Listen to this article:
Key Takeaway
Hammock yoga combines traditional yoga with aerial silks for a full-body workout and spinal relief.
Yoga is no longer constrained by a mat on the ground. Aerial yoga is an artistic way to relieve compression in the spine, help with back pain, and de-stress. With the use of a suspension yoga trapeze or yoga hammock, you can achieve new heights in your yoga practice while getting stronger and more flexible.
Flying around and hanging upside down on a piece of silky fabric is a beautiful creative practice with numerous health benefits. But you’ve got to trust that soft piece of fabric with your entire body weight.
Finding the best yoga hammock or trapeze for aerial yoga is no small feat: you need an aerial yoga swing that can be safely installed in your home or outdoors and help you meet your new flying yoga goals.
Here we’ll review the top yoga trapeze stands and aerial yoga hammocks available on the market, including the pros and cons of each and where to buy them.
Contents
- 1 What is an Aerial Yoga Hammock?
- 2 Top 6 Best Aerial Yoga Hammocks and Swings
- 3 Health Benefits of Hammock Yoga
- 4 What to Look for in a Yoga Trapeze
- 5 How to Hang your New Aerial Yoga Swing
- 6 Beginner Hammock Yoga Tutorial
- 7 Selecting the Perfect Spot for Hammock Yoga
- 8 Environmental Considerations for Hammock Yoga
- 9 Defy Gravity and Enjoy the Release!
What is an Aerial Yoga Hammock?
A yoga trapeze, yoga swing, or aerial yoga hammock are all essentially the same thing: suspended pieces of silk-like fabric designed for practicing yoga up in the air.
Yoga swings are sometimes differentiated from aerial yoga hammocks because they have handles and thinner silks, whereas the hammocks are thicker and more simply designed without any bells and whistles. A yoga swing can also be called trapeze (similar to a gymnastic trapeze) because of the handles.
All complicated jargon aside, these gravity-defying yoga accessories are growing in popularity around the world. They can be free-standing, hung on trees, suspended from doorways, or hung from hooks in the ceiling.
Yoga hammocks and swings allow you to perform asanas up in the air. This helps improve core strength, flexibility, and spinal release. The practice is complementary to a grounded yoga practice and offers more creativity for graceful acrobatic flows. And honestly, it’s just really fun!
Top 6 Best Aerial Yoga Hammocks and Swings
We reviewed the top aerial yoga hammocks and yoga swings available online to help you make the best decision for progressing on your anti-gravity yoga journey.
| Product's name | Fabric Material and Handles | Weight Limit | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Beginners Yoga Trapeze Swing Set for Home & Outdoor | Easy Setup for Strength,... | Nylon (parachute-grade) and foam-padded handles at 3 lengths | 600 lb | See latest price |
 | Traditional aerial yoga aum active Aerial Yoga Hammock - Durable Aerial Silk with Extension Straps,... | Silk tricot polyester fabric (13 feet long, 9 feet wide), no handles | 500 lb | See latest price |
 | Intermediate or advanced aerialists F.Life Aerial Silk Yoga Hammock Strater Kit -10 Yards For Flying Yoga... | 100% Nylon (33 feet long, 108 inches wide), no handles | 2600 lb | See latest price |
 | Ceiling mount UpCircleSeven Aerial Yoga Swing Set Ceiling Mount Accessories, Black | 100% Nylon, foam-padded handles | 550 lb | See latest price |
 | Multiple installation options Aerial Yoga Swing Set - Yoga Hammock Aerial Swing - Aerial Sling Inversion... | Silk Nylon, foam-padded handles | 600 lb | See latest price |
 | Aesthetics and performance PINC Active Silk Aerial Yoga Swing & Hammock Kit for Improved Yoga... | Nylon/silk blend (12.5 feet long, 9.2 feet wide), no handles | 440 lb | See latest price |
1. YogaBody Yoga Trapeze/Swing/Sling/Inversion Tool with Free DVD
See latest priceThe YogaBody trapeze swing is the best choice for beginners because it is super easy to set up from an exposed beam, tree, or optional trapeze mount bar. These yoga swings are used in YOGABODY studios around the world. The handles are gym-grade and make it easy for beginner aerialists to feel safe and secure in their poses. They also guarantee a 10 year warranty for all parts of this yoga trapeze.
Pros
- Simple setup if hanging from a beam, chin-up bar, or tree
- Comfortable easy-grip rubber handles at 3 different lengths
- Machine washable
- Lightweight
- Daisy chain straps included
- Safety tested up to 600 lbs
- Includes free DVD for beginner
- Includes carrying bag
Cons
- Ceiling hooks or stand hardware not included
- Need an exposed beam or free-standing chin up bar
- Not ideal for use in a doorway
2. Aum Active Premium Aerial Silk Yoga Swing
See latest priceThis beautiful aerial yoga hammock comes in a variety of colors and includes extension straps, carabiners, and daisy chains for adjusting the installation height, but the core mounting rig is not included. The Tricot (polyester) silk-like fabric has a natural stretch and feels smooth on the skin. There are 6 different loops on the extension strap to allow easy adjustments in the height of the hammock. No handles are included, meaning this is a traditional-style aerial hammock best for holding poses for long periods and lounging.
