Yoga hammocks are becoming increasingly popular as a means of enhancing yoga and exercise routines. If you’re looking for a way to take your practice to the next level, a yoga hammock may be just what you need! From improved body alignment and flexibility to increased core strength, the benefits of incorporating a yoga hammock into your routine are numerous. Not only does it provide an extra layer of support, but it adds a fun new dimension to any exercise session.
Disclaimer: Links within this post are either to my own products, or products I endorse. I may receive a small commission should you make a purchase through an affiliate link, at no extra cost to you. My blog is supported through commissions and sales of my products. Plus, if you like what you read you can show your support by pinning this post, sharing on social media, or buy me a coffee. Thank you for your continued support.
How to set up
The most important part of setting up is to make sure you have a solid structure for your hammock. Without a strong support you can easily be injured if the hammock falls while you’re using it. If you’re unsure of the structural integrity of the ceiling in your home, or screwing in mounting brackets is not an option it’s best to get a frame designed for yoga hammocks.
I own my home so do not have to worry about losing a security deposit because of the holes I drilled into my trusses. Even with following all of the installation instructions for the mounting brackets, I was still apprehensive about putting all of my weight in the hammock for the first time. Slow and steady is the way to go, and listen for any creaks or groans and the sound of wood splitting. Fortunately I didn’t have any trouble, and I was able to begin using my hammock shortly after installation.
Different exercises
Yoga hammocks have been gaining traction in the fitness industry, especially amongst yogis and aerialists alike. They offer a unique way to build flexibility and balance while having fun at the same time. If you’re interested in adding a yoga hammock to your practice, you’ll need some exercises to get started. Here are just a few of our favorite moves that you can do with your yoga hammock!
The first move is an inverted pull-up; it’s great for building strength and stability as well as improving your balance. Start by lying down on the floor beneath the hammock, then grab onto either side of it with both hands. Inhale deeply and use your core strength to pull yourself up into an inverted position, suspending yourself above the ground for a few seconds before gradually lowering back down again.
The tension of the fabric supports your weight as you move through different positions, allowing a greater range of motion than on solid ground. As well as stretching out tight muscles and strengthening weak ones, it also helps to build strong core muscles which is important for maintaining good balance. With each exercise you can feel yourself getting stronger and more flexible while having fun at the same time!
Three other popular poses are the Rainbow, Deep Swing, and Straddle Superman. The Rainbow pose involves stretching forward in the hammock while extending the legs and back behind you. For the Deep Swing pose, the feet come together in front of you and the chest lowers into the fabric. This pose provides an intense stretch for the shoulders, hips, and spine. The Straddle Superman pose is great for flexibility and strength as you pull yourself up by your arms with a flat back in an upright position from a seated position on the hammock. Try these yoga hammock poses today – your body will thank you.
Safety tips
One of the most important things to do before using your yoga hammock is to ensure its stability. If you have yours mounted in the ceiling with brackets, give it a steady tug (no sharp yanks) before you start each time. If using a frame, be sure the legs are all in the proper position and that all parts are in place. No matter how many times you’ve used it, take the couple of minutes to be sure all is still stable and in place. Your safety is #1.
One thing to keep in mind is to always ease into your hammock gently. It’s better for you and the fabric to not have any jarring movements. Even if you’re using a frame, plopping down into the hammock can cause unsteadiness. A yoga hammock is much the same as an outdoor hammock; ease into it, otherwise you could end up on your butt on the ground/floor.
Something else to keep in mind is to be sure you have enough clearance if you’re practicing inversion moves. Be sure the base of the hammock is high enough so when you do your flip you don’t hit your head on the floor. Having a crash mat is beneficial, so if you do slip the shock is absorbed.
Benefits for yoga
Yoga is a great way to stay healthy, gain strength, and find inner peace. Practicing yoga on a yoga hammock is even more beneficial, as it has many added benefits that help your yoga practice. A yoga hammock helps build strength and stability in the body by allowing for controlled movements with the support of the fabric, making poses easier to access and achieve. It increases muscular coordination and reflex response by encouraging you to use multiple muscles simultaneously in order to maintain balance. Additionally, the fabric helps open up hard to reach muscles, providing a deeper stretch than is possible on most mats.
Benefits for exercise
Incorporating a yoga hammock into your fitness routine can be an excellent way to increase strength and muscle tone. This type of equipment allows for easy flexibility training, targeting difficult-to-reach areas and supporting body weight in order to really challenge the muscles. Designed for stretching and strength building, this piece of equipment can work wonders for anyone’s strength training regime. You’ll also enjoy the feeling of being suspended and relieved from gravity – a sensation that is just out of this world. There are no downsides to including a yoga hammock in your next workout.
Wrapping it up
Yoga hammocks are a great way to enhance your yoga or exercise routine. They provide support and add a fun new dimension to any session. If you’re looking for a way to take your practice to the next level, consider incorporating a yoga hammock into your routine. Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Have you used a yoga hammock before? Let me know what you thought!
50 Something Yoga 