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Welcome, my fellow seekers of flexibility and relaxation, to the enchanting world of Gravity Yoga.
If you’ve ever felt the gravitational pull on your joints and muscles (I know I have) or dreamt of easily touching your toes, you’ll want to hear this.
According to Circle DNA they say that “A study found 16 women who took three 50-minute classes each week lost an average of 2 and a half pounds in 6 weeks”.
So, lets take a peek into the universe of Gravity Yoga, discover its benefits, techniques, and why it might just be the stretchy escape your body has been searching for.
What is Gravity Yoga
Gravity Yoga is a relatively new form of yoga that has been gaining popularity recently.
It was developed by yoga teacher Lucas Rockwood, his approach combines traditional yoga poses with targeted stretches and mindful breathing to let gravity do all the hard work.
It involves a series of poses that are held for an extended period of time, allowing your body to slowly stretch and release tension.
It’s yoga that’s designed to help you improve your flexibility and mobility by using gravity to your advantage.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s get talk about the basics first.
Gravity Yoga isn’t about defying the laws of physics (sorry, no floating yogis here).
We cleverly use gravity to deepen our stretches and increase flexibility.
How Does Gravity Yoga Work?
First I’ll explain how Gravity Yoga does work.
It usually involves the use of a special yoga swing that hangs from the ceiling.
The swing allows you to move your body in ways that would be very difficult or impossible to achieve if you were on the ground.
By using the swing to support your body weight, you can deepen your stretches and hold poses for longer periods of time.
Benefits of Doing Gravity Yoga
One of the things that makes Gravity Yoga unique is that it is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.
Unlike other forms of yoga that can be quite challenging, Gravity Yoga is gentle and low-impact. This makes it the perfect option for anyone who’s recovering from an injury or might have limited mobility.
Healthline confirms that “For people with knee issues, getting to the floor can be challenging. “The aerial fabric essentially brings the floor up to them.”
So, why should you consider giving Gravity Yoga a whirl?
Improved Flexibility:
Picture this: Your body effortlessly gliding into poses you once thought were impossible.
Gravity Yoga works to increase your range of motion, making those toe-touching dreams a reality.
It’s like giving your muscles a VIP pass to the flexibility party.
Release Tension and Stress:
In amongst our every day life, stress tends to take up residence in our muscles.
Gravity Yoga, with its focus on slow, intentional stretches, offers us a space to release some of that built-up tension.
It’s like a short vacation for your body, without the jet lag.
Improved Posture:
I don’t know if you can identify but I find myself at the computer for hours each day working.
Slouching becomes a natural posture for me.
Gravity Yoga helps us correct that rotten posture by targeting key muscle groups responsible for keeping you upright.
So, say farewell to the hunchback look and hello to standing tall with ease.
Mindful Breathing and Relaxation:
As you give in to the pull of gravity, Gravity Yoga encourages a harmonious dance with your breath.
This not only improves your practice but also gets you into a meditative state, allowing you to float away on a cloud of tranquility.
Getting Down to the Techniques:
Now that we’re all excited about the idea of Gravity Yoga, I’ll give you some more detail about some basic techniques to get you started.
The Power of the Strap:
Gravity Yoga often involves the use of yoga straps to help with stretches.
Securely loop a strap around your foot, gently pulling as you lean into the stretch.
The strap becomes your trusty sidekick, helping you go deeper into poses without straining.
Supported Inversions:
Inversions, where your heart is above your head, can seem bit scary and intimidating.
Gravity Yoga introduces supported inversions, like Legs Up the Wall pose, using a wall or other props.
This gentle approach allows you to experience the benefits of inversions without feeling like you’re auditioning for Cirque du Soleil.
Targeted Stretches for Backbends:
Backbends can be challenging, but Gravity Yoga makes them accessible.
Using props or even the edge of your bed, you can ease into backbends gradually.
Doing it this way makes sure that you’re letting gravity guide you into a beautiful arch without any straining.
Yin-Style Holds:
Gravity Yoga incorporates some of the Yin Yoga principles, it allows longer holds in poses.
This extended duration lets the muscles and connective tissues to gradually stretch, creating lasting flexibility.
Why Gravity Yoga Might Just Float Your Boat:
The attraction of Gravity Yoga lies in its accessibility and adaptability.
Some other yoga practices might leave you feeling like a twisty pretzel, Gravity Yoga just meets you where you are.
It’s known for gently guiding you into stretches without the need for advanced contortions.
The laid-back approach of Gravity Yoga makes it suitable for almost everyone willing to give it a try.
If you happen to be a seasoned yogi or you’re just unrolling your mat for the first time, the lack of gravity creates a supportive environment for exploring and growth.
While Gravity Yoga is quite a gentle practice, it’s good to be mindful of any new practice when you first get started.
Always listen to your body, don’t force anything, and embrace the process.
