METROFITT Reveals All You Need to Know About "Swing Yoga"

Swing Yoga Is a newly emerging practice with roots in regular old yoga. Swing Yoga draws inspiration, and borrows the principles of alignment from Yoga, and practices them in a fun, dynamic way by adding the swing.

METROFITT’s revels all you need to know about Swing Yoga
 

METROFITT Fitness Club
 

What are the simple terms is Swing Yoga?

Swing Yoga or Aerial yoga is also known as AntiGravity Yoga is a yoga practice which uses a yoga swing or yoga hammock to help aid and support the poses and allow students to perform postures that they may not ordinarily be able to attempt on the yoga mat.

Physical Benefits: 

• Alleviates muscle tension, neck & back pain.

• Core strengthening - essential for good spinal health and posture.

• Promotes increased joint mobility & flexibility.

• Improves functional upper, full body & grip strength.

• Proprioception - creates better body awareness improving balance & agility.

• Makes it easier to work on proper alignment in poses and hold them for longer.

• Benefits cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive & lymphatic systems.

Mental Benefits:

• Helps to relieve anxiety & stress.

• Stimulates the release of the happy hormones serotonin & dopamine.?

• Releases oxytocin that can enhance the feeling of wellbeing.

• Activates the parasympathetic nervous system benefiting sleep.

How is this type of yoga different from traditional yoga postures?

Swing Yoga is practising the same traditional yoga posture on the mat by using a yoga swing. The yoga swing offers a level of support in each pose and practises proper alignment, build strength and improve flexibility. This discipline enables each one to perform challenging yoga poses that are difficult to do on the ground and to defy gravity. Most of the yoga poses done in aerial yoga practice are done hanging the body off the floor and inversions such us handstand that can be easily performed with the support of the yoga swing. The act of pulling yourself up into the yoga swing as well during the transitions is a great way to keep your shoulders balanced and healthy in both pulling and pressing. The benefit of the movement type of “pulling” like when you perform a pull-up, is not found in traditional yoga practice.

What are the methods of attaching the hooks?

Your first step would be to position the ceiling hooks about 70cms apart from one another as you press them against the ceiling/concrete. Mark the position with the pen and mark the circle where the screws will exactly go in. Get a drill bit that’s the same size as the bolts that came with your hammock mount or hook. They should be sized appropriately so that the entire bolt fits snugly inside the pilot hole. Press the bit against the marks that you made and pull the trigger of your electric drill while applying upward pressure. This will create holes for your mount bolts. Slide the bolts into the pilot holes and tighten them and expand them. Then, follow the instruction manual to hang the yoga swing.

Are there any particular criteria - height, weight and similar - to be able to do the Swing yoga?

Everyone can practice Swing Yoga regardless of height, weight, age or fitness level. Most of the Yoga Swing is manufactured to its quality that can support approximately up to 200kg of body weight with the stable attachment of the hook on the ceiling. 

What are the different types of Swing Yoga positions?

Hanging Bat Pose, Flying Shoulder Stand Pose, Inverted Lotus Pose, Inverted Eagle Pose, Handstand & Head Stand, Flying Bow Pose, Flying Pigeon Pose, Flying Split Pose, Flying Tree Pose, Flying Warrior Pose

Is Swing Yoga more difficult to learn than regular yoga?

Swing yoga is suitable for anyone and everyone. With a swath of soft fabric bolstering your body and keeping you off the ground, whether you're inexperienced, a beginner or advanced yogi, aerial yoga is an effective way to challenge and improve your strength and flexibility.

It does take a short time to become comfortable in the yoga swing, then you'll be able to practice aerial poses with ease and grace! Swing Yoga positions are not difficult to get into or hold for long periods, as your body is well-supported by the swing and apparatus.

Is it safe for pregnant women to practice?

While aerial yoga tends to be safe for most people, individuals with specific health conditions should get the green light from their physician before wrapping themselves up in the silky fabric. Inversions also aren’t recommended for those with high blood pressure or diabetes due to the blood pressure spike that can occur before your body acclimates to being upside down. Also, people with brittle bones or osteoporosis, as well as women in the later stages of pregnancy, should probably choose another form of exercise.

What is the special equipment needed for Swing Yoga?

Aside from the Yoga Swing set installed a practitioner may need to have a yoga mat to support the body on ground poses. A yoga block will also be helpful as an added support of the body in landing the poses. 

How has the response from this region been to this type of yoga?

Swing Yoga class is one of the most desired fitness programs especially to those who are attending traditional yoga classes and would like to boost their practice into another level using the yoga swing. Swing Yoga in its uniqueness of practice and wealth benefits it is not offered for free in most studios in Dubai. Aside from the fact that not all fitness gyms have the Swing Yoga facility so I could imagine if one gym can have as part of member’s benefit, no doubt it could be a plus factor in the business.

Swing Yoga has an addictive effect once a student tries it once, he/she will be in love with the program because of the relaxation, calming, self-confidence effect not to mention the massive health benefits it will bring to the body. Given the right tool to promote the program, the word of mouth and the conventional facility, Swing Yoga will certainly outburst more its demand. 

About METROFITT

Founded in 2017. Bringing diversity and dynamism to the UAE’s buzzing fitness landscape, METROFITT is an affordable premium fitness club with four gyms in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. From strength-building machines to dedicated sweat and power zones, it has sleek amenities for all fitness levels. With a power-packed team of personal trainers on hand, it’s committed to offering transformational fitness solutions for all types of lifestyles. Partnering with Global brands like LesMills & Matrix, METROFITT blends top technology and the hottest beats for a workout that always hits the spot. It’s GX time table features classic and trendy classes from Zumba and Pilates to Body Pump, Swing Yoga and soon to start JUMPFITT and pound class. METROFITT’s member base has skyrocketed to over 10,000 members since its launch in 2018. With access to world-class equipment, fitness experts, and free GX programs - METROFITT’s membership is only AED 199 per month.