What would happen if you combined yoga, Pilates, and a cardio workout all while being suspended in the air?
Geraldine Anderson answered this question when she introduced the community to the aptly named Suspension Yoga. The class is a full body workout, which incorporates yoga and Pilates techniques, where the individual is required to use a material hammock, which is suspended from the ceiling, as an exercise tool.
In case you are wondering why you would want to hang upside down in the middle of your workout, the benefits of the suspension include spine decompression, lymph drainage, and promotes the stimulation of ‘happy’ hormones all while increasing your full body strength.
GALLERY: SUSPENSION YOGA
Anderson explained, “Most of my students do have yoga experience but suspension yoga is about taking them out of their comfort zone. The suspension gives them a tool to work with.”
However, individuals with no yoga or Pilates experience would be able to cope, as with every exercise there are variations for beginners.
Anderson’s advice for anyone thinking of starting Suspension Yoga or a similar workout is to have patience. “Beginners can get nervous because, at first, you do lose your sense of direction and the hammocks can dig into you, giving you a deep tissue massage, which at first can be uncomfortable.”
