Aerial Yoga or Aerial Sling– What is the difference?

There are many differences between the practices of Aerial Yoga and Aerial Sling, but in a nutshell it comes down to purpose.

Nomad soul photo via Canva.com

What is aerial yoga?

Aerial yoga Is a type of yoga where an aerial sling or trapeze is used as a prop, the same way blocks, blankets or bolsters are used in some yoga classes. The aim of the aerial sling is to support the practice. Students follow sequences of asanas, or postures, that have been carefully put together by the teacher combining them with the use of the sling. 

Aerial yoga teachers are usually yoga teachers who have trained to adapt the class with the use of the sling. They have also undergone hundreds of hours of teacher training and personal practice. They understand the nuances and intricacies of body mechanics and yoga philosophy. Aerial yoga teacher training normally includes learning about risk management necessary when utilising an aerial sling.

There are many forms of aerial yoga, or yoga-inspired aerial classes, and each one of them have different approaches and might utilise slightly different slings or hammocks. The fabric might differ from one setting to another, they can be different lengths and heights, the rigging (how they are suspended from the ceiling), and even the shapes and extra additions vary between them. All of them, however, are ground-based practices, which means all the moves are based on, or inspired by, practices originally done sitting, standing or lying on the ground.

Rebecca Bilyard performing at Cirlesque

What is aerial sling/hammock?

Aerial Sling, known also as Aerial Hammock, is an aerial art, and is a circus-based practice. It originated a few decades ago as an aid for circus artists as well as for dancers and other fitness practices. Soon after that, aerial artists adopted it as a new apparatus. 

The aerial sling is used as a medium to dance and perform above the ground. It can involve countless different types of movements like wraps, dynamic moves, balance, and dance.  As in many other art forms, the sling is the medium that the artist uses to express their work, therefore it goes beyond being “just a tool”, as it is in aerial yoga.

Carme Aguayo photography

What is Aerial Flow and Balance?

Aerial Flow and Balance is a class developed by Gaby Ugalde, based on her personal practice and her experience as an aerial silks, somatic movement, yoga and aerial yoga teacher. It is strongly inspired by hatha yoga, but it also includes Hannah somatics, mat Pilates, and therapeutic movement techniques and concepts. Gaby developed this practice to support functional movement, body awareness, and strength through gentle, carefully developed sequences.

By supporting your body weight, the aerial sling helps to access a wider range of movement while moving through sequences in a more relaxed way, mitigating stress in joints and promoting balance, strength and flexibility.

There is extensive research about the benefits of practicing asana, not only for physical but for holistic wellbeing. In Aerial Flow and Balance, we acknowledge and honour the roots and traditions behind yoga, somatics, and Pilates and we incorporate some of their principles to create a practice that supports students’ physical and emotional wellbeing.

To learn more or book for Aerial yoga and Aerial flow and balance click here

For more details see:

Guidelines for Aerial Yoga, Dance for Aerial Sling: What Are the Differences and Why We Don’t ‘Cross the Streams’’: A Project by The Aerial Sling Collaborative Created by: Constance Boahn Compiled and Written by: Jennifer Yusi.

Gaby Ugalde

Is an aerial teacher, performer, and student. Passionate about community, creativity, and the intersections of mental health and movement. She is a certified counsellor, aerial silks, somatic movement, yoga, and aerial yoga instructor.