10 Tips to Prepare for your Aerial Yoga Teacher Training
Embarking on your Aerial Yoga Teacher Training journey is an exciting and transformative experience. Not only does this practice deepen your connection to yoga but it also allows you to explore the freedom and joy of movement in the air.
As with all journeys, preparation is key! Take the time to get ready - both physically and mentally - so that you will step into training mode with confidence, focus and an open mind. Whether you are a seasoned Aerial yogi or you are brand new to the practice, these tips will help you feel more empowered and inspired as you get ready to soar into this next chapter of your yoga journey.
Tip 1: Familiarize Yourself with Aerial Yoga Basics
If possible, seek out aerial yoga classes or workshops in your area to get comfortable with using the hammock. These sessions will introduce you to foundational poses and movements, helping you build familiarity and confidence before starting your training. While every teacher brings their unique style to aerial yoga, developing a basic understanding of the hammock, common transitions, and key postures will set you up for success.
What if there aren’t any Aerial Yoga classes in your community? Don’t worry! There are plenty of online resources, tutorials and video classes available to guide you through the basics. Consider investing in a high-quality hammock for home practice and ensure it’s installed safely. Watching videos, studying pose breakdowns and practicing simple movements can give you a strong head start.
Tip 2: Strengthen your Body
Preparing your body for the physical demands of aerial yoga is key, whether you have access to a hammock or not. Focus on building upper body and core strength with mat-based postures like Plank (Phalakasana), Boat Pose (Navasana) and side planks. To enhance pulling strength, incorporate exercises like pull-ups or resistance band rows. A strong and stable core, combined with upper body strength, will make it easier to lift, control and support yourself in the hammock during training.
Tip 3: Work on your Flexibility
Strength is essential, but balancing it with flexibility is what allows you to move freely in aerial yoga poses and transitions. Focus on stretches that open the shoulders, hamstrings and hips, such as Forward Folds (Uttanasana), lunges, and shoulder openers like Puppy Pose. Consider practicing active stretches that engage your muscles while lengthening them, as these better prepare you for dynamic aerial movements. Daily stretching, even for a few minutes, will not only support your aerial practice but also improve your overall mobility and wellbeing.
Tip 4: Develop your Yoga Practice
Our approach to aerial yoga emphasizes the foundational elements of traditional yoga. Refining your mat-based practice will not only enhance your training experience but also help you embody the poses on a deeper level. When you fully experience a pose in your own body - understanding its alignment, breath connection and flow - you’ll naturally become more confident in teaching it. This embodied understanding is key for cueing, sequencing and guiding students with clarity and authenticity.
Tip 5: Learn about Anatomy and Physiology
Understanding the body’s mechanics is essential for safely teaching Aerial Yoga and guiding students through poses in the hammock. A solid foundation in anatomy and physiology will help you identify how different movements affect the body, prevent injuries, and provide clear, informed instructions.
To prepare, focus on key areas like the spine, shoulders and core, as these are heavily engaged in Aerial Yoga practice. Explore resources such as Functional Anatomy of Yoga by David Keil, The Yoga Anatomy Coloring Book by Kelly Solloway, or online tutorials and anatomy courses designed specifically for yoga teachers. A deeper understanding of how the body works will not only enhance your teaching but also build your confidence as you train to become an Aerial Yoga instructor.
Tip 6: Get comfortable being Inverted
In aerial yoga, inversions play a significant role in building strength, flexibility and confidence. If you're new to being upside down, it’s natural to feel hesitant at first, but with practice, you can overcome that fear and develop comfort in these positions. Start by practicing simple half and full inversions on the mat, such as Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) or Supported Shoulderstand (Salamba Sarvangasana), to get used to the feeling of being upside down. If you have access to an aerial hammock, use it for added support as you gradually explore deeper suspended inversions and spinal decompression.
Tip 7: Invest in Proper Gear
Wearing the right clothing is essential for a safe and comfortable aerial yoga practice. Opt for fitted clothing that covers your legs and underarms to protect your skin from fabric friction and provide better grip. Avoid loose clothing, as it can get tangled in the hammock, and steer clear of zippers, buttons, or jewelry, which can snag the fabric and cause damage.
If you’re serious about aerial yoga, consider investing in your own aerial hammock at home. Having a personal setup allows you to practice consistently, refine your skills and build strength at your own pace. However, safety should always come first - be sure to install your hammock properly with professional guidance or expert assistance.
A word of caution: Social media is full of impressive aerial yoga tricks and challenges, but your home hammock is not the place to experiment with risky moves. Always practice within your skill level and in a safe environment to prevent injury.
Tip 8: Cultivate a Teaching Mindset
To become a great aerial yoga instructor, start by cultivating a teaching mindset. Pay close attention to how your current instructors (in any movement class) lead their classes - observe their sequencing, communication style and overall class structure. Take note of what resonates with you, from how they cue movements to the way they create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Noticing these details will help you develop your own teaching approach.
Begin to reflect on the kind of instructor that you want to be. Do you want to bring a calming energy, a playful vibe or a highly technical approach? Finding your unique teaching style will help you connect quickly with students should you start teaching.
Tip 9: Prioritize Self-Care
Prioritizing self-care is essential when preparing for aerial yoga teacher training, as it can be both physically and mentally demanding. To support your body, focus on staying hydrated, nourishing yourself with balanced meals and getting plenty of rest in the days leading up to the program. Additionally consider scheduling at least one day ‘off’ from your regular responsibilities after the training.
Beyond physical care, acknowledge the emotional and mental challenges that can come with learning to teach something new. It’s natural for feelings of self-doubt - “Am I good enough?" or "Do I really know enough to teach?” - to creep in. Practicing mindfulness, self-compassion and positive self-talk can help you navigate these moments. Meditation, journaling or simply reminding yourself that growth takes time can keep you grounded and confident. Embrace the learning process, trust your journey and remember that every great teacher was once a beginner too.
Tip 10: Approach the Training with an Open Mind
Approaching aerial yoga training with an open mind is key to making the most of the experience. Remember, you don’t need to be perfect to begin - teaching is a journey of continuous learning and growth. Instead of focusing on getting everything right immediately, embrace the process with curiosity and patience. Every challenge, mistake and breakthrough is an opportunity to deepen your understanding and refine your skills.
Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, try new techniques and explore different teaching styles. Growth happens when you allow yourself to be a student first, absorbing knowledge with an open heart and a willingness to adapt. Trust that with time and practice, you will develop confidence in your unique teaching voice.
From physical preparation to mindset shifts, these tips will help you enter your Aerial Yoga Teacher Training with confidence. No matter where you are in your journey, you are ready for this next step. Explore our upcoming Aerial Yoga Teacher Training dates and apply today!