Aerial yoga in Pedasi: Flying High

For the past few years I have followed a Pedasi Facebook page. Shortly before we left Calgary there was a post for aerial yoga that looked like something I would try. I replied with ‘interested’, then forgot about it until I got an inquiry back. By this time we were already in Pedasi.

As it turned out, the instructor is also our property manager. We arranged an assessment session and I went with very little knowledge of what to expect. Armed with only a list of essentials to bring, and instructions to not eat a big breakfast before starting as it might not sit well, I set out for my destination. Hestor and her husband have a house that has a deck totally surrounding it. It is very functional. The yoga studio is the back deck.

I had not done any yoga since online Iyngear during covid lockdown, The brochure looked a little intimidating but I am already at the studio. Nothing to do but go forward. And those listed benefits, well a few pop out! A full class would be three students.

So far I have been to three classes, all private. The first was 90 minutes showing how to use the hammock while incorporating ‘normal’ yoga poses. The other two were an hour each. I don’t know the proper names of the different poses but the basics is pretty well the same as I have done previously. Being able to hold onto the hammock or a strap sure helps with balance! You are also supposed to get a deep tissue massage from the pressure of the hammock.

The inversion is not as hard to get into as I thought. Of course it helps to have the instructor guiding you through every step. The one thing she did say was don’t be surprised if you get a headache when initially doing this pose. I did and it lasted for a day the first time, a couple of hours the second time and none the third. Getting out was even easier than getting in.

Something must be working as my quads are killing me! There is a lot of stretching, and squeezing, and holding and breathing. When I get home and squat to sit down it’s a big ouch.

The sessions end with a nice gentle swing and relax lying in a cocoon.

As you lie, sit or stand during the workout looking out over this garden, it is not at all unusual to see a hummingbird enjoying some of the flowering shrubs.

The plan is to carry on doing this a couple of times a week. I have to believe the need to say ouch every time I sit down will eventually go away.

Cheers

Ruth