I believe strongly in preparedness and prevention. While it certainly doesn’t guarantee I won’t get sick, I choose to control the things I can to make the things I can’t a little less stressful. That’s why I’m making sure my lungs are as healthy as they can be right now. It’s why I’m exercising daily, doing more yoga and focusing on my breath, drinking bronchial support herbal tea and eating my fruits and veggies.

Exercise

Important for all aspects of our health, exercise helps the lungs release mucus and bacteria and function optimally. If you experience shortness of breath during exercise, interval training may be a better option for you than prolonged cardio.

Reduce exposure to pollutants

• Smoking reduces lung function and increases complications from respiratory illness. It’s a good time to cut back or cut it out completely.
• Spend more time in nature and less in traffic or on busy city streets. Breathe in the fresh air!
• We’re spending a lot of time inside…get some indoor plants that help cleanse the air such as English Ivy or Peace Lily.

Learn how to breathe. Seriously. There are hundreds of tutorials online!

• Belly breathing – engages your diaphragm and helps deepen your breath allowing for the full release of stale air
• Pursed lip breathing – helps us slow down our breath and get more air into the lungs
• Alternate nostril breathing – is great for relaxation and a healthy nervous system

Tone your bronchial system

• Mullein – is an antispasmodic and expectorant that helps soothe a sore throat and calm coughing. It tones and soothes irritated lungs and speeds healing of damaged tissues.
• Nettle – is a tonic herb that is anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and diuretic. It reduces sinus inflammation and is a powerful antioxidant.
• Thyme – is a powerful antiseptic, expectorant, and anti-spasmodic that supports the bronchial system. It is also strongly antioxidant.

Antioxidants – get more of them in your diet!

Organic Whole Grains

• Found in so many fruits and vegetables, antioxidants inhibit damage to cells caused by free radicals or harmful molecules produced by the body in reaction to environmental pressures.
• Green tea contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the lungs. Other herbs high in antioxidants include burdock, ginkgo, milk thistle, turmeric and oregano.
• Good food sources of antioxidants include garlic, all berries, dark chocolate, pecans, brazil nuts, red beans, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, grapes, pomegranates, peppers, leafy greens, oranges, and whole grains.

Steam Therapy

• Steam adds warmth and moisture to the lungs and airways, which helps loosen mucus and improve breathing. It can provide immediate relief if you are super congested.
• Eucalyptus is a powerful antiseptic and expectorant and my favorite herb to add to a steam bath to help open up the airways.
• It’s simple: put 1 teaspoon of herb into a small pot with water, cover and bring to just boiling. Remove from heat. Cover head and pot with a towel, close the eyes, and breathe in the steam until the water begins to cool. I find this particularly useful before going to bed at night.

Drink More Water

There is a thin lining of mucus coating your lungs. When you get enough water, this lining stays thin and makes it easier to cough up excess mucus in your lungs. This is especially important right now if you are suffering from seasonal allergies.

Laugh More

Laughing out loud young man face closeup – laughter concept

Not only is laughter great for your stomach muscles, it helps increase the amount of air your lungs can take in. Much like exercise, laughing helps release stale air and bacteria from your lungs while bringing in new, fresh air. Laughter is also really good for your mood and general state of mind, so get on it! 😉

Wishing you all health, peace, and wellness during this stressful time. 

Information contained in this blog has not been evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to diagnose, treat, nor cure.

First things first – this is not the zombie apocalypse. We are not all doomed. Yes, people are getting sick, and unfortunately some elderly and already unwell folks have passed away.  But this is not a plague. As it stands, the recovery rate is 97%. If you are relatively healthy and do not have a compromised immune system, you’ll likely be fine.

Try not to stress out about it. Honestly, stress lowers your immune response and makes it more likely that you’ll get sick.  Instead, help your body by doing everything in your power to boost your immune system.

