My Journey with the Hammock: Mental and Physical Transformation

I was always a very active person, and sports were 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 though my body moved, there was always something missing.

 

Seven years ago, thanks to a dear friend from university, I discovered aerial yoga. At the end of the first class, I realized that I was completely in the moment throughout the entire session; I had fully surrendered myself to the flow without thinking of anything else. And without me realizing it, my body had worked very well and was very relaxed; I hadn't noticed how time passed and I felt very happy. Since that day, I never stopped using the hammock. For many years, I took private lessons, and then joined group classes. I loved it so much and did it so often that, because I had so much practice, they used to mistake me for the instructor in group classes. When it became such a big part of my life, I finally decided to become an instructor.

 

The hammock transformed the movements I was accustomed to into a completely different experience. Freedom has always been very important to me; aerial yoga freed me both physically and mentally, made me confront my fears, and allowed me to break free 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. It's a space where I discover myself every moment, where I both strengthen and relax. As I became freer, more flexible, and stronger in the hammock, I also became freer, more flexible, stronger in life, and learned to push my boundaries. The hammock made me a happier and healthier person. People tell me things like, ‘You look so young,’ ‘Did you grow taller?’ or ‘You stand so upright, your muscles are so developed!’ I am now transmitting this change I experienced in my body and mind to my students; the change, development, and happiness on their faces make me very happy. My efforts are not in vain; I am proud of myself and of them.

 

What is Aerial Yoga?

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

 

This sport, performed with special silk hammocks suspended from the ceiling, allows you to perform movements that you might say "I could never do that!" from afar, and offers the opportunity to experience poses that are challenging in classical exercises in a much easier and more enjoyable way.

 

Adhering to the principles of weightlessness, it aims to reduce pressure on the spine, strengthen muscles, and achieve holistic body alignment. It also enhances mental focus, strengthens spiritual balance, reduces stress, and helps you stay in the 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 conscious life, without any significant health issues.

 

I met dear Sıla, the founder of Balanced Yoga Stuff, when she attended my class. In aerial yoga, we either do movements barefoot or, if we wear 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'm very happy to have met Balanced Yoga Stuff; I am now much more comfortable in my classes.

 

See you in the hammock.

Serra Güven