It is Saturday morning, and curious yogis of all levels are arriving to experience a very unique class: Aerial Yoga. As they enter the building, a gentle mist fills the space, with floral strands hanging from wooden beams above and soft piano melodies playing in the background. The yogis take their places next to their silk hammocks, eagerly anticipating the start of the class. A young woman with a soft brown ponytail and a body built like a gymnast steps out and warmly greets each guest individually before taking her place at the center of the room. This is Yadi Jelen. She’s a certified aerial yoga instructor from Clovis, California. “Welcome to Aerial Yoga,” she announces to her students. “Let’s take a journey together in the clouds.”

Yadi was introduced to yoga during her teenage years; it blossomed into a profound practice in her adult life that she now shares with the Central Valley. She delved deeply into understanding the connection between breath, mind, and body, embracing the principles and philosophies of yoga through guidance from various influential teachers. Drawing from her extensive background in gymnastics and acrobatics, Yadi found her way to teaching, practicing, and performing aerial arts. Aerial arts involve a mix of acrobatics and dance performed in the air on a suspended apparatus such as a trapeze, lyra, or silks.

While Yadi initially immersed herself in aerial silks in New York City, her passion broadened when she took her first lyra class as she spun and flipped around a steel hoop. This ignited a newfound love for the diverse world of aerial arts. Despite being an enjoyable experience, lyra can be quite challenging for beginners, often causing discomfort and appearing intimidating. Yadi sought a more inclusive and therapeutic aerial practice that would still offer excitement, leading her to discover aerial yoga. She enrolled in as many classes as possible and completed her aerial yoga teacher training soon after at Trilogy Sanctuary in La Jolla, San Diego.

She has been actively sharing her expertise ever since. The feedback she receives from students keeps her coming back. “When a student inverts for the first time, there is nothing that compares to the smiles on their faces and their feelings of accomplishment. Seeing people face their fears and have fun simultaneously is so fulfilling,” professes Yadi. Currently, Yadi conducts classes at various local spots, such as BODY Fitness & Spa, Yosemite Strength and Training, private residences, private events, and yoga festivals. Here is an overview of aerial yoga, highlighting its physical and mental benefits, as well as the challenges that enthusiasts may find rewarding to overcome.

Aerial Yoga Decoded

Aerial yoga involves a mix of traditional asanas (yoga poses) and elements of aerial arts, with practitioners suspended in silk hammocks from the ceiling or tall structures. These hammocks support and guide students through poses, creating a unique and dynamic experience. Students begin by grounding breaths and continue to a warm-up. A sequence of yoga poses using hammocks follows, typically with the option to learn or practice inversions. To close, classes end in restful poses as the breath slows and stillness enters.

The Big Picture Benefits

Aerial yoga offers a range of benefits, such as enhanced flexibility, increased muscle strength, better balance, prevention of cartilage and joint breakdown, and improved posture. The use of silk hammocks allows for a wide range of motion and supports strengthening postures and exercises. Most poses are performed with partial to full body weight in the silk. Suspension permits more movement without compressing joints.

Mental, Not Just Physical

Additionally, the cocoon-like feeling of the silks during poses like savasana can promote a sense of relaxation and mental surrender. Incorporating inversions in aerial yoga classes can bring additional health advantages, including improved circulation, spinal realignment, and enhanced focus. It can also alleviate muscle pain, which, in turn, reduces stress. Practicing aerial yoga also releases endorphins that can boost your mood!

Challenges Worth Mastering

There are some challenges new students may face when participating in an aerial yoga class. “Some [students],” Yadi acknowledges, “have a difficult time inverting for the first time.” Inverting is when yogis wrap themselves in the silk hammock and flip upside down. Others may fear they lack the strength and flexibility to take part in the class. However, Yadi says that students will learn, progress, and push past obstacles with each class they attend.

As you embark on your journey in the clouds, remember that aerial yoga is not just about mastering poses but about embracing the process and experiencing the transformative power of movement and breath. So, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, we welcome you to this practice that blends the grace of yoga with the thrill of aerial arts. Namaste!

Health & Fitness Contributor Austin Naes
Photographer Roy Vissers