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  1. What do I wear? All attire should be free from buttons, zippers, crystals or anything that might snag the fabric of the hammocks.  No jewelry is allowed in our hammocks (this includes wedding rings) as jewelry snags the fabric and creates holes. Bottoms – bottoms should be form fitting, especially around the ankles (Capri pants are fine too). Tight fitting bottoms (yoga pants, leggings, etc.) so that as you place your feet and legs in the hammock the fabric from your pants does not get in the way.  Top - a t-shirt that is form fitting and allows ample coverage of your chest, belly and underarms so that when you go upside down everything remains covered.
  2. Can anyone do Aerial Yoga?  Unless otherwise noted, all classes are conducted for the beginner.  As your ability advances you will take the beginner poses and add more complex movements.  But, as long as you do not have specific contraindications which prevent them from certain poses, you are able to participate in all the poses.  Should you have injuries or specific areas of your body that are weak or tender, please consult with the instructor to understand modification options.
  3. Do you have to have Yoga Experience? No Yoga experience is required.  If you have yoga experience, some of the names/poses may be more familiar to you, but how we enter, hold and exit poses with the hammock is different than on the mat. 
  4. Is Aerial Yoga harder or easier than mat Yoga?  This is a difficult question to answer.  Some think Aerial is harder than Mat Yoga while others think the opposite is true.  So the best way to answer is to simply say, it is different.  Aerial and Yoga uses many of the same poses, but you don’t necessarily perform them in the same way.  Aerial allows you to enter poses that you may not be able to enter on the mat (arm balances, shoulder stands, hand stands, inversions, etc.) and also allows for deeper stretches since the hammock holds some of your body weight.  But, Aerial adds the challenge of working with the hammock, and balancing your weight in space or while flying.  Aerial uses lots of core and arm strength in most postures, but you do not necessarily know you are using your core and arms when you are in the poses.  Aerial is a great addition and variation to your traditional Yoga practice.  However, don’t be deterred if you don’t already practice mat yoga, as Aerial has something for everyone.
  5. Am I going to fall out of the hammock?  Every class is led by a certified and knowledgeable instructor who takes your safety as their first priority.  Instructors will talk you through every pose, and will spot you in more difficult poses to ensure you are safe.  Even in our most advanced poses, you are never far off the ground and you have a mat below you.  If you are fearful of “flying” most poses can be completed on the ground or low to the ground as well.
  6. How much weight will the hammocks hold? The hammocks and other equipment used in the studio are rated for 1900 pounds of weight.  Holding you is not an issue.  And, if you are not sure you can perform poses off the ground, ask your instructor to show you the modifications for performing that pose lower to the ground until you get more comfortable with the hammock.  We also have a New Soarer’s Orientation Option available to give you a 30 minute private session in the hammock, allowing you to determine if Aerial Yoga is right for you.
  7. Is this for kids? Of course, Aerial Yoga is for all ages.  We currently have kids’ classes for ages 6-12, and teens classes for 12 -18 year olds.  We have held Parents Night Out classes in the past and will probably try to add these again in February.  These classes move through more advanced poses more quickly as kids have an innate sponge-like ability to pick up poses quicker and most have short attention spans which makes it harder to hold longer poses.  Our kids’ classes challenge them and allow kids to be in an environment that is geared to them and their needs.
  8. Sometimes the hammock hurts.  Is this supposed to hurt? As you are learning to use the hammock and position it properly on your body, there are some poses that take a little practice to adjust the hammock so that it is comfortable.  If you are experiencing discomfort or pain, bring that to the instructor’s attention so they can help you properly adjust the material for minimal discomfort.  As you attend more classes you will be more familiar with your body and the hammock and any discomfort will go away. 
  9. Does the hammock move to different heights and how will I know how to adjust it?  All of our hammocks are adjustable and the instructors will tell you where you hammock should be for each class and each pose.  Most poses can be performed at differing heights.  If you need help adjusting your hammock, your instructor will gladly assist you with that.
  10. Am I too old or too heavy or too out of shape to participate in Aerial Yoga classes?  No, No and No.  All of our basic classes are created for all fitness levels and experience.  But if you are a little unsure whether you can do Aerial yoga, we have a New Soarer’s Orientation Option that allows you a private 30 minutes session to help get you familiar with our hammocks.  This would be a great way to start and boost your confidence that no matter your size, age, or physical fitness level, you can do Aerial Yoga. 

