Upside Down and Loving It: My Aerial Yoga Adventure

Ever since I saw Pink perform aerial silks in concert, I had a sneaking suspicion that I, too, could do this… and be fabulous at it. In reality? Not so much. Lacking the considerable upper-body strength to wrangle the silks, I decided to try the next best thing: aerial yoga.

It all looks so graceful, so athletic, so calming. Armed with high hopes, I headed to the studio with a friend, ready to realise my dream of being fabulous, super-ripped, and elegant.

The studio was beautiful: silky, pastel-coloured silks hanging from the ceiling like plumes of floating waves. Our instructor wafted in, a yoga master with endless patience, encouraging words, and skilful demonstrations.

I’m not going to lie, I did muddle my way through that first class...

Graceful? No. 

Disaster? Yes. 

I was awkward, fearful, uncoordinated, and generally a hot mess. I got myself tangled, and even had a mini meltdown while hanging upside down. But then, at the end of class, our instructor let us lie in our silks like hammocks. My moment to shine. I was undoubtedly excellent at lying lifeless in a hammock. Life goals achieved. 

Now, if you don’t know me well, I do like a challenge. I am not easily deterred. So, I went back for more. And it got easier. I actually learned to hang upside down in a relaxed state, breathe through stretches, and be mindful and present. Over time, I shifted from fear to calm, from tension to ease, and from feeling awkward to feeling capable.

Going through this process made me realise that aerial yoga isn’t just about doing cool tricks in the air. It offers real physical, mental, and emotional benefits that support overall wellbeing. The movements, stretches, and inversions aren’t just fun, they engage the body, calm the mind, and help build confidence. Here are some of the ways aerial yoga can enhance your health and wellness:

• Improved flexibility:  The hammock supports deeper stretches, opening up shoulders, hips, and spine.
• Strength building: Balancing and holding poses engages core, arms, and back muscles. 
• Spinal decompression: Gentle inversions relieve tension and improve posture.
• Stress reduction: Suspended movement and mindful breathing activate the body’s relaxation response.
• Balance & coordination: Constant micro-adjustments enhance body awareness and stability.
• Mindfulness & presence: Focused attention on movement and breath cultivates a calm mind.
• Confidence & empowerment: Overcoming fears in the air builds resilience 

Now, I’m not claiming to suddenly be the OG of aerial yoga. I’ve gone from totally struggling to being (drum roll, please)… adequate. And you know what? I’m ok with that. I have fun, I feel calm, and that’s what really matters at the end of the day.

Sometimes, trying something new is exactly what it’s about, finding your jam. Finding hobbies that nourish you and fill your cup.

As an occupational therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful activity promotes wellbeing. I once worked in a hospital ward and noticed that the people who seemed happiest and most resilient were those connected to activities that gave them meaning, purpose, and social connection. It makes perfect sense: occupation is health-promoting, enriching, and connecting.

For me, aerial yoga became one of those nourishing activities- challenging, fun, and oddly satisfying. It reminded me that wellbeing isn’t just about fitness or relaxation, it’s about doing things that light you up.

Now let’s talk about you. What is something you’d like to try to challenge yourself, have fun, or learn a new skill? It might not be aerial yoga. Maybe it’s training for a charity run, trying stand-up paddleboarding, or learning a musical instrument. Whatever it is, what’s stopping you? There’s no better time to start than now.