Trapeze Yoga Benefits
- Fun
- Beginner Friendly
- No Yoga Experience Required
TRAPEZE 101
In Trapeze 101, you get specialized attention so you don’t need to feel like you already know everything! In this class, EVERYONE is new because you only take it once. We walk you through the trapeze and how to use it, ensuring you understand options to make things harder or easier. Then we get into a comprehensive class teaching you the basics so you’re prepared for Trapeze Class next time!
Take this class, or hop into any of our all-levels Trapeze Classes for a seamless introduction to Trapeze.
Trapeze Yoga Benefits
Instant Pain Relief
As much as 80% of the population live with back pain, but with the Yoga Trapeze, clients can use gravity to elongate their spine and find pain relief. No prior yoga experience is needed, and the pain relief provided is unmatched by any other treatment.
Suspension Training
The Yoga Trapeze allows traditional mat yoga classes to meet functional fitness. Mat yoga classes do not offer pulling motions, which is a critical movement for neck, back, and upper body health. The Yoga Trapeze allows functional pulling movements in a fun and dynamic way.
Flexibility
Using the sling, suspension, and gravity, the yoga trapeze allows you to build flexibility in a whole new way. The Trapeze acts as a prop and allows for deeper, and supported hip & shoulder openers, backbends, and hamstring stretches that can only be done with the Trapeze.
FUN!
Exercise has never been more fun! With the Yoga Trapeze, you are challenged to get into new, fun poses that encourage you to get stronger and more flexible WITHOUT forcing yourself into the gym. Having fun in the Trapeze is all the motivation you’ll need!
Traditional Yoga vs. the Yoga Trapeze
In order to have well-balanced, comprehensive strength in our bodies, we must use training that includes pushing, holding and pulling. Mat yoga offers an incredibly balanced practice, utilizing all muscle and skeletal systems in harmony with one another, which is one reason traditional yoga has become so popular.
The one movement that is missing from traditional yoga is a “pull” motion. There are no dumbbells and nothing to hold onto, so yogis who only use yoga as a form of fitness may have weaker wrists, shoulders and grip strength. This is why it is not uncommon for yoga students to suffer from wrist, shoulder, upper back and neck pain. It’s most often due to underdeveloped strength – rather than poor alignment that is often cited as the cause.<br><br>
The Yoga Trapeze, used in conjunction with traditional mat yoga, offers a truly comprehensive fitness modality. It allows pulling, pushing, holding, twisting, bending, and more! It is different than traditional mat yoga because it demands a great deal of upper body and core strength. It allows for deeper, passive back bends that can be held for longer periods of time.
History of the Yoga Trapeze
The Yoga Trapeze wasn’t the first yoga inversion tool. Iyengar introduced his students to various forms of inversion tools such as ropes, yoga chairs, straps and other improvised versions of yoga slings. Lukas Rockwood, YOGABODY founder, created the Yoga Trapeze in 2004 while he was living in Thailand. He was frustrated by the quality of early models, so he took three years to create a studio-quality device now known as the Yoga Trapeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I lose weight with Trapeze Yoga?
A: Absolutely! The Trapeze adds a fun element to any yoga class that builds strength and can intensify your workout. Although anything can be modified to be easier, so you take it at your own pace. Plus you'll want to come back often since you'll have FUN while working out.
Q: What if I feel dizzy or nauseous when I invert?
A: This is common for new students, but alleviates quickly after only a few sessions. Minimize this by avoiding eating before class and avoiding caffeine.
Q: How long is too long to stay upside down?
A: This really depends on your comfort level – it’s more a question your comfort and your practice.
Q: Do people ever fall out of the Yoga Trapeze?
A: Yes, it has happened, but it is very rare. As long as you’re following the instructions going back and coming up, the Yoga Trapeze is very safe and stable. Also, you’re rarely more than an arm’s length from the floor.
Q: Does the Yoga Trapeze have a weight limit?
A: Yes, up to 300 lbs. While it can support more, it is not recommended.
Q: Is this like aerial yoga or suspension trainers?
A: The Yoga Trapeze is unique as it offers both a sling and handles, and is very accessible for beginners. Aerial yoga tends to be more advanced and the number of poses a beginning student can do may be more limited. The Yoga Trapeze with the sling removed can be used like a suspension trainer, as it is nearly identical in functionality.
Q: Is it possible to hurt your back on the Yoga Trapeze?
A: Yes, it is possible to hurt your back doing any physical activity at all. Inversion therapy itself is aggressive, which is what makes it effective. Treat the activity with respect, err on the side of caution, and take it slowly.
Q: Who should not use the Yoga Trapeze?
A: Pregnant women (without doctor's ok), people with stage 2 herniated disks, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or glaucoma.