As more and more people are discovering aerial yoga, they also discover aerial accessories for a fun and safe practice. At Aerial Fitness Institute we often find the main thing holding people down is fear. Having the right tools and securing the safety is essential to ease the minds of the newcomers. It can also help them to enjoy and experience an unforgettable aerial yoga for the first time.
Here are the tools and accessories available for aerial yoga and Pilates. They will help you stay safe throughout your practice. You can access aerial yoga accessories on the internet or in stores.
Essential Aerial Yoga Accessories
These six tools are the most important part of an aerial yoga hammock kit. While some of these tools may be small, they will guarantee the safety of the person who is using the hammock.
The Hammock
A stretchy silky aerial hammocks last a long time as you take care not to snag them with zippers or jewelry. Choose one that is 4m (4.4 yards) or 5m (5.5 yards) wide, even if you are tall you were able to lie stretched out completely flat in it. Some of the hammock are for users up to 182kg (400 pounds). Aerial hammock are available online in many colors.
Note: Avoid non-stretchy ones made out of parachute fabric that are often narrow.
Carabiners
Carabiners are made out of steel or aluminium. This tool connects the hammock to the bar making it suspended in the air. The unscrew to click open and then screw locked for safety. Quality carabiners can carry up to 10000 lbs in weight. Carabiners often come with the aerial yoga hammock set. If you need another set, you can find them in rock climbing centres or online
Daisy Chains
Daisy chains play an important role in using hammocks. It is use if you want to adjust the height of your hammock from the ground to the different height of the ceiling. (Daisy chain extenders are available on the market if the attachment point is too high).
Ceiling Hook
Ceiling hooks are use to keep the whole aerial yoga accessories suspended in the air. It is drille in the ceiling and is capable of holding at least 500kg of weight (1000 pounds). This is where you put the carabiners and suspend the hammock in the air. If you don’t mind spinning in your hammock you can work from a single point. Two suspension points and fixed hip width apart will be much easier when handling classes for more easy control.
Note: A qualified builder or rigger is needed to secure the safety when using ceiling hooks.
Choke Loops
A choke loops is a strong material to wrap the hammock and attach to the carabiners. It is heat resistant and sometimes has a rough texture to prevent hammock from slipping. In using the choke loops you need to loop it around the hammock and will hold steady.
D Rings
D ring can also be use when choke loop is not available. You will twist and thread your hammock through the D ring, tie a tight knot three times. Before using your hammock be sure to put enough weight and check ties before using it for your safety.
Requirements Before Aerial Yoga Hammock Installation
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Enough space to move freely
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Secure ceiling that is enough to handle the weight of the user
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Find a beam that is strong and has not been subjected to any sort of damage
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Pay attention to the capacity of the yoga swing
Optional Aerial Yoga Accessories
Here are some other accessories to consider:
Yoga Swing Hanging Ladder
When we hear about aerial yoga, the first thing to come in our minds is the hammock. But there is also another way to use to suspend in the air. Ladder! That’s right! Although there are many things you can do while in a hammock there are also things you can do to suspend using a ladder.
Yoga Straps or Belts
This tool can be use for both traditional and aerial yoga. It help practitioners with their stretching when part of your body is resting on the floor. It is more likely to be use in restorative or yin aerial yoga.
Yoga Swing Cushion Inserts
You can put this in your hammock for extra comfort. They cushion your body from too much pressure from the hammock in some poses. When you are more comfortable you will enjoy your practice more.
Yoga Wheel
The main purpose of yoga wheels is to improve back flexibility. This tool is also great for stretching.
Deep Tissue Massage Ball
This tool is known because it is perfect for those who are experiencing pain and want to relieve it. Deep tissue massage ball tool is advisable for aerial yoga practitioners because some aerial yoga postures are strenuous and as you get stronger your body might tighten in some areas. So this tool can help release trigger points in muscles and fascial tension.
Extra Large Yoga Mat
An extra large yoga mat is as handy as aerial yoga. It is a large mat that covers more space where you can freely move around and give you confidence in doing yoga. Some of the yogis like to use an extra spongy mat too (like a 15mm thick Pilates mat), but remember to check it doesn’t slide against your floor surface. Experienced aerialists often don’t use a mat at all. Just be sure that whatever mat you use needs to ‘stick’ to your floor for safety.
Remember……
Practicing the right equipment of Aerial can give you positive and fun experience.
The following are some of the advantages:
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Stronger muscles
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Solid core strength
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Improved flexibility
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Longer hold zero compression inversions
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More fresh challenges for regular yoga practitioners
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And a whole lot more!