Tell Me More About Yoga Trapeze: What It Is, Benefits & What to Expect

Yoga Trapeze is one of those things that can look a little intimidating the first time you see it.

A hammock hanging from the ceiling? People stretching, swinging, and sometimes hanging completely upside down?

It definitely makes you curious but Yoga Trapeze is much more approachable than it may appear.

So, what exactly is Yoga Trapeze?

Yoga Trapeze is a form of suspended movement that combines elements of yoga, stretching, core work, mobility, and relaxation using a fabric hammock and handles.

The hammock supports your body while giving you a completely different relationship with gravity. Some movements feel familiar to traditional yoga. Others feel more like stretching, Pilates-inspired movement, or aerial exercise. And sometimes the most enjoyable thing you can do is simply relax and let the hammock support you.

That’s part of what makes it so interesting. You aren’t limited to the movements that are possible on the floor.

Is it difficult?

It can be, but it doesn’t have to be.

One of my favorite things about Yoga Trapeze is that you can start very simply.

You might begin by sitting in the hammock, learning how the fabric supports you, becoming familiar with the handles, and trying a few gentle stretches. From there, you can gradually explore more movement as your comfort and confidence grow.

You don’t need to be an experienced yogi. You don’t need to be particularly flexible, and you definitely don’t have to start by hanging upside down!

What does it feel like?

The hammock creates a sense of support that you don’t get from a yoga mat.

You may be able to stretch in a slightly different way, explore your range of motion, or find a comfortable position that allows your body to relax.

Many movements also require you to stabilize yourself, which naturally brings awareness to your core and the way your body moves through space, and then there’s the relaxation.

There is something surprisingly calming about being gently supported by a hammock and allowing yourself to slow down. Sometimes movement doesn’t need to be intense to be valuable.

What about going upside down?

Inversions are one of the things that make Yoga Trapeze so unique. Instead of placing your head, neck, or shoulders directly on the floor as you would in some traditional yoga inversions, the hammock can provide support while you explore an inverted position.

For some people, being upside down simply feels playful and different. Others enjoy the sensation of stretching and changing their relationship with gravity, but inversions aren’t appropriate for everyone, and they aren’t required to enjoy Yoga Trapeze.

If you have certain medical conditions, particularly conditions involving blood pressure, your eyes, heart, neck, or spine, you should talk with your healthcare provider before attempting inversions, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with staying right-side up.

What can you do in a Yoga Trapeze?

Quite a lot!

Depending on your experience and what feels appropriate for your body, you can explore:

• Gentle stretching

• Mobility work

• Core-strengthening movements

• Balance

• Supported yoga poses

• Aerial movement

• Supported inversions

• Relaxation and restorative positions

The possibilities can grow as you become more familiar with the hammock.

How do you get into one?

Getting into the hammock is actually much less complicated than it looks.

You begin seated, with the hammock positioned around your hips and your hands holding the appropriate handles.

From there, you can gradually lean back and explore how the hammock supports your body.

If you’re learning an inversion, you’ll be taught how to position your body, secure your feet, and enter and exit the position slowly.

This is one of those things where learning the setup matters.

The goal isn’t to jump into an impressive-looking pose.

It’s to learn how the equipment works and become comfortable with your body in it.

A note about safety

Yoga Trapeze can be adapted to different bodies and experience levels, but suspension and inversion require appropriate instruction and awareness.

Certain medical conditions may make inversions inappropriate, including some blood pressure and eye conditions, as well as certain neck, spinal, and cardiovascular concerns.

If you are pregnant, recovering from an injury or surgery, or have a medical condition that could be affected by suspension or inversion, talk with your healthcare provider before participating.

And remember: you never have to go upside down.

There is an entire world of Yoga Trapeze that happens right-side up.

Why I love it

For me, Yoga Trapeze is less about doing something impressive and more about experiencing movement differently.

The hammock changes the relationship between your body and gravity.

It can make movement feel playful.

It can offer support.

It can challenge your balance and core.

It can give you a new way to stretch.

And sometimes, it can simply give you permission to slow down and rest.

There is something beautiful about discovering that movement doesn’t always have to happen the way we’ve always done it. Sometimes you just need a different perspective, and maybe that’s what I love most about Yoga Trapeze.

You get to see movement, and sometimes yourself, from a completely different angle.

How do you get into one?

Sit in the hammock, making sure the base is around your hips. Hold onto the midlength handles. Lean back. Wrap your legs around the outside of the swinging then hook your feet. Walk your hands down to the lower handles. when you know you are secure you can hang upside down. Come out slowly.

You should not go upside down if:

 High Blood Pressure - Increases your blood pressure putting your at risk of a stroke.

Glaucoma - pressure builds around the eyes, impairing vision, any kind of inversions will increase that pressure, supported or otherwise.

If you are Menstruating - Reverses the natural downward flow of menses.