My Hammock Journey: Mental and Physical Transformation

I have always been a very active person and sports has been a part of my life — ballet, fitness, mat pilates, reformer pilates, yoga, dance… I tried many things, but while my mind was constantly elsewhere, even when my body was moving, something always felt missing.

Thanks to a dear friend from university, I discovered aerial hammock yoga 7 years ago. At the end of the first class, I realized that throughout the entire session I had been fully present in that moment — I had let myself flow completely without thinking of anything else. Without even realizing it, my body had both worked very well and deeply relaxed; I hadn’t noticed how time had passed and I felt incredibly happy. Since that day, I have never left the hammock. For many years I took private lessons, then joined group classes. I loved it so much and practiced so often that instructors in group classes assumed I was a teacher myself. When it became such a big part of my life, I finally decided to become an instructor.

The hammock transformed the movements I was used to into a completely different experience. Freedom has always been very important to me; aerial yoga set me free both physically and mentally, helped me face my fears and liberate myself from them. Sometimes I felt like I had returned to my childhood, and it gave me courage.

Today, the hammock is a passion, a playground, and a way of life for me. A space where I discover myself at every moment, where I both grow stronger and find peace. As I became freer, more flexible, and stronger in the hammock, I also became freer, more flexible, and stronger in life — and I learned to push my limits. The hammock made me a happier and healthier person. People tell me things like “You look so young,” “Did you get taller?” or “You stand so upright, your muscles are so developed!” I now share this transformation I’ve experienced in my body and mind with my students; the change, the growth, the joy on their faces makes me very happy. My efforts are not in vain — I am proud of both myself and them.

What Is Aerial Hammock Yoga?

AntiGravity / Aerial Hammock Yoga, discovered by former Hollywood choreographer Christopher Harrison, is a comprehensive and transformative exercise method combining various disciplines such as fitness, yoga, pilates, acrobatics, and dance.

Performed with special silk hammocks suspended from the ceiling, this sport allows you to achieve movements you might think “I could never do that!” from the outside, and offers a much easier and more enjoyable way to experience poses that are challenging in classical exercise.

Grounded in the principles of anti-gravity, it aims to reduce pressure on the spine, strengthen muscles, and achieve holistic body alignment. It also increases mental focus, strengthens spiritual balance, reduces stress, and helps you stay in the present moment. Inversions performed in a zero-gravity environment preserve the youthfulness of the spine and have an anti-aging effect. It is suitable for anyone seeking a healthy, balanced, and mindful life who has no significant health issues.

I met dear Sıla, the founder of Balanced Yoga Stuff, through her attending my class. In aerial yoga, we either practice barefoot or, when wearing socks, we need non-slip socks for many poses. However, finding truly good non-slip socks is not easy at all. That’s why I am so happy to have discovered Balanced Yoga Stuff — I am now much more comfortable in my classes.

See you in the hammock.

Serra Güven