Aerial Yoga - Top Ten Questions

 

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Aerial Yoga - Questions You Should Be Asking

 

 

  1. What are the health benefits for Aerial Yoga?  The benefits of Aerial Yoga are very similar to those of Yoga.  This activity increases strength, flexibility and balance, as well as knowledge or your body in space (proprioception).   Aerial Yoga allows you to invert easily, and inversion benefits include: decompression of the spine, increased circulation due to reversed blood flow, increased function of the lymphatic system (our toxin elimination function), mental revitalization by bringing more blood to the brain, and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system which produces feelings of balance and calm.  BUT maybe the most beneficial aspect of Aerial Yoga is IT IS FUN, and as the saying goes “laughter is the best medicine”!
  2. How does this benefit my body, mind and spirit? In addition to the benefits listed above, each Aerial Yoga class begins with centering (a focus inward) and ends with relaxation.  These two things alone give you more awareness of your body and help to get your mind calm.  We also practice deep relaxation and meditation in some of our classes that will help you on your journey to truly connect to your spirit.
  3. What are health issues that will not allow me to participate in Aerial Yoga? There are a few contraindications (health issues) that may not allow you to do Aerial Yoga.  These are pregnancy, epilepsy, glaucoma, heart abnormalities, high or low blood pressure, hernia, or recovering from recent surgeries.  As with any form or exercise, ask your doctor if you can participate if you have concerns about any health issues.
  4. How physically intense are the classes?  Do we get sweaty? This is entirely up to you. If you want to work up a sweat you can, but most of our classes are geared to increasing strength and flexibility AND allowing you to leave the studio to go to your next destination without smelling like a sweaty goat.  (This is not intended to say goats put down goats in any way).
  5. Can I participate in a regular basic class without looking stupid as the “new kid” in class?  We were all the “new kid” at this less than a year ago.  We love new kids and so do our other students.  You will find our studio, instructors and other students very welcoming to everyone.  Part of our mission is not only to give you Aerial Yoga, Yoga and Pole Fitness options, but to create a social community (stay tuned for Soar Socials in the future) where you can make new friends while doing something that is good for your mind and body AND it’s fun so you want to keep coming back!
  6. What if I have motion sickness?  First, let your instructor know when you take your class.  But what we have found to be true is motion sickness may sneak up on your during your first class, and then seems to disappear from your second class on.  Regardless, we can modify poses to help eliminate motion sickness from occurring.
  7. How frequently should I attend classes?  Well, the rule of thumb is…every day that you want to be a good day, include yoga (or in this case Aerial Yoga) in your routine.  But, we understand that life gets crazy.  If you can commit to 2-3 days a week, you will definitely feel the benefits.
  8. Can I expect to lose weight if I attend classes?  As with any workout routine, this is dependent on other factors like diet, genetics, medicines, etc.  But, we have seen many success stories from our clients who have joined to lose weight or build muscle. 
  9. How can I get my friends to attend?  Bring them to a class with you, or organize a group class for just you and your friends.  Once they come, they will be hooked.  If they need more persuading, let us know and we can try to help you get them here.
  10. Are there classes available for different age/gender/experience levels?  We currently offer Basic Aerial Yoga that is open to all adults, Kids classes for 6-12 year olds, and Teens classes for 12- 18 year olds. We will soon be adding a Gentler Aerial class for those who might be scared of the hammock or feel they are “too old” or “too heavy”.  Let us know if there are other classes you are interested in attending and we will do our best to accommodate it.
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Pole Fitness - Top Questions You Ask Us

 

