This is something I definitely never imagined I could do, but yesterday, I found myself flying and doing all sorts of fun things three feet off the ground 
Wootness!!!
I’m soooo happy I finally got to try out AntiGravity Yoga. From the moment I saw that orange hammock during the press launch of the practice a couple of weeks ago, I knew I wanted to try it but I was busy during the weekend that the creator, Christopher Harrison, was in town to do a teacher training program and several master classes at the Farm at San Benito. I wanted to try it so much that I played with the hammock during the launch and well, with no instructions, attempted to fly. Suffice it to say I fell flat on my face….literally!!!
Anyway, when I found out there was a weekend of flight coming up with the first AGY certified teacher in the Philippines, Anna Carbonell, I knew I had to do it! And lookit!!!
IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT
The practice is so much fun, I tell ya. And if you think you can’t do it (either you’re too fat, you’re too old, lack flexibility, yadiyadiya), believe me when I say ANYONE can actually do it. In class yesterday we had a good mix of yoginis, non-yoga practitioners, little kids, and even a 71 year old lady! And take a look at her!!!!
There are, of course, a few contraindications to the practice, such as pregnancy, hypertension, recent surgeries and the like. In general, however, the practice is quite safe. You also don’t need any special equipment or clothing when practicing, although as I understand it, it is advised that you don’t wear clothing with zippers, buttons, and any kind of jewelry (whether earrings, bracelets or jewelry beads) in order to not snag the cloth. Cap sleeved or long sleeved shirts and leggings or gym pants are also preferred.
One question that is often asked about AGY, especially with regards to the silk hammock that you hang on is whether it can actually hold your weight. I did feel a little skeptical at first, but as was explained during the briefing, the silk cloth is specially designed for flying and can hold the weight of a baby elephant (or 3400 pounds hehe). Amazing right? The cloth is no ordinary fabric, so don’t get any ideas about just hanging an old blanket and using that for flight Christopher emphasized that this special material specially designed for the practice, cannot be substituted with any similar fabric and can only be purchased from their supplier. Also, the beams or supports in which the hammocks will hang from have to be carefully scrutinized and approved of in order to ensure maximum safety. Another way they ensure the safety of practitioners is the fact the AGY partners are carefully selected because they aim to maintain high quality standards. Lastly, their teachers are trained and certified to teach the practice, which is why Beyond Yoga, the Philippine partner for AGY, is not yet offering it as of today but will wait till February to make sure they meet quality standards for us to practice here in Manila.
During the demo that Christopher did for some bloggers a few weeks ago, he demonstrated a quick flow in a typical class. Think sun salutations, only with a hammock.
When I got to try it yesterday, I did get to feel what he was saying about how the hammock really helps you with the proper alignment in the poses.
An added bonus is that with AGY, you can do compression free inversions. For the longest time I dreamt of doing inversions but I could never get myself on headstands and even shoulder stands are a struggle for me. Except for Viparita Karani (or legs up the wall pose), I can’t get myself to get my feet above my head. It isn’t really the fear, I must say, but it’s more like my shoulders aren’t strong enough for it yet. And so yesterday to hang upside down, OH MY GOD. Talk about PURE BLISS
This time with the careful guidance of Anna, I got it right She had such a reassuring and fun teaching style that the usual cautious me (who, as my readers know, is quite afraid of letting go!) just felt so sure and secure in letting go despite just hanging on a little strip of fabric. Yeah, she made it quite easy to just trust.
I have to offer up my greatest thanks to Beyond Yoga for bringing such a wonderful practice to the Philippines. I cannot wait till they officially open on February!!!
One day I will flip over the hammock and land in this pose, Anna! I promise!!!
In the meantime, Beyond Yoga offers a wide array of different yoga and dance classes that I am excited to explore the week after Christmas
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Beyond Yoga is located at the 3F Il Terrazzo, Tomas Morato Avenue corner Scout Madrinian St., QC
Check out their website at www.igobeyondyoga.com or contact them via mobile at 0917-5BEYOND (0917-5239663). You can also follow them on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/IGoBeyondYoga) or like them on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/IGoBeyondYoga)
I wake up with terrible asthma attacks and well, my migraines have been acting up.
