Questions?

Is Aerial Yoga Hard?

No!  Aerial Yoga is easy and accessible for nearly everyone, but if you want an extra challenge there are lots of fun core and upper body strengthening moves including handstands and flips!

Is Aerial Yoga a Good Workout?

Absolutely! You can tone, stretch and nurture your entire body!

We care more about how you feel than how you look, but if an active practice makes you feel good then we've got you covered!

What should I Wear for Aerial Yoga?

For Aerial Yoga, wear comfortable workout wear that covers armpits (sleeve) and legs. Cotton or cotton blend fabric is best (non-slippery). Wear something you can move easily in, that will not be too loose or floppy, remember, you will be upside down!

Leggings, tracksuit or yoga pants are great- jeans or rough stiff fabric will be uncomfortable. PLEASE NO ZIPPERS, JEWELLERY, MAKE UP OR FAKE TAN- this will damage the hammocks.

Watch out for little zippered pockets in your yoga pants or tops - these little zippers can tear the hammock fabric.

Wear comfortable clothes you can move easily in for yoga and pilates classes.

When should I eat before an Aerial Yoga Class?

Don't have a heavy meal before class, but a light snack can be helpful especially if you are prone to dizziness or motion sickness.

What are the benefits of Aerial Yoga?

Zero Compression Inversions that allow circulatory and lymphatic systems to refresh while stimulating the release of neurotransmitters in the brain
Decompression of the spine through gentle traction and hydration of vertebral discs
Muscular tension release through self massage techniques
Core strengthening
Increased kinesthetic awareness; fine-tuning balance and increasing proprioceptor response for greater agility
Low impact cardiovascular conditioning
Self-esteem enhancement through process of conquering basic fears
A creative and artistic mind-body experience

Are there any Contraindications for Aerial Yoga?

Pregnancy, glaucoma, recent surgery (esp. shoulder, eyes, back, hips, hands or wrist), heart disease, very high or low blood pressure, easy onset vertigo, motion sickness, osteoporosis / bone weakness, recent head injury, cerebral sclerosis, propensity for fainting, carpal tunnel syndrome, severe arthritis, sinusitis or head cold, hiatal hernia, disc herniation or acute ?discogenic disease, recent stroke, artificial hips, radiculitis (inflammation of nerve root in spine), severe muscle spasms, botox injections (within 6 hours). If any of this issues affect you, we may need to check with your doctor before commencing or leave certain exercises out of your program. Always let Jo know of any medical conditions/concerns before each session begins!

Is Aerial Yoga Safe?

Yes!  Aerial Yoga is very safe, and adaptable for all levels of fitness and flexibility.  Some contraindications do apply though, as we have listed above.  As with all physical activities, it is important to listen to your body and ask the teacher for assistance or different options if you need them.

Is Aerial Yoga Safe for Pregnancy?

There are some contraindications that apply for pregnancy, and inversions are generally not recommended.  There are still some safe and beneficial moves that you can do with the fabric.  Get in touch with Jo to find out your options! 

Is there a Weight Limit for Aerial Yoga?

Aerial yoga is very adaptable and suitable for all body shapes and sizes. The hammocks and rigging are strong enough to hold 500 kgs per hammock, and the support of the fabric means that your wrist, knee and ankle joints carry less load than they would in a floor based your practice. I am also able to adapt the practice for specific health issues, and my goal is that people of all sizes feel safe, supported and have fun in my studio, so feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

Can I do inversions if I have my period?

This is a personal choice. Multiple medical studies have shown that there is no risk of retrograde flow as uterine contractions propel blood out of the body rather than gravity. However if you do not feel like going upside down (for any reason) I will always give other options.

Traditionally inversions have been avoided during menstruation for energetic reasons - Apana Vayu is active and working on sending energy downwards, so some people feel that reversing this direction is not productive. However many people feel that the gentle traction of the hammock can be very helpful to relieve cramps and lower back pain. If you are feeling extra sensitive and low in energy, a Restorative Aerial Yoga class may be a better option than a more active practice.

Is there an age limit for Aerial Yoga?

Yes, we are only insured for people 12 years and older. There is no upper limit however - our most senior aerial yogi is 82 and loved it! If have any concerns, start with a Restorative aerial yoga class where the practice moves at a more gradual pace.

Do I need any prior yoga or movement experience?

Not at all! This practice is suitable for all levels and a great place to start.

I'm quite experienced - will there still be options to challenge me?

Yes! The beauty of yoga is how adaptable it is - even if you have a very established movement practice we will be able to give you challenging variations.

It should be noted that our Gentle Yoga class is very slow and gentle - sometimes the challenge can be in just being still!

The Strong Vinyasa Flow class is different every week - there will always be something new to challenge you. It’s also a great class to work on specific strength goals.

I'm injured - is it ok to practice?

As long as you have your doctor’s approval and are able to listen to your body and ask for advice as as necessary.

Strong Vinyasa Flow probably isn’t the best class if you are working with an injury - Gentle Yoga or Nurturing Yoga and Pilates would be more suitable practice (and always get your doctor’s ok before returning to yoga).

Please let us know if you are working with any injuries or illnesses - either by filling out our new client form, or by telling the teacher before the start of the class.

I'm retired - is everyone else in the class going to be really young?

No - we have a really broad range of ages coming to our studio, however if you have discomfort weight bearing on your wrists or knees, or back issues then Gentle Yoga or Nurturing Yoga and Pilates would be the more suitable options.

