What is Aerial Yoga?

A friend recently described her first aerial yoga session with me as “as nourishing and restorative as yoga, and as therapeutic as a chiropractic treatment.”

That stayed with me.

There’s something unique about moving with the support of aerial silk. The fabric holds you while you move, creating a rare combination of fluidity and safety. You can soften, strengthen, sway and explore — all while being supported.

And if I’m honest, most of us could do with being held more often.
More support.
Less forcing.
More play.

What actually is aerial yoga?

Aerial silks are securely suspended from the ceiling (weight-tested up to 200kg), and the practice blends traditional yoga postures with shapes made possible by the fabric. You can experience gentle traction, supported backbends, and even go upside down — often more effortlessly than you expect.

The silk becomes both a prop and a partner.

My journey with aerial yoga

When I stumbled across aerial yoga in 2016, I had already practiced vinyasa yoga for over a decade. I felt strong. Curious. Committed to my practice.

A friend invited me to the launch of a new studio offering aerial yoga. I said yes.

I had no idea that simple decision would begin a journey of self-discovery and inner alignment unlike anything I had experienced before.

At the time, Melbourne felt flooded with yoga studios — a wave of awakening, community and exploration. My day job in communications funded my practice, and generous friends shared classes and memberships when they could. Access to movement is a gift, and one I don’t take lightly.

Because often, there are barriers to returning to movement:

• Financial constraints

• Injury or physical limitations

• Or simply never having felt truly at home in your body

Aerial yoga gave me lightness.
It gave me strength.
It brought back play.

That experience eventually led me to my first teacher training — and then to training in aerial yoga specifically. For eight years, I taught both floor-based and aerial practices, witnessing again and again how transformative this modality can be.

Why it feels different

Imagine having support in the standing poses where you usually wobble.

Imagine strength that comes from both holding on and letting go.

When the fabric supports you, your nervous system can soften. You can feel more grounded — even while suspended in the air. There’s space to expand, to take up room, to move fluidly without bracing.

Being gently suspended — with a trusted guide — can create a surprising sense of safety.

Whether practicing restorative aerial (with the silks low to the ground) or exploring more playful shapes at waist height, the experience invites your brain and body into something new. And we know that novelty supports neural growth and resilience.

But beyond the science, what I see most often is this:
Women rediscovering trust in their bodies.

Try it for yourself

If you’re in Hobart or visiting Tasmania, I offer private one-on-one aerial yoga sessions designed to meet you exactly where you are — whether you’re rebuilding strength, moving through a life transition, or simply curious.

A private session allows us to:

• Work at your pace

• Adapt around injury or sensitivity

• Build confidence gradually

• Create a deeply supportive, personalised experience

You can also book a partner session and share the experience with someone you love — a beautiful way to connect, laugh, and try something new together.

If you’re curious, I’d love to hold that space for you.

Get in touch to book your one-on-one session.

Much love,

Atika xx