sign up for a private session to determine whether or not aerial yoga feels good for your body before enrolling in a group class:

• Hypertension

• Hypotension

• Heart disease

• Hip replacement

• Disc herniation

• Severe arthritis

• Severe muscle spasms

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Osteoporosis or bone weakness

• Heart issues, including irregular beat

Kettlebells are cast-iron weights shaped like a ball with a handle for gripping.

You hold the kettlebell in one or both hands and go through a series of exercises. Because of its shape, it is a versatile piece of equipment - which means you can perform a range of exercises which target single or multiple groups at the same time. The movements often involve the entire body and work on areas such as balance, coordination, and power development in ways you won’t get with dumbbells or a barbell.

As with all forms of physical fitness, good form is important in order to avoid injuries. This is why we recommend that everyone starts out in our Level 1 class, where we place a great emphasis on learning and moving with good form. You do have to pass a movement test before moving on to our Level 2 class.

Always ask a medical professional for advice if you have any back pain or injuries and want to use kettlebells.

Kettlebell training includes dynamic moves that target endurance, strength, balance and cardio endurance. Kettlebell workouts are popular because they're challenging, efficient, and you only need one piece of equipment. Full body movements require lots of energy, which burns more calories and can aid in weight loss.

In our Level 2 & Level 3 classes, we begin adding speed and complexity to the mix. This will amplify your results, aid in athleticism, and keep you focused and in the flow. Once you get the hang of the basic movements, a whole world of options opens up to keep things fun and interesting!

Come dressed in comfortable, breathable non-restrictive clothing – remember, our classes will get you moving! We recommend athletic shoes that are flat and firm - avoid bouncy running shoes with an elevated heel if possible.

We don’t recommend wearing rings, bracelets, or watches, as they will get in the way of using the kettlebell.

Don’t forget to bring a water bottle to hydrate (we do have water jugs to refill reusable water bottles), and a towel to freshen up (if you want one).