Eat healthy!  Get plenty of fruits and veggies. A healthy gut equals a stronger immune system. Cook at home. Use a grocery delivery service if you need to.  Onions and garlic are amazing for the immune system and preventing illness. Warming herbs are also fantastic! Think cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and cayenne. Richly colored fruits and veggies will also load you up with antioxidants, which are super important for keeping you healthy.  It’s the perfect time to try something new! See my blog on the Standard American Diet for more information about healthy options.

Get plenty of rest.  Go to bed 30-60 minutes earlier than usual to give your body extra time to repair and rebuild.  Have trouble sleeping? There are plenty of herbs and minerals that can help!  Soothing herbs like chamomile, lavender, and skullcap. And minerals such as magnesium and zinc.  See my blog on Sleep for more details.

Exercise!  Not only will you sweat out toxins, exercising helps release bacteria from the lungs making it less likely that you’ll get a cold or flu.  It also causes the body to make less stress hormones, leaving us feeling happier and more relaxed.  Bonus – people who exercise regularly usually sleep better at night.

Wash your hands often and for longer than you think you need to. Use this time to sing a song or tell yourself how amazing you are.  Hand sanitizer is fine when you can’t wash your hands, but it is no substitute for regular hand washing. No need for anti-bacterial soaps…the flu is a virus, not a bacteria. Let the good bacteria live!  That goes for your gut too – antibiotics will kill off all the good bacteria that help you fight the bad viruses. So unless you absolutely have to take them, don’t.

Herbal support for the immune system:

Fire Cider

With a base of Apple Cider Vinegar, which is full of probiotics that help maintain healthy gut flora, fire cider boosts immunity, stimulates digestion, and reduces inflammation. Onion, garlic, ginger, lemon, and horseradish boost the immune system, while turmeric and cayenne help reduce inflammation.  Thanks in part to cinnamon, rosemary, and lemon, people often notice improved energy as well.  It’s a super easy way to boost immune function.

Elderberry-Astragalus Syrup

Astragalus is one of my all time favorite herbs! A very popular tonic in Chinese medicine, it is used for increasing stamina and endurance, and improving resistance to the cold. It also helps the body heal from viral infections. Most of us have heard of elderberry, which is an immune stimulant useful for cold and flu prevention and chronic congestion.  It is also anti-inflammatory & rich in vitamin C. Also included in this syrup are warming and nourishing herbs like cinnamon, ginger, and hibiscus.

And if all else fails and you do get sick, remember – rest, hydrate, and nourish.  And take your herbs!

Elderberry Syrup – Cold and Flu Formula

Along with Elderberry, this syrup contains additional herbs like echinacea to boost the immune system, yarrow flowers to lower fever, and cloves to soothe coughing and sore throat.

I have plenty of tea and Fire Cider on hand and have been making the Elderberry syrups weekly, so message me for details if you’re local (Jacksonville, FL).

In the meantime, stay healthy and go live your life!

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

Time is a funny thing…

We spend time and waste time, time stops, drags, flies, and stands still. We have all the time in the world, and no time at all.

We often wonder…where does the time go???  Life seems to move so quickly, yet days can seem to drag on for an eternity.

Time has moved fairly quickly for me this year.  I opened a fitness studio in February (with an awesome partner), and I will say a LOT of my time goes to the studio.  Whether it’s teaching classes, planning events, going over the books, scheduling, talking with staff, networking, or simply cleaning, the majority of my energy goes to Alt Fit Jax.

At first it felt overwhelming, but as demands change, we adapt.  It’s just what we do. I was reminded this year that in adapting we have to be willing to learn.  I had to decide what was most important and make sure that remained a priority.

My pup is super important to me…beach time is super important to me… So every morning my pup and I take a beach walk. Some mornings I huff and puff a bit, but the moment we’re on the beach everything just seems better.  My mind is clearer, my body has more energy, and my soul is a bit lighter. These walks are not a luxury to me – they are a necessity.

