Aerial yoga is a unique and exhilarating practice that combines traditional yoga poses with the use of a silk hammock suspended from the ceiling. While this fusion of yoga and aerial arts offers a fun and challenging workout, it also requires special consideration when it comes to what you wear. Proper attire is crucial not only for your comfort but also for your safety during this inverted, suspended practice.
Being suspended in a hammock means that your clothing choices can directly impact your ability to move freely and maintain proper form. Loose or ill-fitting garments can easily bunch up, creating discomfort and potentially compromising your grip on the fabric. Additionally, certain fabrics or accessories may catch on the hammock, posing a hazard and disrupting your flow.
Wearing the right attire allows you to focus fully on your practice, without the distraction of constantly adjusting your clothing or worrying about potential wardrobe malfunctions. It also helps prevent skin abrasions or other injuries that can occur from friction against the hammock’s material. By choosing the appropriate tops, bottoms, footwear, and accessories, you can enhance your aerial yoga experience, ensuring both comfort and safety throughout your practice.
Tops for Aerial Yoga: Keep It Covered and Fitted
When it comes to tops for aerial yoga, form-fitting is the way to go. Loose or baggy shirts can easily get caught or tangled in the fabric hammock, posing a safety hazard. At the same time, you don’t want tops that are too tight and restrict your movement or breathing. Look for stretchy, moisture-wicking fabrics that allow a full range of motion.
Long-sleeved tops are ideal for aerial yoga. The extra coverage helps prevent skin abrasions from the hammock fabric rubbing against your arms. Plus, the sleeves provide extra grip, which can be especially helpful for inverted poses or transitions. Avoid tank tops or sleeveless shirts, as these leave more exposed skin vulnerable to friction burns.
While sports bras are a staple for many yoga practices, they typically don’t offer enough coverage for aerial yoga. The inverted and suspended positions can easily lead to wardrobe malfunctions. Instead, opt for a fitted top that provides full torso coverage, even when upside down. A close-fitting shirt or rashguard-style top is a safe and comfortable choice.
Bottoms for Aerial Yoga: Leggings Over Shorts
When it comes to bottoms for aerial yoga, leggings or yoga pants are the superior choice over shorts. The suspended inversions and poses involved in aerial yoga make shorts a less ideal option, as they can easily ride up and expose more than you’d like. Leggings and yoga pants provide full coverage, allowing you to move freely without worrying about exposure.
Additionally, it’s crucial to choose high-waisted bottoms for aerial yoga. The inverted positions and hanging poses can cause regular waistbands to slip down, leading to potential wardrobe malfunctions. High-waisted leggings or yoga pants will stay securely in place, preventing any accidental exposure or discomfort.
Avoid overly loose or baggy pants, as the excess fabric can bunch up or get caught in the aerial hammock or rigging. Opt for form-fitting bottoms that allow for a full range of motion without restricting your movements. The right pair of leggings or yoga pants will ensure you can focus on your practice without any distractions or discomfort.
What To Wear To Aerial Yoga
When it comes to footwear for aerial yoga, going barefoot is the ideal option. This allows you to grip the fabric hammock with your feet and toes for better stability and control. However, if you prefer some coverage, grip socks with textured bottoms for traction are a suitable alternative. Avoid wearing regular socks, as they can be too slippery and compromise your grip.
As for accessories, it’s best to keep them to a minimum. Loose jewelry, such as dangling earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings, can get caught in the fabric hammock or pose a safety hazard. Remove any piercings that could snag on the hammock or cause discomfort during inversions. Additionally, tie back long hair securely to prevent it from getting tangled or obstructing your vision during poses.
Fabrics and Optional Gear for Comfort
When it comes to fabric choices for aerial yoga, you’ll want to stick to breathable, moisture-wicking materials that provide both stretch and grip. Cotton and moisture-wicking synthetic blends are excellent options, as they allow for freedom of movement while keeping you dry and comfortable. Avoid slippery fabrics like silk or satin, as they can cause you to slide around in the hammock, compromising your grip and making poses more challenging.
In addition to choosing the right fabrics, there are a few optional gear items that can enhance your aerial yoga experience. Hand grips, for instance, can provide extra traction and support for your hands, especially as you build up grip strength. Knee pads are another useful accessory, offering cushioning and protection for your knees during floor work or when transitioning in and out of the hammock.
Sarah Strausberg is a dedicated yoga instructor who shares her passion for the practice through both in-person classes and an informative blog on Racinepost.com. With a deep understanding of the physical and mental benefits of yoga, Sarah guides her students on transformative journeys of self-discovery and wellness.