Flying yoga, also known as aerial yoga, is a captivating and unique form of yoga that combines traditional yoga poses with the use of a hammock or fabric suspended from the ceiling. This practice allows participants to perform a variety of postures, stretches, and inversions that may be difficult to achieve on the ground. Since flying yoga often involves the use of gravity-defying movements, the clothing you choose can significantly impact both your performance and comfort. It’s important to understand the key aspects of what to wear for flying yoga to ensure that you can practice safely and confidently. This article will guide you through the factors to consider when choosing your attire, provide recommendations for optimal clothing, and explain how proper gear can enhance your experience in flying yoga.
Understanding the Nature of Flying Yoga
Flying yoga is a full-body workout that incorporates strength, flexibility, balance, and mindfulness. The hammock or aerial fabric used in the practice is typically made of durable, soft materials, which provide support during inversions and help practitioners transition between poses. Unlike traditional yoga, where the focus is primarily on grounded postures, flying yoga challenges your body in new ways by using gravity to deepen stretches and improve flexibility. As a result, the movements can range from gentle stretches to more intense acrobatics, requiring a great deal of body awareness, core strength, and coordination.
Flying yoga classes usually involve a combination of gentle stretches, yoga poses, and relaxation, as well as more dynamic and challenging sequences that require the use of the hammock for balance and support. The hammock allows you to explore a variety of movements, such as hanging, twisting, and flipping, all while being supported and guided by the aerial fabric.
Given the variety of movements and positions involved in flying yoga, what you wear during class plays an important role in your overall experience. Proper attire ensures that you can move freely, perform poses safely, and avoid discomfort or distractions during your practice.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Flying Yoga Attire
When selecting your outfit for flying yoga, it’s essential to consider factors such as comfort, mobility, safety, and practicality. The right clothing allows you to focus on your practice without worrying about wardrobe malfunctions, discomfort, or restricted movement. Here are the key aspects to keep in mind:
1. Comfort and Freedom of Movement
Comfort is one of the most important considerations when choosing your flying yoga attire. Flying yoga involves a range of movements, including stretching, bending, and inverting, so your clothes should allow you to move freely and easily. Avoid clothes that are too tight or restrictive, as they can hinder your range of motion and make certain poses difficult to perform.
Look for clothing made from soft, breathable fabrics that move with your body. Materials like cotton, spandex, or moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal for this purpose. These fabrics stretch to accommodate various poses, while also keeping you cool and comfortable during your workout.
2. Avoiding Loose or Baggy Clothing
While comfort is key, you should also avoid wearing loose or baggy clothing in flying yoga. Excess fabric can get in the way of your movements, especially when you’re using the hammock or fabric for support. Loose clothing can also pose a safety risk if it gets caught in the aerial fabric or hammock. For example, oversized sleeves or pants could become entangled in the hammock, making it difficult for you to maintain control of your position.
Instead, opt for form-fitting yet comfortable clothing that stays in place as you move through poses. Tight-fitting leggings, tank tops, or long-sleeve shirts that stay in place are excellent choices for flying yoga.
3. Breathability and Moisture-Wicking Properties
Since flying yoga can be physically demanding, it’s important to choose clothing that can keep up with the demands of the practice. During class, you may experience increased sweating, particularly in more intense sequences. Wearing moisture-wicking fabrics will help keep you dry and comfortable by pulling sweat away from your skin and allowing it to evaporate quickly. This can help prevent discomfort and chafing, especially when you are in inverted or suspended positions.
Opt for materials like nylon, polyester, or blends that are designed for active wear. These fabrics are lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, making them an ideal choice for flying yoga. You may also want to look for garments that are specifically labeled as “moisture-wicking” to ensure they perform well during your practice.
4. Support and Coverage
Support is essential when choosing flying yoga attire. Some postures may require significant strength in your core and upper body, so it’s important to wear clothing that provides the necessary support. For example, when performing inversions or movements that engage your core and shoulders, you’ll want to wear a top that stays secure and doesn’t shift out of place.