Pros
- Wide silks great for lounging or relaxing in a pose for extended periods
- Extension straps, carabiners, and daisy chains included
- Pre-knotted and easy to use right away on an exposed beam or tree branch
- Hanging instructions and yoga swing pose guides included
Cons
- Mounting rig not included, must be purchased separately
- No handles (traditional aerial style)
3. F.Life Aerial Silks Equipment
See latest priceThis 11 yard aerial silk hammock has low-to-medium stretch and is best for more advanced aerialists. It is a true silks setup, meaning it isn’t necessarily only for yoga. This studio-grade silk set includes heavy duty suspension hardware and a Nylon weave fabric that is 11 yards long and 108 inches wide. It can be set up as classic silks or hammock-style.
Pros
- Certified high strength hardware rigging is included (carabiners, descender, mountaineering swivel, and nylon daisy chains)
- Extra long, soft silk fabrics
- Can be used as aerial silks or aerial yoga hammock
- Heavy duty fabric
- Beautiful color and aesthetics
Cons
- No handles
- May be more difficult for beginners
4. UpCircleSeven Aerial Yoga Swing Set
See latest priceIf you’re looking for a ceiling-mounted aerial yoga swing, this is your product! The UpCircleSeven includes all ceiling mount accessories to safely install and hang the yoga swing from wood or concrete ceilings. It has a 550 pound load capacity and super strong 100% nylon fabric. The seat design is large and comfortable with thick padded handles and triple stitching.
Pros
- Ceiling mount accessories and instructions (eBook) included
- Multiple colors available
- 3 heights of handles great for beginners
- Two hooks can be installed at width right for you
- Super wide seat is comfortable for all body types
Cons
- Not great for renters or those without proper ceiling studs
- May need to be modified for certain suspension setups
- Lower quality handles than other brands
5. Yoga4You Aerial Yoga Swing Set
See latest priceIf you’re looking to use your yoga hammock in multiple places, this is the set for you! This hammock is affordable, portable, and versatile for both indoor and outdoor use. It does not include mounting hardware.
Pros
- Broad range of installation options (straps, beam, ceiling, tree branch, or doorway)
- Ultra wide hammock-style seat for maximum comfort (98” x 59”)
- Double layered material
- eBook with hanging instructions and starter poses included
- 3 layers of foam-padded handles
- Storage bag
- Can be mounted in doorway or on exposed beam
- Machine washable
Cons
- Only carabiners and extension straps included
- Mounting hardware (suspension ceiling hooks) not included
- Fabric is not silky; it is a parachute-type material
6. Healthy Model Life Silk Yoga Swing
See latest priceThe Healthy Model Life silk yoga swing is by far the most aesthetically pleasing and silky smooth product we reviewed. It is a true aerial silk setup without handles and is great for aerial performance or an aesthetically-pleasing aerial setup in your home. This silk swing can be easily moved around for indoor or outdoor use. It is also very wide for lounging, relaxing, and extra support in inverted poses.
Pros
- Complete yoga kit includes hardware; ready to setup as soon as you receive it (if you have a beam, branch, or solid pipe to swing from)
- Softest silk material
- Stretchy silks make it easier to transition between poses
- Ultra wide cocoon-like silk swing
- 1 year guarantee on all swings
Cons
- Not for concrete ceilings
- No handles (may be more difficult for beginners)
Health Benefits of Hammock Yoga
There are so many surprising health benefits to hanging upside down and practicing yoga off the floor. The main benefits include:
- A full body workout: Aerial yoga poses work many muscle groups at once, leading to more toned and defined muscles, strengthened joints, and a stronger core (which helps relieve back pain).
- More flexibility: When no longer constrained by gravity, your body can move more freely and go deeper into stretches. Aerial yoga releases muscle tension and lengthens the spine with less risk of pressure and injury for beginners.
- Meditation and creativity: Something about turning your world upside down helps to reset the mind. Like many yoga inversions, aerial yoga brings more clarity and creativity to the mind by improving blood flow to the brain. It is a meditative practice that helps you go deeper into yourself.
- Stress relief: Inversion therapy is commonly used to heal chronic and acute stress by stimulating the Vagus nerve and triggering the parasympathetic nervous system that helps us relax. Dr. Sara Gottfried says “any time you put your feet above the level of your heart […] you activate your parasympathetic nervous system, the rest-and-digest counterbalance to fight or flight of the sympathetic nervous system.” In other words, being upside down gets us out of “fight or flight” stress mode.
- Relieve back pain: Inversion therapy lengthens the spine and increases the space between the vertebrate, leading to less neuromuscular tension.
What to Look for in a Yoga Trapeze
The best yoga trapeze or hammock is going to be different for everyone. Do you want to practice outdoors or in your home? Do you have a structural beam in your room ceiling or do you rent and need something more temporary? These are just a few of the things to consider before buying your first yoga hammock.
Weight Load
Most modern aerial yoga sets are designed to hold weights of 200 to 600 pounds or more. Parachute-grade nylon tends to be the strongest, but silk and taffeta materials are also very great at weight bearing. Aside from the fabric, you also need to consider the weight bearing capacity of the suspension itself. The frame/ceiling supports, carabiners, ropes, and/or O-rings need to be able to support more than your body weight.
