“The hammock allows you to move with more ease,” says Grandmaster Akshar of Akshar Yoga, Bengaluru, who designed and structured Flying Bird Yoga. “Made of nylon fabric, these hammocks strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility,” he adds.
Flying Bird Yoga, which is a form of aerial yoga, was launched this week. “We have registered this form. It's patented now,” he says.
Flying Bird Yoga, as the name suggests, lets you experience what it is like to be a bird, flying freely in the sky. It has 150 signature moves. “These are not random movements. We have structured the poses scientifically,” says Akshar, and adds that one can do traditional yoga asanas also in the hammock. I get into the hammock to see it for myself. It takes me some time to get rid of the fear that I am going to tear the hammock and fall down. But then, I realise it is easier to do some of the traditional asanas like Padmasana and Chakrasana in a hammock than on a mat.
Akshar claims that Flying Bird Yoga produces immediate results. “Sitting in a hammock makes you feel relaxed. The postures calm and soothe your nervous system. They help reduce depression and stress, too. One can see the difference in 15-20 minutes,” he says. Sometimes he uses music, too, to enhance the experience.
Flying Bird Yoga has four levels. In the basic level, you learn about 40 postures that can be done in the hammock. Once you get to the third level, you will be able to levitate in the air, by pushing your body up, holding on to the hammock. Most people reach the ace level in a month.
Aerial Yoga has gained popularity in New York, Germany, Italy and Hong Kong. Akshar Yoga will have 40 centres spread across the country by next year.