My family has always come first. This year my husband has been pretty patient as he’s had to come second (or last) – a lot. So we’re making the most of our evenings together and taking advantage of little bits of time we have together. We both love to travel, so we found time to go over seas for 2 weeks to unwind and explore. Those 2 weeks felt like 2 days of vacation and 2 months away from work. Like I said, time is a funny thing!

Simply Healthy remains very important to me! So while I have been pretty quiet online, I certainly continue to make herbal preparations for my clients and always have time to talk about an ailment or offer a hand when someone isn’t feeling well. I make time because it matters.

Just like I make time for friends…because they matter.  I wouldn’t have nearly as much joy in my life without my friends, so we find time to be together.

My niece turned 15 this week.  I remember cutting her umbilical cord like it was last week, and it reminds me how valuable time is.  How it’s gone in the blink of an eye. So what do you do with this precious resource of yours? Are you taking time to enjoy little moments each day? Making time for the things and people that matter most? Because I’ll tell ya, I don’t remember anything about what I did or didn’t get done for work that day 15 years ago. What I didn’t get done that next week because I was helping my sister. What I do remember is feeling grateful for the time I got to spend with my family and our new little human.

So go…make some time for the things that matter…take some time for you.  Make the most of your time on this beautiful planet.

Give the gift of health for the holidays!  All items, including the bags, are handmade with love and care.

Revitalize: When you need a pick-me-up…a little extra boost…

Comes with 8oz fire cider tonic, 2oz revitalizing tincture, 1oz all purpose calendula salve, 1 balancing and energizing essential oil inhaler, and 2oz restorative loose tea (tea can be bagged on request for a small fee). $35

Restore: When you need to unwind…de-stress…relax…

Comes with 12oz soothing herbal bath salt blend with muslin bag (to keep those petals from lining the tub and heading down the drain), 2oz lavender room spray, 2oz restorative tincture, 1 calming essential oil inhaler, and 2oz of stress relief loose tea (tea can be bagged on request for a small fee). $40

Immunity Plus: When you need to stay strong…healthy…invincible!

Comes with 16oz fire cider in reusable grolsch bottle, 16oz preventative elderberry-astragalus syrup, 4oz tin of immune boosting pastilles, 2oz antibiotic salve (think natural Neosporin), 2oz hand sanitizer enriched with aloe and a germ fighting blend of essential oils, and an essential oil inhaler blended for headaches. $50

See some things you’d like from each bag and want to create your own? No problem!  Just let me know what you’d like to put together and we’ll make it happen 🙂

Happy, Healthy Holidays!

Lorien

SimplyHealthyOne@gmail.com

904-955-5594

I am happy to report that my mom is now officially part pig.  No, really!  She has a brand new mitral valve in her heart courtesy of our little snorting friends. We joke about it (mostly because she’s always snorted when she laughs), but it’s truly amazing what doctors are able to do these days! See, my mom had severe mitral valve regurgitation, which means that the valve didn’t close properly and too much of the blood her heart needed to function was being lost.  This leads to fatigue, shortness or breath, enlargement of the heart, and ultimately, death.

However, thanks to modern medicine and a wonderful surgeon, she has a new valve that’s working like it should, and her heart is getting enough blood.  In her condition, all the Hawthorn in the world wouldn’t have helped.  No, this was a life threatening issue that demanded a quick response. Thank you modern medicine.

But you know what? There are also a myriad of herbs that are wonderful for strengthening and improving overall heart function. Used regularly, some may even prevent you from a future hospital stay.

The first that comes to mind is Hawthorn, a member of the rose family.  It’s a heart tonic and antioxidant that strengthens the heart muscle and helps to regulate blood pressure. Hawthorn has a vasodilating effect that helps improve circulation and regulate heart rhythm.  Hawthorn helps comfort a nervous heart and is useful for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and arrhythmias. It is a strong, yet gentle herb, so while long-term use is certainly recommended, scheduled breaks are as well.

