Yoga is a means by which you can ascend to new heights of consciousness through the regular practice of asanas, or yoga poses, and meditation. Christopher Harrison took that to heart when he created AntiGravity yoga in 2007. By using the specially created AntiGravity hammock, a silk sling attached to supports in the ceiling which can hold up to 1,000 lbs., students of this style of yoga take the ancient yoga poses off the mat and into the air. AntiGravity yoga poses are designed to blend old wisdom with new insight.
Washboard Pushups
One of the simplest AntiGravity yoga poses also manages to create a killer workout for your abs. Standing on a yoga mat in front of the sling, you grab a piece of the sling with each of your hands, which are shoulder-width apart. Straighten your arms while pushing the sling away from you with your hands and lean your body forward into a 45 degree angle. Hold for a few seconds at the apex of the pose, keeping your heels on the ground and then return to the starting position.
Flying Downward Dog
Like its namesake in Hatha yoga, Downward Dog AntiGravity style is intended to strengthen your back and is an effective stretch for your spine. Settle the sling against your body at the crease between your torso and upper legs. Folding forward, place your hands on the floor; after which you walk your feet back until your hips are positioned directly below the hammock supports. Lift your feet off the floor one at a time and curl your lower legs towards your buttocks. For an additional stretch, move your hips from side to side.
T Plank
Cradle your upper back in the sling and bend your knees. Sweep your arms out to the sides at shoulder height making sure they are behind the sling. Straighten your legs and lean forward. Don’t worry about falling flat on your face as the swing is supporting the fronts of your shoulders. Rise up on your toes and then lower your heels a number of times and then release the pose by bending your knees and pushing back with your feet until you are in an upright position.
Monkey Pose
As in regular yoga, AntiGravity yoga students are introduced to inverted poses. Taking a load off has never been such an apt description as practitioners of aerial yoga use the hammock for support while they flip upside down. Place the sling tautly against your sacrum. Take a step forward and slide your hands up the swing as you bend one knee at a time and lift your legs off the floor. Splay your knees to the sides and bring the soles of your feet together. Separate your feet and wrap them once around the sling. Let go of the swing with your hands, let your arms hang free and hang upside down.
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