Swing Yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years. A combination of traditional yoga poses with the use of a gravity-defying hammock makes up the perfect yoga class!

The hammock can support up to 300kg of weight and is attached to the ceiling hanging to less than 1 meter from the floor. The hammock acts like a swing and soft trapeze, supporting the hips for forward and backbends. Yoga postures which some people may find difficult to do on the ground can be easier without the added pressure on joints.

Satish Thirumurthy Ramaswamy, Platinum trainer and Swing Yoga Instructor at Fitness First explains that Swing Yoga is actually the perfect introduction for those looking to get into Yoga and lays a solid foundation for successful Yoga practice. Here, he explains the benefits and differences between Swing Yoga and standard Yoga.

1. Can I join a Swing Yoga class if I have never done Yoga before?

Swing Yoga is the perfect beginners’ starter class and helps correct mistakes in the body to help you perform standard Yoga poses properly.

2. If I find Yoga difficult should I avoid Swing Yoga?

With today’s sedentary lifestyle, it is advisable to start with Swing Yoga over normal Yoga. Swing Yoga develops perception and direction within asanas. It indicates the details and depth of yoga asanas which is supported by the swing to maintain and move more deeply into any type of Yoga pose. Swing Yoga works towards desired results in practice as it aims to move blocked areas and create energy in the body. It encourages you to hold postures for a longer duration of time without any strain, which can be more difficult with standard yoga.

3. What benefits can I expect from Swing Yoga?

The benefits of Yoga are different for every person. Everyone has different abilities in strength and flexibility. Some people may have injuries that they would like to help correct, so it depends on the intention of the person and what benefits they would like to take from the class. Many people love the feeling of freeness and say it boosts their mood. Others have said that Swing Yoga helps improve their balance and stability in daily activities. Swing Yoga opens up the hips, shoulder joints, and rotator cuffs. It can also provide many health benefits including the betterment of the endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems. As well as this, the thyroid system is massaged reducing inflammation and stress within the body. Swing Yoga can also lessen the side effects of female hormone imbalances and the inversions increase oxygen blood flow to the face which helps with aging as skin cells are nourished. The parasympathetic nervous system is positively stimulated, promoting a feeling of calm and deep wellbeing.

4. Can Swing Yoga help with physical injuries?

Swing Yoga can be very beneficial for those who have injuries, especially joint issues and back problems as it doesn’t put strain or pressure on the joints. It gives you the chance to hang freely, allowing your spine to lengthen and stretch. With less strain on your back whilst doing the exercises, it eases tension in the spinal cord and hip joints, which is great for those who suffer from sciatica. Much of the human body is in an upright position daily from sitting at a computer, walking, driving and day to day activities so the forward bending helps with disk injuries, releases joints and realigns the spine.

Swing Yoga classes are available in a number of Fitness First studios across the Middle East with unlimited access and with a variety of timings, there is bound to be a class to suit everyone. Please see details and class timings here: https://uae.fitnessfirstme.com/classes/swing-yoga

Alternatively, classes may be booked by via the Fitness First Mobile App.