In general, herbs that are good for circulation are good for the heart. The first that comes to mind is gingko biloba. Gingko is thought to be the oldest tree on the planet, and chances are you’ve seen their distinct leaves more than you realize. Gingko is generally thought of for memory and circulation in the central nervous system, for which it is excellent. It is also useful for preventing clots, reducing inflammation, and improving overall circulation in the body: all wonderful for a healthy heart.

Adaptogen, or tonic, herbs such as ashwagandha (withania) nourish the body and help it adapt to and deal with stress.  This is important since chronic stress leads to all sorts of health problems such as fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, and insomnia (see Stress blog for more information).   Ashwagandha is prized for restoring vitality, strengthening the nerves, and protecting the body from chronic inflammatory diseases.

And, of course, we have some very gentle herbs such as rose and linden that help soothe and comfort the heart. Linden is excellent for stress and anxiety and is often taken to lower high blood pressure. Rose is known for nourishing the skin, and for its lovely, intoxicating smell. I highly recommend taking a bath with Epsom salts and rose petals…just soak and let the stress of the day melt away.

In addition to herbs, a healthy lifestyle is crucial.  Exercising, eating whole foods, getting enough sleep, and stress management are all equally important.  We certainly can’t burn the candle at both ends and expect our bodies to have time to repair and regenerate every night. Nor can we skimp on good nutrition and expect our bodies to be nourished. It’s important to remember that if we’re not taking good care of our bodies in general there’s no herb, essential oil, remedy or medication that will keep us healthy.

I know it takes a bit more effort, but I’d much rather spend my days preventing illness than recovering from it!  Wouldn’t you?

Statements made in this blog are not meant to diagnose, treat, nor cure illness. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult your medical professional before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

While some of my favorite summer activities include water – swimming & paddle boarding – that doesn’t mean I stop running, biking, or playing tennis. Longer days and steamy temperatures just mean I need to be smarter about it. Our bodies need time to adapt to the increased physiological demands of training in the heat, and even if you’re an avid exerciser, avoiding heat-related illnesses takes preparation and planning.

What are heat-related illnesses?  As you’ll see in the handy chart below, they include heat cramp, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

I honestly feel like we went from 70 degrees to 90 overnight. So it may take a few weeks for the body to fully acclimate. Be OK with doing a little less for a bit. Maybe you take shorter runs or bike rides, breaks along the way, or just get outside at a cooler part of the day. Early mornings are my favorite because they’re often less sticky than evenings. It’s important to note that heat-related illnesses generally have a greater affect on those with lower levels of fitness. So if you are starting a new fitness routine, go slowly and build up intensity gradually.

Staying hydrated is one of the keys to preventing heat related illness, as inadequate hydration decreases the body’s sweat rate. Your body needs to be able to sweat in order to cool itself off!  If you plan on training outdoors for extended periods of time, be sure to have access to water and/or a high quality sports drink. Some signs that you are dehydrated include headache, dry mouth, dizziness, and decreased energy. And it’s not just during exercise that you need to hydrate – remember to replace the water you lost while you were exercising after you’re finished. If you’re urine is a medium to dark yellow, or you’re down a few pounds immediately after exercising, chances are you need to hydrate.

Bonus – most fruits and veggies are high in water content and make a delicious way to help keep the body hydrated! Side note – carbonated beverages may ‘quench’ your thirst, but they are not as hydrating as non-carbonated beverages.

Did you know that evaporation of sweat is the body’s key mechanism for staying cool? And that humidity decreases the rate of sweat evaporation, as can wearing too many clothes? Wearing loose fitting, weather appropriate gear will help prevent your body from overheating, and moisture wicking fabrics will increase the rate of sweat evaporation over less permeable materials. I know some people like to wear sweat pants and sweat shirts while exercising in order to ‘sweat off the pounds’.  What they are really doing is sweating off water weight and creating an unsafe level of heat for their bodies. I do not recommend this at all.

