Up, up and namaste

WITH summer fast approaching, most people find themselves scrambling for a new fitness regimen that will help them reboot their bodies and shed off the extra weight brought over by the flavorful festivities of the holiday season. Not only is it the season of beaches and bikinis but it also seems to be that time of year when an inner thirst for adventure, a craving for transcendence and a hunger to try out something new seems to stir inside most people.

Adventure-seekers looking to find a way to detoxify their bodies and deviate from their usual workout might want to look into Aerial Yoga, which involves yoga-based exercises using aerial silks that hang down from a rig point. As a growing global trend, its benefits include stress-relief, aid in digestion, an improvement in blood circulation, weight loss and an overall effect to combat aging.

Rica Gomez, currently one of the main yoga instructors teaching Aerial Yoga in Cebu, had been practicing Vinyasa for six years before she finally decided to re-introduce Aerial Yoga to Cebu. She shared that she had always loved the idea of flight; the feeling of which can be achieved through doing arm balances and inversion poses.

“When I tried aerial yoga, I was able to stay inverted 10 times longer than my regular mat practice—and with such ease on my first session! I loved the energy I got from the practice and felt a huge difference after my first class,” she said as she marveled at how the practice decompressed her spine immediately.

“My back felt amazing. From then on, I knew it was the next step to deepening and exploring my personal yoga journey. It quickly became my calling to share this with as much people as I can.”

To prepare for the class, Rica dove right into the work and absorbed as much information as she could. “I started practicing and immersing myself in aerial books and videos almost every day. I’ve completed a 250-hour Aerial Teacher Training Course, which is a great addition to my existing 200-hour Vinyasa Training,” she said as she explained that the best way for her to learn was through consistent self-practice, play and exploration.

Many benefits come from the practice of Aerial Yoga—which improves hip, shoulder and spinal flexibility much faster than regular yoga because it frees up movement by counteracting gravity. “Suspension in the air releases tension on the bones and muscles strengthen the core. It moves and stretches almost all the body parts in ways where the ground restricts you. The muscles get toned and redefined, while joints are regenerated,” Rica said.

The practice is also said to have emotional benefits as well: to combat stress and increase creativity, “It hikes up the adrenaline and releases ‘happy hormones’ like serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine—which boost your mood and leave you feeling energized,” she said.

As for the aerial silks, they are completely safe to maneuver with as the yogi claims that the fabric is soft on the skin and can hold up to 2,000 pounds.

Aerial Yoga classes are available for reservation only in Asana, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Students are advised: Wear fitted tops with sleeves and long leggings to protect the skin from fabric burn, come to class well-hydrated but on an empty stomach, and to be there at least 10 minutes before the class so that the hammocks can be adjusted according to their individual height.

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