Aerial Hammock


Aerial Yoga Flow – Intermediate Sequence – Jost Blomeyer (4 min.)
▸ Some exercises with the Aerial Yoga hammock: from simple to challenging!
This video has been watched over 400.000 times. More videos are available in our ▸ YouTube channel 
 

 

Aerial Yoga is practised in an aerial arts fabric as used, for example, by the Cirque du Soleil.
The knotted hammock ends are fastened with aluminium carabiners to the extension straps (daisy chains) with which you can set the height. Depending on the ceiling construction, the steel swing hooks can be screwed straight into the ceiling or they may need an extra support. The hammocks can be fastened to one or two hooks. With two hooks you can do a lot more exercises. If you are interested in an Aerial Yoga teacher training course, you should therefore clarify whether it is executed on two hooks and if the teacher is trained in this technique.
 
 
 
 

You want to get your own Aerial Yoga hammock or equip a whole studio?
Here you will find all the information you need to purchase*, install and maintain an Aerial Yoga hammock. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases:

How much does an Aerial Yoga hammock cost and where can I buy it for a favourable price?
There are many suppliers from the USA, Europe and China, who sell Aerial Yoga hammocks online. The hammock (a.k.a. aerial silk) is made of simple polyamide (trade name “nylon”), acrylic or polyester fabric, as it is also used for the production of underwear. It is produced as a 2.80 meter (106 inches) wide bale, from which then about five meters long pieces are cut off. Depending on the provider and the enclosed accessories you pay about 30 to 100 EUR per hammock. The comparison is worthwhile if you want to buy an Aerial Yoga hammock for a favourable price. Chinese merchants of the online platform Aliexpress, which sometimes offer Aerial Yoga hammocks also on Amazon, often sell goods that come directly from the factory, which is why these items are usually much cheaper.
Here is a selection:
– Aerial Yoga hammock (5m) without accessories starting from 30 US-Dollars (Affiliate link)
– Aerial Yoga kit containing a hammock made of nylon (5m) , carabiners, daisy chains, ceiling hooks and screws for concrete starting from 60 US-Dollars (Affiliate link)
– Aerial Yoga kit containing a hammock made of nylon (5m), carabiners, daisy chains, mounting plates and screws for concrete (Affiliate link)
– Aerial Yoga kit containing a hammock made of nylon (4m length!), carabiners, daisy chains and runners (Affiliate link)

Aerial Yoga hammocks by the meter for individual lengths with very high ceilings can be found here:
– Aerial Yoga hammocks by the meter starting from 15 US-Dollar (Affiliate link)

 
 

Are Aerial hammocks from Asian online stores as safe and durable as more expensive ones from other retailers?
The Aerial nylon tricot fabric (100% polyamide yarn with 40 denier) is mostly produced as bale goods in Asia and is widely used in the clothing industry. We could not locate a single weaving mill in Germany that produces these fabrics themselves. Aerial hammocks “Made in Germany” do not exist according to our findings.
Certifications for the tested safety of Aerial hammocks are unnecessary, because the tensile strength of nylon is anyway so great that you can tow a car (about a ton of weight) with a pair of simple nylon tights. Here you can watch the experimental video. Even with runs and holes a hammock will carry you safely, but it should then be mended or replaced. A hammock has far too much material to break from exercising Aerial Yoga. But it is possible that a hook comes off the ceiling, if it was installed sloppily or if the ceiling has a poor load-bearing capacity. Therefore, a professional craftsman should install the hooks and if necessary, the load-bearing capacity of the ceiling should be checked by a structural engineer before installation. This is especially true if you want to equip your yoga studio with Aerial Yoga hammocks. How your ceiling is designed and whether the installation of the hooks is carried out professionally, is crucial for safety.
 
 

How long should an Aerial Yoga hammock be and what is the required room height?
The width of an Aerial Yoga hammock usually is 2.80 meters. The standard length at which the hammocks are sold is 5 meters. It is suitable for ceiling heights up to about 3.25 meters. The minimum height for living rooms in Germany is usually 2.20 meters. This height is sufficient for most Aerial Yoga exercises. However, if you are very tall and also want to stand in the hammock, it can be too short. If, on the other hand, you have very high ceilings, the standard length of 5 meters may not be sufficient. Therefore you can buy Aerial Yoga hammocks by the meter and adjust them individually to your ceiling height:
Ceiling heights up to 2,50 m = Hammock length 4 m
Ceiling heights up to 3,25 m = Hammock length 5 m
Ceiling heights up to 3,75 m = Hammock length 6 m
Ceiling heights up to 4,25 m = Hammock length 7 m
– Aerial Yoga hammocks by the meter starting from 15 US-Dollar (Affiliate link)

Depending on how you knot the ends of the hammock, you need different amounts of fabric. You need a bit more for the Bowline knot (Palstek) than for the overhand knot. You will need even less fabric for the sling knot. For this you need to buy extra slings (a.k.a. runners) and it does not look as pretty as the Bowline knot. Below you can find video tutorials on different knots commonly used in Aerial Yoga.