I'm a bit bigger and have felt uncomfortable in yoga classes before. Are you going to have options for me?

Absolutely! We are a Body Positive studio - our goal is that everyone feels comfortable and supported in their practice. We use functional rather than aesthetic cues, have lots of different props to use as necessary and structure the class so everyone can practice in a way that feels right for them.

If you have discomfort when bearing weight on your wrists or knees, or back issues then Gentle Yoga or Nurturing Yoga and Pilates would be more suitable classes, unless you are very comfortable working with your own variations.

Will I sweat?

In our Gentle Yoga class, probably not, but in Strong Vinyasa Flow, perhaps! It all depends on how much you want to work yourself!

Is this a good Pre or Post Natal class?

Yes! We have many great options to help mindfully build core strength and stability, as well as upper body and glute strength. We also have options to stretch out any tight and cranky muscles in the legs or back and relieve tension in the shoulders from breast-feeding and carrying your baby around.

Nurturing and self care is very beneficial and important before and after giving birth - We will take great care of you. Always get a doctors ok to return to exercise, but there will be lots of suitable practice options here for you when you are ready.

Do I need any prior yoga or pilates experience?

Not at all! This practice is suitable for all levels and a great place to start.

I'm quite experienced - will there still be options to challenge me?

Yes! The beauty of the pilates props is how adaptable they are - even if have a very established movement practice I will be able to give you challenging variations.

I'm injured - is it ok to practice?

As long as you have your doctor’s approval and are able to listen to your body and ask for advice as as necessary this is a great class to work with any injuries. I can help support you through your rehabilitation and am happy to liaise with your physiotherapist as necessary.

I'm retired - is everyone else in the class going to be really young?

No - we have a really broad range of ages coming to our studio, and in this class specifically We have some great ‘active aging’ options.

I'm a bit bigger and have felt uncomfortable in Pilates classes before. Are you going to have options for me?

Absolutely!! We are a Body Positive studio - our goal is that everyone feels comfortable and supported in their practice. We use functional rather than aesthetic cues, have lots of different props to use as necessary and structure the class so everyone can practice in a way that feels right for them.

Will I sweat?

If you like an active workout then yes - we can definitely challenge you some stronger moves.

If you prefer to focus on flexibility, or prefer to move at a gentler pace then you won’t need a shower after this class.

What does it mean to be an inclusive, body positive studio?

We want people of all ages, all genders and non binary people, all sizes and all cultures to feel safe and welcome here.

We think carefully about the language that we use in class, are mindful of personal space including Yogi Consent Cards for hands on assists and teach in a way that honours the uniqueness of each individual.

We can always learn more and do better - please let us know if you have any feedback about how we can improve your experience here!

Is Garden of Yoga wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately not. The entry to the studio is via a narrow walkway and includes some steps. We also do not have a wheelchair accessible toilet.

Do I need to book in?

Yes! We are a small studio and every spot is precious, please book in online to secure your space. We also request that if you need to cancel a session please give us as much notice as possible, a cancellation fee (the cost of the class) applies when you cancel less to 2 hours before the class.

What are your terms & conditions?

You can find our terms & conditions here

Can I bring my Child to class?

Our Wednesday morning Nurturing Yoga and Pilates class is family friendly. If you have a baby or child who is happy to play quietly in the studio (or join in the class) feel free to bring them along!Children can come for free - it's laid back and friendly group, where no one expects kids to be silent all the time, but please be mindful of the group experience if you are bringing your children.

We have plenty of cosy blankets, cushions and bolsters for your baby to snooze on, please bring favourite toys or anything else you might need. Unfortunately the walkway to our studio is too narrow for most prams but we can secure your pram with a bike lock if necessary.

As we are a small space and do not have an enclosed and supervised area for kids our other classes are just not suitable for children for safety reasons.

Can I bring my dog to class?

No sorry, it wouldn’t be fair on Nagano our studio cat!

Is Garden of Yoga Trauma Informed?

We don’t advertise our classes as Trauma Informed, but both Jo and Rane have had some Trauma Informed training and incorporate many of the principals into our classes here.

We use thoughtful and invitational language, consent cards and conversation before any hands-on assists, no mirrors in the studio and a focus on honouring the uniqueness of each individual. We are always open to learning about how to make our classes more welcoming and inclusive - please let us know if you have any feedback.

Do I need any prior yoga or pilates experience?

Not at all! This practice is suitable for all levels and a great place to start.

I'm quite experienced - will there still be options to challenge me?

Yes! The beauty of the pilates props is how adaptable they are - even if have a very established movement practice I will be able to give you challenging variations.

I'm injured - is it ok to practice?

As long as you have your doctor’s approval and are able to listen to your body and ask for advice as as necessary this is a great class to work with any injuries. I can help support you through your rehabilitation and am happy to liaise with your physiotherapist as necessary.

I'm retired - is everyone else in the class going to be really young?

No - we have a really broad range of ages coming to our studio, and in this class specifically I have some great ‘active aging’ options.

I'm a bit bigger and have felt uncomfortable in Pilates classes before. Are you going to have options for me?

Absolutely!! We are a Body Positive studio - our goal is that everyone feels comfortable and supported in their practice. We use functional rather than aesthetic cues, have lots of different props to use as necessary and structure the class so everyone can practice in a way that feels right for them.

Will I sweat?

That depends on you! We can give options to suit any background, strength or skill level - just let us know how hard you want to work!