Heat can also affect children differently since their thermoregulatory systems are not completely developed, and they have a delayed response and limited ability to sweat. It is important to give them more rest breaks, extended warm-ups and cool-downs when they are playing sports, and frequent reminders to hydrate.

Heat-related illnesses are preventable, but can become life threatening in just a matter of minutes. Review the signs, symptoms and care of heat illnesses so that you can quickly identify and appropriately respond to these potential medical emergencies. Happy exercising!

Adapted from National Academy of Sports Medicine Blog: https://blog.nasm.org/fitness

I work out a lot.  Not because I want to be a professional athlete, but because there are so many things I love to do!  From tennis to kickboxing to pole dancing, I find myself pushing my body pretty hard.  I know there are a lot of us out there who like to push ourselves, so wanted to share some of the many helpful herbs, spices, and nutrients that I use to help my body adapt and heal.

My favorite herbs to use internally for muscle and tissue repair are Comfrey and Horsetail. I don’t use either herb on an everyday basis, just when I’ve strained a muscle and am looking for some extra healing support.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)– also called ‘knitbone’, contains allantoin,which helps repair damaged tissue, bruises, sprains and fractures.  It also contains phenolic acids, which are anti-inflammatory.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)– contains large amounts of silica, which supports regeneration of connective tissue. It is also an excellent clotting agent. It shouldn’t be taken long-term without a B vitamin supplement, as it breaks down B1 (thiamine).

For internal pain relief and inflammation, along with ginger and turmeric, White Willow and Devil’s Claw are fantastic! I especially appreciate these herbs because they are useful for arthritis…my nemesis.  Generally, I take both of these in capsule form, although I do also use white willow in teas and tinctures for headaches.

White Willow(Salix alba)– contains high levels of salicylic acid, which relieves pain and inflammation. It is especially beneficial for joint pain.  Be mindful that taken in large doses it can cause an upset stomach.

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)– an anti-inflammatory that reduces joint pain associated with arthritis. Its bitter properties also help tone the digestive system.

For topical pain relief and wound healing I use a number of herbs, essential oils, and spices depending on the need. My top two herbs of choice to infuse into EVOO are Arnica and Calendula.

Arnica (Arnica montana)– is used topically only, with the exception of homeopathic preparation. It’s useful in speeding up the healing of bruises, sprains, and muscular pain. Please note that it should not be used on broken skin or open wounds.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)– used externally, it reduces inflammation and is incredibly soothing to the skin. It is suitable for sensitive skin, great for everything from eczema to bruises, and I use it in everything from baby balm to antibiotic salve.

Adaptogens are wonderful tonic herbs that help our body adapt to new demands and stresses. It’s important to remember that our body longs for homeostasis.  Adaptogens help our bodies find that balance. Some of my favorites are:

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)– is a restorative herb that is useful in countering the exhaustion that accompanies chronic stress or illness.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)– is used to combat fatigue and increase attention span. Newer research suggests it also helps ease depression.

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) – stimulates the nervous system, acts as an overall tonic, helps improve concentration and lessens irritability.

Tulsi/Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)– improves vitality, helps stabilize blood sugar, and reduces stress. It also smells divine.

Lest we neglect nutrition…

Vitamin E– is a powerful antioxidant that aids in reducing inflammation and soreness related to intense exercise = faster recovery!

Phytonutrients– are anti-inflammatory and prevent disease and premature aging. They are found in richly pigmented fruits and vegetables such as:

• beets, cherries, red cabbage, mangoes, bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus, leafy greens, eggplant, pineapple, strawberries, avocado, Brussels sprouts

Antioxidants– inhibit free radicals from damaging cells in the body. They include:

• Beta-carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, Selenium, Vitamins A, C, & E
• Burdock, ginkgo, green tea, milk thistle, turmeric, cloves, oregano, cayenne
• Garlic, all berries, dark chocolate, pecans & brazil nuts, artichokes, red beans, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, pomegranates, grapes, citrus fruit

• Coldwater fish (salmon is one of the best) and freshwater white fish. Opt for wild caught when possible
• dark-green leafy vegetables, flaxseed oil, nuts, seeds, hemp hearts

Spice! Add spices like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, fennel, cumin, and mustard seed to your food as much as possible. Spices are incredibly healing and make food so much more interesting 🙂

So go…push yourself to do your best!  Then reward your body with the nutrients it needs and the rest & recovery it desires so that your best can keep getting better!

