Quick answer: Aerial yoga — called Anti-Gravity Fitness at Studio Fitology — uses a soft fabric hammock to support part of your body weight while you move through yoga, Pilates and strength-based exercises. It can build core and upper-body strength, improve balance and flexibility, and let you decompress the spine with less load on the joints. No aerial experience is needed to start.
Aerial yoga has become one of the most talked-about low-impact workouts in Toronto. Suspended in a hammock, you can explore inversions, deep stretches and strength work in a way that feels playful but challenges the whole body. Here is what aerial yoga is, how it works and who it suits.
What Is Aerial Yoga?
Aerial yoga is a suspension practice performed in a soft hammock hung from the ceiling. The hammock supports some or all of your body weight, so you can move partially or fully off the ground. At Studio Fitology, our Anti-Gravity Fitness classes blend aerial yoga, Pilates and strength training, with levels ranging from beginner to advanced.
How Aerial Yoga Works
Your own body weight is the main resistance. The hammock adds support where you need it and instability where you want a challenge, so your core and stabilising muscles work throughout the class. Many poses also allow gentle traction through the spine, which is why aerial classes are often described as decompressing.
7 Benefits of Aerial Yoga
- Total-body strength without heavy weights — gripping, pulling and supporting yourself in the hammock works the arms, back, core and legs.
- Deeper core engagement — the moving fabric asks your trunk to stabilise constantly.
- Better balance and coordination — suspended movement sharpens body awareness.
- Flexibility and mobility — the hammock supports longer holds in stretches.
- Spinal decompression — supported hanging and inversions can take load off the spine.
- Joint-friendly training — less impact than many traditional workouts.
- Focus and stress relief — balancing in the air requires full attention on breath and movement, which many people find calming.
Who Should Try Aerial Yoga?
Aerial yoga can be adapted for many people, including:
- Beginners who want a fun, low-impact workout
- Office workers looking to improve posture and mobility
- Yoga and Pilates practitioners who want a new challenge
- Athletes building functional strength and body control
Aerial work is not suitable for everyone. If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, glaucoma, a recent injury or another medical condition, speak with your healthcare provider and let your instructor know before your first class.
Aerial Yoga vs Traditional Workouts
Traditional gym workouts often repeat the same movement patterns under heavy load. Aerial yoga emphasises controlled motion, body awareness and multi-directional strength. It also pairs well with Pilates Reformer classes and yoga classes for a balanced weekly routine.
What to Expect in Your First Aerial Yoga Class
Your first class introduces basic hammock set-up and safe ways to enter and exit the fabric. A typical session includes a warm-up, strength and balance work in the hammock, and a supported stretch or relaxation to finish. Instructors offer modifications so you can progress at your own pace.
Aerial Yoga at Studio Fitology
Studio Fitology is a boutique studio at 3220 Dufferin St in North York, Toronto. Our Anti-Gravity Fitness classes are led by experienced instructors who focus on technique, controlled progression and individual attention. Check the class schedule for available times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to try aerial yoga?
No. Beginner classes start with the fundamentals, and instructors offer modifications throughout.
Is aerial yoga good for back pain?
Supported hanging and stretching can feel relieving, but back pain has many causes. Speak with your healthcare provider first, and tell your instructor about any injuries so they can adapt the class.
What should I wear to aerial yoga?
Wear fitted clothing that covers your underarms and the backs of your knees, and remove jewellery so it does not catch on the hammock.
Book Your First Aerial Yoga Class
Aerial yoga is a low-impact, full-body practice that builds strength, flexibility and confidence. To try it, register at Studio Fitology or explore our class packages.
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