 
 

Are there any Aerial Yoga hammocks made of real silk?
The English term for a vertical aerial acrobatics fabric is “Aerial Silk”. However, the material is always made of simple polyamide (trade name “nylon”), acrylic or polyester fabric. Real silk would be far too expensive. The comfort or stretch of the fabric is created by the nature of the weaving. Vertical Aerial Acrobatics Fabric (Affiliate link)
For Aerial Yoga the vertical aerial fabric is hung like a swing at both ends. The fabric is woven so that it can be stretched only into the cross direction. You can then comfortably lay down in it, like in a hammock, which is why it is also referred to as an “Aerial Yoga hammock”. Aerial Yoga Hammock (Affiliate link)
 
 

Where can I buy the extension straps (daisy chains) with which you can set the height of the Aerial hammock?
Daisy chains are equipment which originally is used in mountain climbing. The individual slings usually have a load-bearing capacity of about 3.9 kN. You can buy them in an outdoor gear shop or online: Daisy Chain (Affiliate link)
Normal daisy chains are usually sufficient for Aerial Yoga. However, if you want to do very dynamic drops or just prefer extreme heavy usage equipment, you can also use so-called safety or multi-chains. Here every single sling has a very high load-bearing capacity of about 24 kN: Safety Chain (Affiliate link)
 
 

Where can I buy the carabiner hooks with which you can set the height of the Aerial hammock?
You can find carabiners in hardware stores, in outdoor gear shops or online. We have had good experiences with D-shaped carabiners, which have a screw gate. In order to attach the daisy chains to the (steel) swing hooks at the ceiling, you need steel carabiners: Steel Carabiner (Affiliate link)
In order to attach the knotted ends of the hammock to the daisy chains, you can use the cheaper carbines made of aluminum: Aluminium Carabiner (Affiliate link)
Aluminium Carabiner (4 pack) with 25 KN: Aluminium Carabiner, 4 pack (Affiliate link)
 
 

How can I hang up the hammock's ends if I want to consume only a little fabric for the knots?
Instead of making knots, one can also wrap or knot a 30 cm long sling (a.k.a. runner) around the ends of the cloth and then attach these slings with carabiners to the daisy chains: Sling a.k.a. Runner (Affiliate link). Video tutorials about Aerial Yoga knots can be found below.
 
 

How do you hang an Aerial Yoga hammock from the ceiling?
That depends on the ceiling. The easiest way is to anchor hooks or mounting plates in a reinforced concrete ceiling. The safest thing to do is to hire a professional craftsman, as he then is then legally responsible for his construction work. A structural engineer may first calculate the load-bearing capacity of the ceiling before the hooks are being installed.
In a wooden beam ceiling, the attachment is difficult because you have to first locate a beam in which the hooks are anchored. The beams often can not be seen since the ceiling is usually plastered from below. Also, a wooden beam can be damaged by pest infestation.
If steel beams with an I-profile are present in the room, you can simply attach beam clamps to the lower flange and then hook the carabiners with the Aerial Yoga hammock into them. Steel beam clamps (TÜV-tested) can be found here: Beam Clamp (Affiliate link)

The fully assembled Aerial rigging should have sufficient capacity for swinging with one person in the Aerial hammock. So-called “anchor devices for persons” are regulated in the European DIN EN 795 A. This standard regulates safety devices, for example for craftsmen working on the roof. According to our knowledge, there are no special standards for permanent loads such as in Aerial Yoga, nor any special products with building inspectorate approval from the German Institute for Building Technology. There are only TÜV / GS certifications for products such as carabiners and swing hooks used to hang the Aerial Yoga Hammock. The nylon hammock anyway has more than sufficient load capacity for Aerial Yoga (see above). If you would like to equip your yoga studio with Aerial Yoga rigging, it is best to state in writing the intended use and compliance with existing standards when instructing craftsmen, and have them confirmed in the bill text.

