Aerial Yoga Near Me: The Best Classes & Studios In London
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7 months ago
Say Namast-hey to the hammock
Looking to get your yoga sessions off the ground? You can do that – quite literally – at one of these aerial yoga classes in London. Here’s our list of the best studios to check out now.
What Is Aerial Yoga?
A type of yoga that incorporates the use of a hammock or silk fabric suspended from the ceiling, aerial yoga (also known as ‘anti-gravity yoga’) is a physical practice that combines traditional yoga poses, Pilates-inspired movements and acrobatic elements using the hammock as a support. Originating from aerial arts, the practice was adapted for yoga to include deeper stretches and unique inversions – many of which are made easier to perform than they would be on the ground thanks to the hammock.
What Are The Benefits?
Like any other form of exercise, aerial yoga comes with its own list of health benefits, including:
- Increased flexibility
- Improved spin alignment
- Muscular tension release through self-massage techniques
- Improved core strength
- Decompression of joints and increased mobility
- Enhanced mental wellbeing
- Weight loss
Who Can Do Aerial Yoga?
Unfortunately, those who are currently pregnant can’t take part in classes – and it’s advised that those with any major, bones or musculoskeletal injuries, disorders or diseases should take caution before trying aerial yoga, and should ideally see a doctor or physio first.
Is It Harder Than Regular Yoga?
Whether you find aerial yoga more difficult than regular yoga is up to you, really. Aerial yoga will test you in different ways than what you might be used to, and some might find it initially easier than floor-based yoga due to the support of the hammock – although keep in mind that you’ll be doing plenty of inversions (upside down movements), which might not be the best fit for everyone.
Classes & Studios Near Me: Aerial Yoga In London
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Repose
Best For: Holistic wellness
Kensington wellness hub Repose might be best known for its top-rated biohacking programmes (think sessions with cryotherapy, red light therapy and infrared saunas), but it’s also home to a number of fitness classes designed to streamline the body and clear the mind. Here, you can book an aerial yoga session under the studio’s Antigravity fitness class section; classes are split into experience levels, and are available in a simple yoga format or fused with other practices like Pilates, barre and suspension fitness.
Address: 40 Kensington High Street, London W8 4PW
BOOK: The Repose Introduction Pack (three group sessions and three biohacking sessions) is £119, with memberships starting from £125. repose-space.co.uk
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Hackney Aerial Yoga
Best For: Friendly atmosphere
If you’re after a low-stress environment where you can find your feet and get into the swing of things, then you’ll want to book a class at Hackney Aerial Yoga. Certified yoga instructor Azahara leads group classes suitable for all levels, developmental workshops and private sessions where you can receive one-on-one coaching.
Address: 231-233 Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 9HP
BOOK: One-hour classes start from £25. hackneyaerialyoga.co.uk
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London Dance Academy
Best For: All levels
One of the first studios to bring aerial yoga to London back in 2010, London Dance Academy is hub of activity when it comes to all things off-the-ground fitness. Classes combine ancient yogic principles with modern aerial techniques, and are suitable for all levels – from beginner to seasoned yogi.
Address: London Dance Academy, The Basement, 49-51 Central Street, London EC1V 8AB
BOOK: Single 60-minute class packs start from £19, while memberships start from £90. londondanceacademy.co.uk
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The Shala
Best For: Affordability
One of the London yoga centres offering aerial classes is The Shala. The studio, which is located between Dulwich and Streatham, specialises in workshops that focus on aspects of breath work, meditation, nidra, yin yoga and aerial movements – with classes led by an experienced teaching team (each with over 10 years of experience under their belt).
Address: The Shala, Third Floor, 537 Norwood Road, West Norwood London SE27 9DL (entrance on 1 Chestnut Road, SE27 9EZ)
BOOK: The Shala Introductory Pack (three in-studio sessions and unlimited access to an on-demand library) is £30, while single classes start from £19.50. Low cost single classes are also available, and are priced from £5. theshalalondon.com
Floating Fitness, Forest Hill
Best For: Children & adults
Classes catering to all ages and skill levels make Floating Fitness one of the most accessible aerial yoga studios in London, with classes designed to help you gradually build up muscle to prepare for more advanced tricks and movements. Book onto one of the studio’s regular classes, or get the gang together for a one-off private session that’s guaranteed to add a little spice to your weekday evening.
Address: Studio One – Keynote Studios, 58-72 Dalmain Road, London SE23 1AT
BOOK: The Floating Fitness Intro Offer (three 60-minute group sessions) is £48, with single classes starting from £22. floatingfitness.com
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Elements by Retrofit London
Best For: Calming spaces
The worst kept (but most coveted) secret in London’s wellness scene is Elements, a cosy studio located just off the hustle and bustle of Kensington High Street. The studio is probably best known for its mat and reformer Pilates classes, although once you’ve tried one of its aerial yoga sessions you’ll find yourself hard-pressed to pick between the two. Expect an exceptionally calming space, as well as instructors that will help you push beyond your comfort zone to reach your goals.
Address: George House (Corner of Kensington Church Street and Campden Grove), Kensington, London W8 4BA
BOOK: Single classes start from £34. elementsbyretrofitlondon.com
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Flying Fantastic, Several Locations
Best For: Post-work hours
Aerial fitness school Flying Fantastic was et up back in 2011 with the goal to get London flying – and, so far, it’s been pretty successful. Alongside aerial hoop, silks, slings, straps and static trapeze (which are sweat-inducing workouts in their own right), the studio offers aerial yoga classes where students move through traditional yoga postures using a low-hanging, wide aerial sling.
Address: Locations in Bankside and Peckham, see the full address for each studio here.
BOOK: The Flying Fantastic New Customer Offer (three classes) is £55, with single classes starting from £30. flyingfantastic.co.uk
Featured image: Ketut Subiyanto, Pexels