Fabric Width and Length
As mentioned above, the main difference between hammocks and swings is the length and width of the fabric. The yoga hammocks tend to have a wider seat-like silk to sit on. On the other hand, yoga swings are longer and thinner pieces of fabric to wrap around your body and hang. Depending on your body type and practice style, pay attention to the measurements of the yoga silks themselves. Longer silks allow for more freedom with aerial play and complex movements like aerial silk rolls. Shorter silks are easier for beginners.
Type of Fabric
Most yoga trapeze sets are made from parachute-grade nylon, silk, taffeta, or a combination blend of these fabrics. Silk is the most flexible, whereas nylon tends to be less stretchy. It is best to attend an aerial yoga class to figure out what type of trapeze feels the best for you before buying.
Handles or No Handles?
Most yoga swings and trapezes are equipped with handles, while traditional yoga hammocks are handle-free. Handles are definitely easier for beginner aerial yogis, however they are not necessary to perform standard poses. If you prefer handles, make sure they are padded for comfort.
Suspension Method
Pay close attention to whether or not a new yoga hammock includes hardware. Many require you to install an existing suspension system (these are described more below). Get very clear on where you want to practice: freestanding, hanging from a strong tree branch, hanging from a doorway, or suspended from a ceiling beam.
How to Hang your New Aerial Yoga Swing
Most yoga swings can be rigged to hang from a variety of indoor and outdoor suspensions, however some may require modification. Be sure to check the hardware kit (if included) of your yoga swing to make sure it can be used for your hanging preference.
Door Frame Bar
Hanging from a door frame is the easiest, quickest, and cheapest way to hang a yoga swing. It is great for renters or people without construction skills.
The YOGABODY Naturals Trapeze Door Frame Bar makes installation a breeze in most all standard door frames. It is typically recommended that your yoga hammock is secured roughly shoulder width apart, so some doors may not be wide enough for comfort. You will also be constrained when it comes to sideways movements.
Suspension Hooks
If you prefer more open space to practice, ceiling suspension hooks include brackets and carabiners to install your yoga swing in the middle of a room. You need to have an accessible wooden beam and may need to use a wall stud finder to ensure that there is a support in the ceiling before drilling in. If properly installed, suspension hooks are very safe, but they do require some handy work. This is the best long-term solution for avid aerialists.
Exposed Beam
In an ideal world, we would all have glorious hardwood exposed beams in our home or studios. You can simply loop your daisy chain straps over the beam, add yoga swing carabiners, and start practicing right away!
Tree Limb
A sturdy tree limb is the most natural choice for hanging on a nice day. Outdoor aerial yoga is a beautiful experience and the mounting is fairly simple if the branch is of the right thickness, sturdiness, and height off the ground. Most trees that can support a regular hammock are fine for hanging a yoga hammock, just be sure to test the flexibility of the limb before trying any inversions.
Freestanding Yoga Trapeze Stand or Aerial Rig/Frame
If you prefer not to do any hanging from the ceiling, doorway, or a tree branch, then a freestanding trapeze stand is the choice for you. This is a metal A-frame that can support your yoga silks basically anywhere. This option is significantly more expensive than the others and won’t allow you as much height as ceiling-mounted options.
Beginner Hammock Yoga Tutorial
Selecting the Perfect Spot for Hammock Yoga
When starting your hammock yoga journey, choosing the location is crucial. It’s important to find a spot that’s secure and spacious enough. If practicing indoors, ensure you have a ceiling or beam. For sessions, seek out a tree branch. Always check that the area is free from any objects and allows for movement.
Finding the spot not only enhances safety but also elevates your yoga experience. Investing time, in discovering the location will enable you to unwind and fully concentrate on your practice.
Environmental Considerations for Hammock Yoga
Selecting an eco-friendly yoga hammock isn’t just about durability and comfort; it’s also about ensuring that the manufacturing process respects our planet. While many hammocks are crafted from biodegradable synthetic materials like nylon, there are alternatives like organic cotton or recycled fabrics that are gentler on the environment.
Another aspect to ponder is the type of dye used in coloring these hammocks. Opting for nontoxic dyes can help minimize runoff during production.
Lastly, consider the packaging used for these hammocks. I’ve encountered instances where excessive plastic was used for wrapping, which was disheartening. Companies that opt for minimal, recycled, or biodegradable packaging demonstrate a commitment to sustainability in line with the values of yoga enthusiasts.
By integrating these factors into your hammock yoga routine, you can contribute positively to conservation. It’s a stride towards fostering a practice that respects the interconnectedness, between yoga and nature.
Defy Gravity and Enjoy the Release!
Have you tried any of these yoga swings or hammocks? Have they helped you with back pain or improving your yoga practice? We’d love to know.
Namaste!
Pop quiz! 🧘🤔
Aerial yoga hammocks are only suitable for advanced yoga practitioners.
Aerial yoga can help relieve back pain by decompressing the spine.
All yoga hammocks come with the necessary hardware for installation.