Aerial yoga uses a fabric hammock suspended from the ceiling to support your body through poses you couldn't hold on the ground. It's part yoga, part circus, and entirely its own thing. Calgary has a handful of studios offering aerial classes, and the beginner sessions are genuinely welcoming. If you've ever wanted to try something that feels a bit magical, this is it.
What It's Like
What to Expect
🪢
Hammock setup and intro
Your instructor will show you how to sit, stand, and hang in the hammock before any actual yoga begins. Getting comfortable with the fabric is part of the practice.
🙃
Inversions without strain
The hammock supports your weight during inversions, which means you can experience being upside down without the neck or wrist strain of floor-based inversions.
🧘
Strength and flexibility together
Aerial yoga builds real strength in your core, shoulders, and arms while also improving flexibility. It's more of a workout than it looks.
😌
Savasana in the hammock
You end the class cocooned in the hammock for final relaxation. It's one of the most calming five minutes in any fitness class, anywhere.
Insider Advice
Tips for Your First Aerial Yoga Event
-
1
Avoid eating a heavy meal in the two hours before class. Inversions with a full stomach are uncomfortable.
-
2
Wear fitted clothing. Loose tops ride up during inversions and become annoying fast. Leggings and a fitted top are ideal.
-
3
Don't grip the hammock out of fear. Trusting the fabric to hold you is part of learning, and instructors are very experienced at helping nervous first-timers.
-
4
Communicate with your instructor if something feels wrong. Adjustments are easy and they'd rather know than have you push through discomfort.
-
5
Mixler has explored aerial yoga socials in Calgary for people who want to try it in a group setting. Join the waitlist and let us know you're interested.
Common Questions
FAQ
Do I need yoga experience for aerial yoga? +
No prior yoga experience is required. Beginner classes assume you're starting from scratch and move at an accessible pace.
Is there a weight limit for aerial yoga? +
Hammocks are rigged to hold several hundred pounds. Most studios have a limit around 250 to 300 lbs. Check with your specific studio before booking.
Is aerial yoga scary if you're afraid of heights? +
The hammock stays fairly close to the ground in beginner classes. Most people find the support of the hammock actually makes heights feel less intimidating.
How is aerial yoga different from regular yoga? +
The hammock allows deeper stretches, supported inversions, and a different kind of core engagement. It also adds an element of play that regular yoga doesn't always have.