TL;DR:
- Aerial Pilates builds full-body strength with an emphasis on core engagement.
- It significantly improves flexibility and joint mobility due to the decompression effect of the hammock.
- You can refine your balance and coordination by focusing on subtle adjustments and body awareness.
- It’s accessible for all levels and abilities with the guidance of qualified instructors and adaptable hammock setups.
If you’ve ever craved a workout that’s as fun as it is challenging, Aerial Pilates could be for you.
But what is Aerial Pilates?
Also known as Air Pilates, it’s a full-body workout that utilizes a soft, supportive hammock to deepen stretches and support your body movements in the air. It adds resistance to exercise and, quite frankly, makes you feel like you’re floating on air.
Whether you’re a Pilates pro or just starting out, Aerial Pilates offers a unique way to engage your muscles. However, the benefits go far beyond just a fun and unique experience.
1. Full-Body Strength and Conditioning
Aerial Pilates is known for its ability to sculpt a strong, toned physique from head to toe. At the heart of this lies its core engagement.
Unlike Mat Pilates, where you rely on the floor for support, the hammock introduces an element of instability. This forces your deep core muscles to fire up constantly to maintain balance and control.
A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that aerial exercises significantly increase abdominal muscle activation compared to traditional floor exercises.
So, whether you’re performing a simple plank or a challenging inverted pose, your core is working overtime in aerial Pilates. This leads to a stronger, more stable midsection.
2. Increased Flexibility and Joint Mobility
Aerial Pilates blends the best of both worlds. It uses deep stretches and fluid movements while being supported by the hammock.
With regular aerial Pilates practice, you can expect to see significant improvements in your flexibility. The hammock encourages spinal elongation, releases tension in the shoulders and opens the hips for greater mobility.
On top of that, when you are suspended in the hammock, there is less gravity pull, relieving pressure on your spine, shoulders, and hips. This gentle traction allows your joints to decompress, creating space for a better range of motion and deeper stretches.
3. Better Balance and Coordination
Aerial Pilates isn’t about strength and flexibility. It is a dynamic practice that refines your balance and coordination in a truly unique way.
As you move through different poses and transitions, you will need to make subtle adjustments and find your center of gravity.
Each time you shift your weight or extend your limbs, you become more aware of your body’s position and movement. This focus on proprioception – your body’s ability to sense its position and movement – strengthens the neural pathways that control balance and coordination.
The benefits of better balance and coordination go beyond the Aerial Pilates studio. They improve everyday activities.
Whether you are carrying groceries or just getting out of bed, the increased body awareness from Aerial Pilates can help you move more confidently and steadily.
This is just one of the many Aerial Pilates benefits that make it more than just a workout.
4. Accessibility for All Levels
A common myth is that Aerial Pilates is only for those who have done Pilates before. The truth is, Aerial Pilates is surprisingly accessible to all levels and abilities.
The secret lies in the expertise of qualified Aerial Pilates instructors and the versatility of the hammock itself.
Instructors specializing in Aerial Pilates training can modify exercises to meet individual needs and goals. They know how to use the hammock’s features to ensure a safe and effective workout for everyone. This includes people dealing with injuries, limitations, or simply starting from scratch.
For beginners, the hammock serves as a supportive tool, helping with balance and making some exercises easier. As you get stronger and more confident, you can adjust the hammock to make your workouts more challenging. This allows you to progress at your own pace.
So, if you have been hesitant to try Aerial Pilates because you think it is beyond your reach, it might be time to give it a try.
Elevate Your Workout, Elevate Your Life
Aerial Pilates has something to offer everyone. It is a chance to defy gravity, challenge yourself, and find your inner strength. No matter what fitness level you are at, Aerial Pilates offers a fresh way to get fit and feel great.
Ready for something new?
At ProPilates, our expert Aerial Pilates Instructors love helping people reach their goals. We have a wide range of Aerial Pilates classes for all levels, so you can explore, grow, and fly high in a safe and friendly space.
Book your class today and let ProPilates help you soar to new heights!