As part of the 90 day challenge put on by Aura Aerial and Yoga, I will be offering a series of classes in support of a healthy, fit, balanced start to 2018.

Saturday, January 27, 3-4pm:  A Balanced Diet: making healthy choices and herbal support for weight loss

Saturday, February 10, 3-4pm:  Herbs and Nutrients for Fitness: how to help your body adapt and heal

Saturday, February 24, 3-4pm:  Gut-Brain Connection: eating (and fasting) your way to a healthy, balanced mind

Wednesday, March 21, 6-7pm:  Releasing Stress and Anxiety: healing foods and herbal support for letting go

Classes are $10 each in order to cover the cost of materials, and will be held at my Atlantic Beach location. Maximum class size is 10, so sign up in advance using the link below or text/call me at 904-955-5594.

I recently completed my level 1 Reiki certification. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I walked into the training. I always thought you had to have some special gift to perform Reiki, and I wasn’t sure I had it. Turns out it’s a lot simpler than I thought…most of it was just opening myself up to the possibilities and allowing a Reiki Master to attune me to the energy that swirls around us all.

If you’re not familiar with Reiki, it’s a Japanese technique that uses energy for stress reduction, relaxation, and to promote healing. It centers on the idea that we all posses a life force, or energy, within us. Reiki literally means ‘universal’ (rei) ‘life force energy’ (ki). You might be more familiar with the term ‘Qi’ from Tai chi or Qigong. Same idea. Reiki helps release blockages of energy and restore balance to the flow of Ki within the body so that the body is better able to heal itself and remain balanced.

It’s important here to note that it’s not MY energy as a practitioner that is flowing into the recipient; rather it is universal energy that is flowing through me for the good of the recipient.

And the five Reiki principles, as explained to me, bring peace into the mind, healing into the body, joy into the spirit, abundance into the soul, and love into the will. They are:

Honestly, just repeating these statements makes me feel better.

While Reiki is certainly healing, it cannot cure ailments. Again, the idea is to get the energy within you moving more effectively so that your body can heal itself more efficiently. In my own, albeit short, experience I’ve noticed that more than anything Reiki is able to bring about intense feelings of calm and peace that can otherwise be difficult to achieve. At a time when stress-related ailments are at an all time high, I’d say that’s a pretty amazing benefit!

As I said, this is all new for me so I’ve been practicing regularly on my husband and myself. He generally tells me he feels great afterwards; relaxed, peaceful, happy…and he always remarks on the heat that he feels wherever my hands hover. Well, after a really crappy day that left him feeling down in the dumps I asked if he would let me practice Reiki on him. At first he said no because he didn’t want me to be stuck with his negative energy. I explained that Reiki can do no harm to either of us, and that only good can come from it. He grumbled a bit, but agreed.

That evening was when I became a true believer in its efficacy. The transformation in his attitude and outlook, not just immediately afterwards, but in the days that followed was astounding to me (and to him). I felt a lot of heat in his solar plexus chakra, so I stayed there a bit longer. While the energy will find its way to where it is needed, I figured it couldn’t hurt to give it some extra attention. I couldn’t remember what emotions were tied to this chakra, but when I looked it up later I sat there stunned. All the negative emotions he’d been feeling during the day mirrored the emotions that this chakra controls. Once all that stale, negative energy was cleared he was able to see things in a new light and move on. It just amazed me. It still does.