For tops, consider wearing sports bras with strong support, especially if you’re doing more dynamic or acrobatic movements. These will help keep everything in place while ensuring comfort. Be mindful of how your bra straps or top design might interact with the aerial hammock to avoid any discomfort or unnecessary pressure points.
In terms of coverage, choose clothing that allows for both flexibility and modesty. Long pants or leggings that cover your legs can help prevent skin irritation from contact with the hammock. Additionally, avoid shorts or skirts, as they can ride up during inversions or dynamic movements, potentially causing discomfort or exposing areas that you may prefer to keep covered.
5. Non-Slip Footwear or Barefoot
Flying yoga is usually practiced barefoot to allow for maximum grip and connection to the hammock. Barefoot practice also gives you greater freedom to perform stretches and inversions, without the restriction of footwear. Most aerial yoga studios encourage participants to practice without shoes, so it’s a good idea to check with your instructor to confirm this.
If you prefer a bit of grip while on the floor or during standing poses, you can opt for non-slip socks, which provide traction and prevent slipping. These socks often have grippy soles that enhance your stability, especially during transitions between poses.
Avoid wearing shoes with hard soles or shoes that can get caught in the fabric. Your feet should be free to move without obstruction, so focus on comfort and grip when practicing barefoot or with non-slip socks.
6. Hair and Accessories
Flying yoga involves movements that may cause your hair to become tangled or in your face. Consider tying your hair back in a secure ponytail, bun, or braid before starting your practice. This will keep your hair out of your eyes and prevent it from getting caught in the hammock or fabric during inversions or flips.
Avoid wearing accessories such as jewelry, watches, or rings, as these can get in the way of your movements or become entangled in the fabric. Simple, functional attire without added distractions will help you stay focused on your practice.
7. Temperature Considerations
Depending on the temperature of your yoga studio and your personal preference, you may need to adjust your clothing to stay comfortable throughout the practice. Some aerial yoga studios are kept cool to help manage body heat during intense sessions, while others may be warmer to encourage flexibility and muscle relaxation.
If you tend to feel cold before the class begins, you can bring a lightweight jacket or sweater to wear during warm-ups. However, make sure to remove it before you start moving into the more intense sequences, as you don’t want any extra fabric restricting your movements.
8. Avoiding Strong Fragrances or Products
While not directly related to clothing, it’s also important to consider how your body products—such as lotions, perfumes, or oils—interact with your attire and the hammock. Strong fragrances can sometimes cause discomfort for others in a shared yoga space, so it’s advisable to use unscented or lightly scented products before your practice. Additionally, heavy lotions or oils can cause your clothes to slip or cause friction with the aerial fabric, affecting your comfort and the integrity of the equipment.
Recommended Flying Yoga Attire
Now that we’ve covered the key factors to consider when choosing your attire, here are some specific recommendations for what to wear for flying yoga:
Tops: Form-fitting tank tops, long-sleeve shirts, or sports bras with supportive straps. Look for moisture-wicking, breathable materials that provide comfort and stay in place. Avoid loose tops that may ride up or get caught in the hammock.
Bottoms: Tight-fitting leggings, capris, or pants made from stretchy, breathable fabrics. Avoid shorts or skirts, as they may expose too much skin during inversions or dynamic poses. Make sure the bottoms are comfortable enough to move freely without restriction.
Footwear: Barefoot or non-slip socks. Aerial yoga is typically done barefoot, but if you prefer additional grip, non-slip socks with rubberized soles can provide extra traction.
Accessories: A secure ponytail, braid, or bun to keep hair out of your face. Avoid jewelry or accessories that could interfere with your movements.
Conclusion
Choosing the right attire for flying yoga is essential to ensure a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable practice. Your clothing should allow for freedom of movement, provide support where needed, and prevent distractions during your session. Remember to focus on comfort, breathability, and practicality when selecting your outfit, while keeping in mind the unique nature of flying yoga and its emphasis on suspension, flexibility, and body awareness. With the right clothing, you’ll be ready to explore the many exciting and empowering poses that aerial yoga has to offer.
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