If you rent your flat, you may need the consent of your landlord, if you plan to make structural changes.

The two hooks are installed in shoulder-width distance (about 55 cm or 22 inches).

 
 

Where can I buy hooks for suspending the Aerial Yoga hammock from the ceiling?
Swing hooks, universal mounts for hammocks, punching bags and Aerial Yoga, as well as X-mount plates and expanding anchors with ring nuts can be found in hardware stores or online:
Pair of Swing Hooks (TÜV-tested): Pair of Swing Hooks (Affiliate link)
Swing Hook with Wheel Track Bearing (TÜV-tested): Swing Hook (Affiliate link)
Universal Ceiling Mount (one arch on a steel plate): Ceiling Mount (Affiliate link)
X Mount (two arches on a steel plate): X Mount (Affiliate link)
Professional aerial artists rather use the one-point rigging, where they can not not swing so controlled in one direction, but spin easier around the plumb line. The following mounts are suitable for this purpose:
Delta-Swivel (for better spinning): Swivel (Affiliate link)
Swing Hook with an additional Swivel: Swing Hook with Swivel (Affiliate link)
 
 

What clear distances should be kept to walls or other objects when an Aerial Yoga hammock is installed?
The distance between hooks and walls should be at least 1 m. This is sufficient for static exercises on the spot. Depending on your body size, you may touch the walls during dynamic exercises, especially when moving around in circles or swinging with outstretched limbs. The more space you have, the better. In the video at the top of the page you get a good overview of how much space you need for different exercises.
 
 

How can I hang up an Aerial Yoga hammock if I can not attach it to the ceiling?
A small mobile aluminium frame for a single person can be purchased here: Mobile Aerial Yoga Frame (Affiliate link)
A larger mobile aluminium frame for a single person can be purchased here: Mobile Aerial Yoga Frame (Affiliate link)
For studios that do not have a concrete ceiling, a steel frame from the Functional Training Company (former: Transatlanitc Fitness) is a possible solution: Tf-studiosysteme
Larger professional mobile frames for outdoor use or performances can be found here: circuspex.co.uk
 
 

How can I hang an Aerial Yoga hammock from a beam, a climbing frame or a tree?
If a strong beam or frame is available, you can simply wrap slings around it and then attach the carabiners with the daisy chains to it: Slings (Affiliate link)
There are also special hammock straps available: Hammock Straps for Trees (Affiliate link)

ATTENTION: The load-bearing capacity of a branch can sometimes be very difficult to assess. It depends among others on the tree species and the grain of the wood. Also, a tree can be sick or rotten. Be careful and note that we can not assume any liability for the accuracy of our informations and your safety.

 
 

How can I prevent damage to the Aerial Yoga hammock?
Avoid wearing makeup, watches and jewelry while using the Aerial Yoga hammock. When practicing wear clothing without metal applications (buckles, studs, zips, etc.), so that the fabric is not damaged and no holes or ladders are created. By wearing socks, you will avoid damage caused by toenails and less sweat will be absorbed into the hammock. It then has to be washed less often and will have a longer lifespan. It is advised to wear toe socks with rubberized soles, so that you do not slip on the floor and also have better grip in the hammock: Toe Socks (Affiliate link)
Some people wear fingerless sports gloves for Aerial Yoga because then the hands are then padded and you have a good grip: Sports Gloves (Affiliate link)
 
 

What do you wear to Aerial Yoga?
You better wear tight-fitting clothing to Aerial Yoga, because too much material can get in your way and feel uncomfortable when being pressed against your body by the hammock. Clothes made of synthetic fibers dry faster than cotton. Elastane fabrics (Lycra) are tight-fitting and do not slip down during inverted postures. This can be uncomfortable in an Aerial Yoga group class, when you are suddenly exposed during inversions and hectically try to stuff your shirt into your pants. Tops with short or long sleeves (i.e. no tank tops without arms) are best, since there will be less friction under your armpits when the hammock is placed there and thus also less sweat penetrates the hammock. Ladies’ Top (Affiliate link) – Men’s Top (Affiliate link)
For some exercises it will be more comfortable, if your knees are covered. Ladies’ Pants (Affiliate link)
 
 

What may be the cause, when the edge of the Aerial hammock pinches your body?
If the knots of an Aerial Hammock are not done properly, the edges may be uncomfortably tight. To prevent this from happening, the narrow sides of the Aerial fabric must be carefully gathered before tying the knots (see videos at the bottom of the page).
 
