Fitness

This week You! talks exclusively to expert yogi Kehkashan Nadeem, popularly known as K.K, about a new form of yoga called Aerial yoga...

You! What is Aerial yoga?

K.K: Aerial yoga is a new and modern style of practicing yoga, with support of the swing, hammock or a large silk cloth in order to achieve total body balance and workout. Aerial yoga is suspension training. It is an accessible practice that can help you find more length in your spine and safe alignment in your poses.

Christopher Harrison a former gymnast invented this style of yoga practice, pilates and aerial acrobatics. It started more than a decade ago and is also known as anti-gravity yoga or flying yoga. Originating in New York, Aerial yoga has now spread to several countries across the world.

 You! What is the basic difference between normal yoga and Aerial yoga?

K.K: The immediate answer to that is, the addition of a ‘swing’ to your yoga practice. It is super easy to improve poses, gain strength, and become flexible in a very short period of time with the help of a hammock or swing.

Traditionally yogis used to practice at least 3 hours, early in the morning, every single day, which was very effective, but our current, fast paced lives, do not allow us to spend long hours to bring that kind of change in the mind and body relationship. Hence we need some accelerated practice to achieve similar benefits in a shorter period of time and Aerial Yoga allows just that!!

 You!  From where did you take the training of Aerial yoga?

K.K: I did my training in Thailand from the well-known Ulu yoga centre in Koh Phangan.

 Our training was based on safety and proper technical guidance to follow the steps throughout our session. Since I have already been teaching yoga for more than 16 years, it was not so challenging for me to practice similar poses in the swing.

You! What are the benefits of Aerial yoga?

K.K: It has surprising physical benefits, including spinal decompression, pain relief, and ease in inversions and other challenging poses. It is a potent teaching tool for finding better alignment in most ‘asana’. It is the most pain free way to liberate your spine and hips.

The benefits include great flexibility and better focus by putting yourself in a more challenging situation. You will have strengthened muscles because gravity is working harder on your body. It’s a great core workout as you engage core muscles to balance and stabilize yourself. And it’s stress relieving as we experience the joy of free flowing in certain postures in the air (like a child)! Basically, Aerial  yoga forces you to be alert and aware of your surroundings, during your practice.

You! How long have you been teaching Aerial yoga?

K.K: I introduced Aerial yoga in Pakistan in March 2017, and since then 100s of people have tried it and are loving it. You can check my facebook page: www.facebook.com/kkhotyoga

You! Are you the only certified Aerial yoga trainer/teacher in Pakistan?

K.K:  Yes.

You! What’s the age bracket for women?

K.K: The only limit we have is in our minds, if you have maintained yourself you can do it at any age.

You!  Are our women taking interest in Aerial yoga?

K.K: Yes interestingly from all walks of life. This is the reason we are offering weekend sessions, so trainers, teachers, students, office workers and all the people who are busy throughout the week can easily join.

You! How safe is Aerial yoga?

K.K: It is very safe if the teacher is certified, well trained, and able to guide how to perform aerial poses properly so you don’t injure yourself. Class must be well equipped with proper swings and safe cushioned flooring.

You! Can pregnant women, women with diabetes or heart patients do Aerial yoga too?

K.K:  Just like any other exercise, it can also be risky in certain conditions. You must understand what condition you’re in and progress accordingly. Generally if you can easily do 5 to 10 sit ups you are ready to try aerial.

You! What precautions one must take while doing Aerial yoga in order to avoid injuries?

K.K: Follow the proper instructions, wear proper clothing, avoid jewellery and hand lotion. Avoid too much liquid intake and eat a light meal about an hour and half before practice.

You! Can one do Aerial yoga at home, without instructor?

K.K: To learn any skill in life we must attend a certified trainer for at least sometime. When you are properly trained it is safe to practice on your own.

You! Do you intend to start Aerial yoga classes in other cities too besides Karachi?

K.K: My initial plan is to give workshops in other parts of the country, and then make more teachers so more people can enjoy the benefits of Aerial yoga.

You! Do you see Aerial yoga as the best next thing in the world of yoga?

K.K: Yes, it is our future!

You! Do you personally enjoy doing Aerial yoga?

K.K: I have no words to express my feelings of fulfillment while practicing and teaching yoga. Aerial has bought the fastest change to my body, and of course the swing is an all time favourite for all of us - childhood memories!

You! What is your plan of action in regard to Aerial yoga?

K.K: More learning  and more teaching. So I am going for my advance level II - Aerial teachers training in Bali.

You! Why one must do Aerial yoga?

K.K: Aerial yoga offers many of the additional benefits, even more enjoyments in a fun way. The freedom of movement is more fulfilling than traditional yoga. You can move your body into new positions with support. If you like yoga, even if you don’t do it that often you should give Aerial yoga a try!