  1. Is Pole Fitness, Pole Dancing and Striptease the same thing?  Well, no!  Pole Fitness and Pole Dancing are physical exercises, using a vertical barre as equipment to suspend in artistic positions, shapes and movements.  Generally these art forms are used as a form of fitness and expression performed by the participant for the participant.  Many of the moves performed on the pole are similar to moves performed in ballet, dance, gymnastics and yoga. They are simply interpreted on a vertical pole instead of the horizontal apparatus used in gymnastics or a hammock as used in Aerial Yoga.  Striptease involves erotically removing one's clothes, with a focus on sexual positions for the pleasure of a mostly male audience and may or may not include a vertical pole.   Very different intentions and experiences by both the participant and the audience.
  2. Why do you wear little to no clothes (sports bra and short shorts) for pole fitness? Exposed skin = safe inversions!!  Given the choice, most of us would probably perform pole in yoga pants and a tank-top.  However, we suspend ourselves in the air purely by friction and counter-balance against the metal pole.  If we wear clothes, we don't have any friction and slide off the pole - potentially injuring ourselves.  Exposed skin allows us to grip the pole, and you'd be surprised how many different places are common grips.  Inner thigh...side of stomach...behind the shoulder...bicep...ankles...between the shoulder-blade and the spine...
  3. Can I do pole fitness if I am not strong in my upper body?  You don’t have to be strong to do pole.  You do pole to BECOME strong.  Yes, having some base strength will allow you to potentially master moves more quickly, but it is by no means a requirement.  You can go from not being able to do a pushup to being able to suspend yourself off the pole with just your arms in shorter time than you may think.  It won't happen overnight, and it takes time and dedication, but it is doable for EVERYONE.
  4. Why is my grip slipping?  Am I too weak to hold the pole?  Grip strength is a real issue.  Poles take a while to warm up, a cold pole is a slippery pole.  A sweaty pole is a slick pole.  These don't change, but as you try to work through the slick more and more, you'll find your grip strength improving.  One day you'll realize that you're coping with more sweat on your hands than you used to be able to.  As with everything in pole, grip strength comes with time.  And, if the pole feels slick when you first start, there are many “tacky” sprays that can be used to help you until your hand grip and strength improves.
  5. Doesn’t being on the pole hurt? Ok, this one isn't a misconception.  It's straight-up fact.  Pole dancing hurts on the surface.  You're holding yourself up by the friction between your skin and a piece of metal, it's going to pull on it.  Your first layback is probably going to be very uncomfortable, and each new move you try is going to feel just a little different, so you're never used to everything.  You do get used to it though, and with time you won't notice the pinch and pull as much and you'll be able to stay in poses longer.  Then you'll take a week off and it feels like you're back to square one.  So pain on the surface means you've got something to work on.
  6. I am overweight am I too big to pole dance?  Nope.  You're not.  Search YouTube, there are some amazing plus-sized pole dancers out there.  And think of it this way: you'll actually get stronger faster.  Pole dance is a body-weight workout.  So if you have more mass, you're potentially doing a more intense workout.
  7. Do I have to wear heels? We have nice wood floors in the studio, so we ask that everyone works barefoot.  We also teach from either a fitness or modern-dance based technique background.  Both of which do not traditionally use heels.)
  8. Do I have to wear the short-shorts and sports bra mentioned above? Not when you're first starting out.  Our beginner classes focus mainly on building strength, floor work, spins, and introduction to poses on the pole.  However, there are quite a few poses that require inner-thigh grip, so having the ability to roll up your leggings/shorts is a huge asset.  You definitely want to be able to expose up to your knees, as you need all that shin to climb - which we practice every day.  As you become more advanced, you'll find the need to expose different parts of you - such as the side of your stomach - in order to get proper grip and stay safe.  Many students wear shorts under their yoga pants so they have them handy if they are ready to practice moves that require more skin-to-pole grip.
  9. My skin is dry.  Can I put lotion on? After class...preferably once you get home.  You really don't want to put any sort of oil or lotion on your body for 24 hours before a pole class.  If you think it's hard to grip the pole when your hands are sweaty, think about how difficult - and dangerous - it is to do it with the added oils of a lotion.  It also affects anyone using the pole after you and can be very dangerous for them as removing lotion from the poles is far from easy.
  10. Does pole fitness create bruising?  You can bruise from pole-dancing, yes.  You're using your body in ways it's not used to.  But in time, you'll find that you don't see the marks as ugly.  They are trophies, because they mean that you did something new.  They mean that you pushed yourself.  They mean that you're progressing and becoming more advanced.  
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