Aerial Yoga vs Aerial Silks | Differences, Similarities & Choosing a Style

Curious about the difference between Aerial Yoga vs Aerial Silks? Learn about the differences, similarities and how to choose.

Aerial fitness has taken the world by storm, offering a unique and exhilarating way to stay fit and flexible. If you’re looking to take your workouts to new heights, you’ve likely encountered the captivating worlds of Aerial Yoga and Aerial Silks. These two aerial disciplines may seem similar at first glance, but they have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and fitness goals.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what Aerial Yoga and Aerial Silks are, highlight their similarities and differences, and provide expert advice on how to choose between the two. So, let’s unravel the ropes and soar through the fabric as we dive into the fascinating realm of Aerial Yoga vs. Aerial Silks.

What is Aerial Yoga?

Aerial Yoga, also known as Fly Yoga, Air Yoga and AntiGravity Yoga, is a graceful fusion of traditional yoga poses and aerial arts. During classes, you’ll perform yoga postures while suspended from soft fabric hammocks.

The aerial yoga hammocks allow you to explore deeper stretches and develop core strength. The gentle sway of the fabric and the sensation of floating create a soothing and meditative experience, making Aerial Yoga a holistic practice for both body and mind (great for anxiety and depression).

Aerial Yoga provides numerous physical benefits, including improved flexibility, enhanced balance, and increased spinal decompression. Its accessibility makes it suitable for practitioners of all fitness levels, making it an excellent choice for aerial yoga beginners and experienced yogis alike.

What is Aerial Silks?

Aerial Silk involves performing acrobatic moves while hanging from long, silky pieces of fabric suspended from the ceiling.

Unlike Aerial Yoga, Aerial Silks focus more on strength and dynamic movements. It’s a performance-oriented discipline that requires a combination of strength, flexibility, and artistic flair.

Aerial Silks training offers a full-body workout, building upper body and core strength while enhancing overall flexibility. The artistic aspect of Aerial Silks allows for creative expression, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a unique form of fitness and self-expression.

Similarities Between Aerial Silks and Aerial Yoga

While Aerial Yoga and Aerial Silks have distinct characteristics, they share some common ground. This is one of the reasons that makes the styles appealing to fitness enthusiasts looking to explore aerial arts:

• Core Strengthening: Both disciplines require significant core engagement to maintain balance and perform movements gracefully.
• Enhanced Flexibility: Aerial Yoga and Aerial Silks encourage flexibility as they involve stretches that extend beyond what traditional ground-based workouts can offer.
• Mind-Body Connection: Practitioners of both Aerial Yoga and Aerial Silks often report an improved mind-body connection. This is because the need for concentration and control is paramount in both.
• Stress Reduction: The sensation of suspension and movement through the air can induce relaxation, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.
• Accessible to All Levels: Whether you’re a novice or an experienced fitness enthusiast, both Aerial Yoga and Aerial Silks can be tailored to suit your skill level.
• Benefits of Inversions: During both practices, you get to experience all the benefits of hanging upside down.

Differences Between Aerial Yoga and Aerial Silks

While there are similarities between the two, there are also plenty of differences. Here are the things that set the two modalities apart.

• Apparatus: Aerial Yoga uses soft fabric hammocks, while Aerial Silks employ long, silky fabric strips. The choice of apparatus significantly impacts the experience.
• Intensity: Aerial Silks are generally more physically demanding and intense due to the acrobatic nature of the movements, while Aerial Yoga tends to be gentler and focuses on stretching and relaxation.
• Artistic Expression: Aerial Silks offer more room for artistic expression. This allows performers to create mesmerizing routines with intricate wraps and drops. Aerial Yoga leans more towards therapeutic and meditative aspects.
• Fitness Goals: If your primary goal is to build strength and develop an impressive aerial performance, Aerial Silks may be your preferred choice. On the other hand, if you seek a holistic approach to fitness with a strong emphasis on flexibility and relaxation, Aerial Yoga is an excellent option.
• Rigging: Aerial Silks are usually hung a lot higher than Aerial Yoga hammocks. Additionally, the fabric in Aerial Silks is hung from one suspension point, whereas in Aerial Yoga, we use two.

How to Choose Between Aerial Silks and Aerial Yoga

Making the decision between Aerial Silks and Aerial Yoga largely depends on your personal preferences, fitness goals, and what appeals to you.

To help you make an informed choice, here’s a comparison table:

Start Your Aerial Journey

Aerial Yoga and Aerial Silks are both extraordinary aerial disciplines that offer something different. If you’re not sure which one to try, it might be worth testing out both. At the end of the day, your choice should align with your fitness aspirations and the experience you’re looking for.

Whichever path you choose, remember that both will lead you to a new world of strength, flexibility, and awe-inspiring movements. Through aerial, you’ll be able to elevate your fitness journey to new heights.

Curious about starting aerial yoga? Check out our comprehensive aerial yoga guide.