There are so many useful modalities out there for healing; finding the ones that speak to us is such a fabulous feeling! I am very much looking forward to exploring this new piece of the healing puzzle. I have a couple more levels of certification to go, so if you’re interested in being one of my guinea pigs, or have guidance to offer, let me know 🙂

May you have peace, health, joy, abundance, and love.

What’s all the fuss about??

Besides being downright awesome?  Let’s start with the basics. Aerial yoga incorporates traditional yoga poses and aerial adaptations of traditional poses using a swath of soft parachute fabric called a hammock for support. Some, but not all, systems also have handles. The hammock is suspended from the ceiling, supports you in the poses, and allows you to get deeper into stretches without feeling forced.

It also means you can do many supported inversions without having to be skilled in headstands and handstands. Being upside down, supported by the hammock, can help lengthen your ligaments, relax your muscles, and decompress your spine. Quite frankly, it feels sublime. Recently, we did shoulder stand using the hammock…we looked like little bats and it felt so amazing on my neck!

What makes it so special?

One of the things I love most about aerial yoga is the cocooning. Imagine spending shavasana floating above the ground, wrapped in your hammock, feeling completely weightless and cozy. *sigh*

And it’s just so much fun! Fly in superman, swing in pigeon, feel supported in partner tricks, or flip in and out of poses for some extra strength building and excitement. This summer my studio started offering a strength building class using the aerial yoga system…holy smokes! It’s amazing what you can do with these hammocks!

It also makes many poses more accessible. I’m not super flexy, so this is really important to me. Standing splits, for example, is one that I love in the hammock, but not on the mat. Being able to hook my back leg on the hammock both supports me and allows my body to ease into the pose. Backbends are supported, inversions are safe and proper alignment in them is easier to find. I’ve been working with supported handstands while I build up my wrist strength and ability to hold the pose. And I can do it without the fear of falling, which is fantastic!

Aerial yoga increases your spatial awareness and proprioception – “an awareness of the position of one’s body”. It may sound simple, but go upside down and see if you intuitively know which way to take your leg to bring it “forward” or “towards your head”. Training ourselves to be more proprioceptive helps not only with balance, but also with making movements more precise. Additionally, our bodies use proprioceptive information to protect muscles and joints through unconscious stabilization and proper positioning to prevent overstretching and injury.  This is a functional life skill that improves with practice and will serve you well in the long run.

And the health benefits?

Aerial yoga has many of the same benefits as traditional yoga including improved circulation and digestion, increased balance, strength and flexibility, as well as back and stress relief.

Additionally, aerial yoga removes much of the stress of gravity, and allows yogis of all levels to try out a multitude of poses, including inverted poses, without the risk of over-stressing joints.  Longer inversion time means greater spinal decompression and improved back health and flexibility. Suspension in the air also releases tension on the bones and muscles, increasing overall flexibility.

Aerial yoga is also a great core workout because you have to engage your core muscles to balance and stabilize yourself during the majority of class. A great way to gently build strength.

Exercise in general boosts your brain’s production of endorphins and dopamine, but some physiologists think that being suspended above the floor, especially upside down, during an aerial yoga class may help your brain release even more serotonin than usual, leaving you feeling fantastic. Without question, I feel fabulous at the end of each aerial yoga session. If you think about it, your stretching, strengthening, lengthening, and lightening the load on your body…how could you NOT feel amazing after all that!?

So what are you waiting for?

Go give it a try!  You don’t have to be an experienced yogi or an acrobat to enjoy aerial yoga. And really, what do you have to lose besides loads of tension and stress? If you live in the Jacksonville area you can find me hanging upside down at Aura Aerial and Yoga in Atlantic Beach 🙂 See you there!

Resources:

• Athletes Care: The Benefits of Balance and Proprioception
• Wellness Today: 5 Reasons to Fly with Aerial Yoga
• Huffington Post: Why You Should Try Aerial Yoga
• Health Fitness Revolution: Here are the Top 10 Health Benefits of Aerial Yoga
• Shape: 7 Ways Aerial Yoga Will Take Your Workout to the Next Level