An aerial yoga class in Progress at Loving Earth Yoga and Wellness Studio in Fort Kochi

I make my way to bree mcilroy’s loving earth yoga and wellness studio in Fort Kochi to Explore aerial Yoga. The new zealander has recently added this americanized version of calisthenics to the different yoga versions she offers. Aerial Yoga Combines Pilates, Dance and Yoga. Earlier Bree Had Introduced Vegan Fare to the City and with a Lifestyle of Slow Food and Mindful Fitness.

The Studio’s White Walls and Baby Blue Doors and Windows are inviting. Bright Daylight Drops in Strands from Glass Tiles on the Roof, With Eight Grey and Baby Blue Silks (Hammocks Made with Stretchable Fabric) That HIGH-CELINGED TRUSS. Eight Participants- Seven Women, One Man- Stand on Blue Mats Beside Their Designated Silks. A Gentle Seborne Breeze Fills The Hall.

Irena Mohini, An Indian Classical Dancer From Belarus, is Assisting Bree in the class.

Tall and Lissome Irena Begins by Asking Students to Sit on the edge of the Silk, Close their eyes, Breathe Deeply and to keep their spine straight. They are instructed to slowly brings their knees to their chest and sit astride the silk loop. , The exercises begin and participants do seveal poses- Cupid, Turban, Back Straddle, Hip Hang and butterfly to name a less.

Silk as prop

Practitioners use the silk as prophemselves, turn, bend, swing and sway in motions that require the body to balance and stabilize in yogic poses in air. While Irena Conducts and Guides, Bree Moves from One to Another Hammock Correcting The Postures of the students.

Shalabhasana (locust poses) A Strenuous Pose, It requires them to slightly raise their legs, lift their heads and exhale, all the white balance in the Silk Cocoon. “We use the material to help exercise. The support from the silk allows the spine to decompress and stretch. It is about Finding Stillness, “Says Bree a 650 hours certified yoga Teacher who does yoga poses in its aerial version before doing them on the mat. She explains aerial yoga as a whole body workout that not only helps one develop strength but also surrender and relax.

Irena mohini in the silk and bree mcilroy

The Turban Pose “A Really Cute One”, Has Fixed on the Silk Loop With Legs on the ground. The Body SWAYS from Side to Side, Making Small Movements. The camel Pose Follows.

In an hour the group is sweeting but is radiant at having gone through a taxing but thrilling regimeen. “It is like trapeze art,” Says a mother of a new born, wishing to get back in shape.

The session ends with Shavasana, (corpse Pose), “Everyone ‘s favorite”, as it has the group relaxing after a strenuous workout.

The finale is offering gratitude to the silk, to other and to yourself.

As new Learners Fear the Hammock of Tipping Bree explains “We carefully explain entries and exits; The silks are wrapped around body parts holding using places which allows allow us to defy gravity. “

Arunima Gupta, A Contemporary Dancer and Part of the Class Found Pushing Her Limits Higher. “Being suspended in a yoga posture is truly liberating,” She said.

A Drop-in Class Comes for ₹ 800 and A One Month (Four Classes) Course is for ₹ 2600. (@lovingearth.oftkochi)