For the yoga enthusiast looking to expand his or her practice or the yoga teacher seeking new material and ongoing training experiences,  Heartwood Yoga Institute offers a comprehensive 16 hour Aerial Yoga certification designed to explore a wealth of alternative yoga exercises, assisted postures, and safe inversion techniques using the Om Gym system of yoga hammocks and handle supports, followed by experience with traditional Aerial Silks.  Attention is give to the differences between the styles, but students quickly learn most of the work is interchangeable, and the choice of apparatus may depend on the needs and interests of the clients you are working with and what is a best fit for the resources of your facility. 

This course includes discussion, practice, floating exploration, inversion  physiology and theory, anatomy, a review of safety and health issues and  teaching practicums. We invite any of our participants to retake the weekend at a future date if for any reason they need reinforcement of the material.  

The course includes:

• A detailed manual for reference during the seminar and after.
• History  of aerial yoga, aerial yoga in the media.  An honest look at aerial  yoga as a commercial entity verses as an authentic yoga teaching tool.
• A chance to explore and work on both aerial silks and the om gym system to compare and contrast
• A review of safety issues, learning about the swings and proper  installation. Care and maintenance of the aerial swing.  Insurance.
• Aerial yoga class levels – designing a safe class for different skill levels/ using aerial slings for private sessions.
• Careful exploration and teaching techniques of more than 50 supported yoga poses based on Iyengar theory.
• Physical  safety issues and concerns – aerial yoga for students with high blood  pressure, physical limitations, cataracts, taking medications, children,  seniors, etc….    
• Warm-ups, proper pose progression,  class sequencing.
• Flow sequences and graceful transitions in the aerial swing.
• Flexibility training. Aerial Yoga fitness, exercises to build strength incorporating the  aerial swing.
• Yoga Therapeutics using gravity and the swing for effective spinal traction and/or internal cleansing.
• Inversion Theory of physiology and anatomy (as it pertains to gravity and inversion based asana)
• Teaching practicum and learning hands-on assists.
• Business  (insurance,   marketing )
• Fun tricks and incorporating  artistry as a part of the yoga experience.
• Exploring silks as an alternate yet similar practice.