Traditional yoga asana in suspended form has been performed for thousands of years, although “Aerial Yoga Play™” was created by Jen Healy with all original names and sequences that make up the unique, innovative, and fun experience it is, as well as making their own version of the AYRx Yoga Swings. We have developed the framework for teaching and integrating ancient yogic practices into an effective, well strategized, user-friendly method.

Going upside-down is the most important movement anyone can do and it’s included in every class. Our bodies were designed to reverse the force of gravity using regular postural variation. Because most people today generally avoid any movements that deviate from sitting, standing and lying, the force of gravity is not properly opposed. This creates an imbalance of force generated on our entire physical structure. With the force of gravity being strong and constant, its long-term cumulative effects can be extremely damaging, particularly when repetitive movement patterns serve to exacerbate the circumstance. When we reverse this gravitational pull, the associated impact on the body immediately begins to reverse. This is why inversion (hanging upside-down) is referred to as an ancient anti-aging secret, a great mental boost, as well as a powerful tool for reversing back pain and other postural issues.

For example, the endocrine system is the ‘energy manager’ of the body which overlays the chakra system (the psychic centers along the spine). This system controls the hormones that are excreted into the blood stream. Hormones affect our mood and attitude. They have the very important job of regulating energy levels, sleep patterns, and digestion.

It’s also incredibly important to stimulate the lymphatic’s and build more circulation, which means more blood and oxygen will get to parts of the body that may be injured or stagnant. This creates a natural detoxing process that happens when the cells start to exchange properly, allowing them to take in more nutrients and get rid of old waste/build up of toxins.

What happens with most people’s health is the cells get clogged and congested. When this happens, it’s then not possible to uptake new nutrients, or get rid of unwanted toxins, so the cells/organs/systems become dis-eased.

These play practices also calm and balance the nervous system (overlaying the meridians), strengthen the muscles and bones, stretch the connective tissue, and allow for greater flexibility and agility.

There’s something about “awakening the courageous inner child” through this kind of interactive play that builds confidence, allows us to overcome our fears, and creates a willingness to explore and experience the body in new ways. All of this is incredibly significant and symbolic, not only for our personal lives and self-esteem, but how we move in the world and the choices we make in our professional lives.

We are meant to be healthy radiant beings, guided by infinite intelligence, here to express ourselves in joyful, playful ways.

Yes. This reaction is quite normal when the body is recalibrating itself. The affect of hanging upside detoxifies the lymphatic and endocrine systems, and those toxins enter into the blood stream to be removed from the body. This is a very good thing. We want to get those toxins out! The best thing to do is get grounded, have a bite to eat, and drink lots of water. Ginger is also really helpful. Although it can be unsettling at first, it does get easier/better after the first couple tries so stick with it! Eventually the inversions will be your absolute favorite, I promise;)

Of course, like with any physical activity, it is up to the discretion of the individual if they are ready for Aerial Yoga Play training. It is recommended that if you have any serious health issues, check with your doctor first. Anyone with heart, eye, or blood pressure issues should practice with extra care.

Definitely. Performing backbends, forward-bends, twists, side-bends, and hip-openers with combined traction are all extremely delightful and beneficial. Like traditional yoga, the practice of Aerial Yoga Play™ includes a balanced mix of asana. The suspended yoga postures, however, focus on using gravity to the body’s advantage, counteracting its compound effects and encouraging the practitioner to open more deeply into each of poses. In practice, this is generally a source of great pleasure for the practitioner.

NO WAY! Like regular yoga classes, there all many levels and variations to accommodate everyone. Traditional asana poses are supported and built upon, often with a large shift in spatial orientation. Asanas suddenly become multi-dimentional with varied elevation and added dynamic motion. The practitioner’s center of gravity is repositioned, challenging repetitive movement patterns, igniting new neural connections, and recreating the experience within each asana. This multi-sensory immersion into suspended asana is both stimulating and soothing, creative and strategic, playful and developmental. The practice can often feel a bit surreal, as suspended asanas are innovative and explored with seemingly weightless motion. So no way, it will not be boring!

Everyone is a little nervous at first, that’s normal! We make sure to guide classes step-by-step, moving through related grounded poses before elevating practitioners off of the ground. We help students to perform important wraps and handling techniques when they are fully supported and encourage further challenge only when each student is ready. Additional assistance in class is also available whenever needed.

This style of Aerial Yoga is close to the ground, and we move in horizontal space instead of straight up-and-down. There are no drops or dangerous moves. It’s more considered “suspension training” and is used for therapeutics, as well as being super fun and playful. It’s suitable for all levels and all ages. Work a lot with older folks that have lower back and neck injuries and it’s incredibly helpful.

Each class/workshop is a great adventure. Classes start with a short intro to acquaint the new students with the equipment and style. Once students are oriented, a warm-up begins, which generally includes mental visualization, vestibular/sensory orientation, breathwork, and a flowing rhythmic sequence of heat-building motion to prepare the body for the deeper work. Practitioners then progress through the class with a mix of grounded and aerial asana that stretches, strengthens, and balances the entire body, especially the core and stabilizing muscles of the body. Classes wind-down with deeper movement, like deep backbends forward bends, inversion and relaxing motion before moving into a floating savasana. This is a truly uplifting (literally!) experience that feels empowering, challenging and relaxing all at the same time.

This can be done anywhere! It is designed for use inside a yoga studio, inside a house, or outside. Because our mission is to inspire joy within movement and to create full-body happiness, we recommend doing any movement routine outdoors whenever possible, however. It is proven that moving in natural environments is associated with greater feelings of revitalization and positive engagement, while leading to a decrease in tension and depression. Having a controlled environment in a home or class studio definitely has its advantages, although nothing beats the great outdoors!