Aerial yoga draws Hyderabad residents chasing wellness, balance and relaxation

Suspended mid-air in soft silk hammocks, practitioners sway gently as gravity is momentarily forgotten. While aerial yoga looks effortless, it is a rigorous test of strength, balance, and trust.

This blend of grace and athleticism is drawing a diverse crowd into studios across the city, attracting everyone from curious beginners to seasoned pros.

‘Nothing beats seeing someone smile after their first inversion’ A typical aerial yoga class begins with a gentle warm-up and mobility exercises, followed by an introduction to the hammock. “We then move into strength-building poses, balance work, and supported stretches.

The session usually includes inversions for spinal decompression, and concludes with deep relaxation in the hammock — a part students especially enjoy,” says Giri Yadav, yoga teacher and founder of a fitness and wellness studio in Kondapur.

“The most rewarding part is seeing students overcome their fears and grow in confidence, especially when they attempt their first inversion. Watching someone walk in with stiffness or hesitation and leave feeling lighter, stronger, and smiling is incredibly fulfilling,” he adds.

‘More men need to explore the benefits of aerial yoga’ Karthik AR, a city-based businessman in the construction sector, turned to aerial yoga while looking for alternatives to medication for persistent back issues caused by long drives and constant movement at work. “I was against taking medication, so while researching alternatives, I came across aerial yoga and decided to give it a try. Not many men are aware of aerial yoga and its benefits. Initially, when I started in December 2023, it felt a little awkward as I was the only man in a class full of women, but over time we all gelled well.

Now, having seen the benefits firsthand, I’ve even set up a small space at home to continue practising regularly,” he says.

‘It’s all about letting go & resetting, one pose at a time’ Aerial yoga is increasingly being taken up as a sustained, passion-driven practice, with more instructors moving from traditional yoga into the format in recent years. Sessions are often held at gyms and rented wellness spaces across areas such as Hitech City, Gachibowli and Madhapur, particularly over weekends.

Prachi Gangwani, entrepreneur and yoga instructor, says, “Classes tend to see more women participants, many of whom come in on weekends to decompress after a hectic work week.

It is all about letting go, resetting and finding balance, one pose at a time.”

‘It’s the shared experience that makes it truly fulfilling’ Vishaka Trisal, who works in a pharma company and has been a regular practitioner since 2024, says, “I joined out of curiosity after a friend started attending an aerial yoga group, and soon it became a regular weekend routine.

I still remember my first class; I was excited to try it because it looked easy, but it turned out to be quite challenging. Gradually, I grew more comfortable with the practice and became confident in performing different poses.

Over time, it’s not just been about the practice but also about meeting new people and being part of a community, which makes the experience even more rewarding.”

"I started after coming across a few videos on Instagram. Around May last year, I began with regular yoga and gradually moved into aerial yoga, and it’s been a really refreshing experience. Over time, I’ve noticed better balance and flexibility. I try to practise at least once a week, usually between 7 and 9 in the morning. That is the best time for it," says Crossby, an aerial yoga practitioner"Weekend classes usually see more participants compared to weekdays, especially during the morning slots between 7:30 am and 9:30 am. What stands out is the diversity, with participants ranging from teenagers to those in their 60s, including students, corporate professionals and businesspersons," Rishi Sree Reddy, a certified Pilates and aerial yoga instructor at a fitness centre.Key benefits

- Biswajit Talukdar