 

How to mend an Aerial Yoga hammock
Runs can be stopped with clear nail polish: Clear Nail Polish (Affiliate link)
Smaller holes can also be mended with nylon or polyamide yarn: Polyamide Yarn (Affiliate link)
 
 

How to wash Aerial Silks and Aerial Yoga hammocks
You can clean an Aerial Yoga hammock with the delicate cycle program at 30 degrees in a household washing machine. At the first wash the fabric sometimes bleaches out a little. Always wash the hammocks separately to avoid discolouration.
Remove the carabiners or slings (runners) before washing and untie the knots. (However, you can also wash the hammock without removing the slings or untying the knots, if you do not want to make new knots every time you wash the hammocks.)
Do not use fabric softeners or bleaching agents. Just use regular washing powder. Rinse the Aerial Silks with cold water and spin in a low gear.
Remove the hammock and shake it off lightly before tumbling it dry it in the gentle program for about 20 minutes. Allow the fabric to cool and shake it again before putting it back in the dryer for about 10 minutes. Do not leave the Aerial Hammock in the dryer afterwards. When the fabric has completely dried, shake it out once more, knot the ends, and hang it up again. Avoid direct sunlight and remember that colors can also bleach over time due to indirect light.
 
 

Should you place a yoga mat on the ground under your Aerial Yoga hammock?
That is unnecessary. They can slip away and get in your way when you are swinging around in circles with your feet on the floor. However, for example, lying with your back on the floor, with your feet in the Aerial sling and pushing up the pelvis to exercise your legs, buttocks and back, will be more comfortable with a yoga mat. Although you should never accidentally slip out of the hammock while practicing, if it should happen, you will be happy if the floor is padded with a mat. The particularly thick (6 mm) and extremely durable mats, which are also frequently used in Ashtanga Yoga, are ideal for this: Yoga Mat (Affiliate link)
If children use the Aerial Hammock you can place a thick, foldable gym mat on the ground: Gym Mat (Affiliate link)
 
 

Which Aerial Yoga books can be read in addition to the classes?
Here is a selection of Aerial Yoga literatue in German and English:
– Aerial Yoga: Schwerelos glücklich: Grundlagen und Übungen für Einsteiger (Affiliate link)
– Aerial Dance for Dancers – Hammock: Technique & Syllabus Level 1 (Affiliate link)
– Beginner Aerial Silks Pose Guide – The Aerial Attitude (Affiliate link)
– Aerial Yoga: The Low Fly Zone – The Aerial Attitude, Volume 2 (Affiliate link)
– Beginners Guide to Aerial Silk (Affiliate link)
– Intermediate Guide to Aerial Silk (Affiliate link)
– Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts: An Illustrated Guide to Strength, Flexibility, Training, and Injury Prevention (Affiliate link)
– Soaring with the Soul: An Aerial Yoga Guide (Affiliate link)
 
 

Which known Hatha Yoga Asanas can be practiced as an Aerial Yoga beginner?
Here is a small compilation of some well known asanas, which can also be practiced and varied with the Aerial Yoga hammock. For example, stretches in the warrior postures will be more intense and the handstand will be much easier with the Aerial hammock wrapped around your pelvis: Aerial Yoga Asana Series for Beginners
 
 
 

Video tutorial about Mobile Aerial Yoga stand setup:


Mobile Aerial Yoga Stand – Setup
▸ One-person setup without the use of a ladder
 
 

Video tutorials about Aerial Yoga knots:


Aerial Yoga Knots – Bowline (Palstek)
▸ Learn to tie different Aerial Yoga hammock knots. Part 1: Bowline (Palstek)
 
 

Aerial Yoga Knots – Overhand Knot
▸ Learn to tie different Aerial Yoga hammock knots. Part 2: Overhand Knot
 
 

Aerial Yoga Knots – Sling Knot
▸ Learn to tie different Aerial Yoga hammock knots. Part 3: Sling Knot
 
 

Aerial Yoga Knots – Prusik Knot
▸ Learn to tie different Aerial Yoga hammock knots. Part 4: Prusik Knot
 
 
*aerial-yoga.de, represented by Jost Blomeyer, is a participant in the Amazon EU affiliate program, the x-pole affiliate program as well as in the Aliexpress affiliate program, which are designed to provide a medium for websites that earn advertising fees by placing advertisements and links to amazon.com, x-pole.co.uk and to aliexpress.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.