FAQs & Info

What is the difference between mat yoga and trapeze yoga?

Though the yoga trapeze poses look quite similar to the mat-based equivalent, the trapeze has a few extra strengthening demands. The yoga trapeze demands good core and upper body strength for even the very basic movements, like getting in and out of the main sling. This way, you can build grip strength as well as stretch your body. Another main difference is the passive nature of many poses on the yoga trapeze. It is easy to safely hold deep backbends for a long period of time as the sling securely embraces you. This allows for profound spinal decompression, and emotional release.

History of the trapeze

Inversion therapy has been used in yogic practice for decades. Many yogis were hanging from ropes and using other props such as chairs, blocks, and even trees. The yoga master BKS Iyengar introduced an older type of inversion sling to his students which was just a rope with a stack of mats. He used this to practice passive backbends and spinal stretches.

Benefits of yoga trapeze

• Traction of the spine

• Relief of back pain, mild stage herniated disc pain, and sciatica

• Upper body and core strength development

• Adds space between vertebrae

• Calms activity in spine and releases suppressed emotions stored in shoulders & hips

• Alleviates lordosis

• Deepens backbend and shoulder stretches

• Increases range of motion

  Who should not do inversion therapy?

• Pregnant woman

• People with stage 2+ herniated discs

• People with cardiovascular disease

• People with hypertension

• People with glaucoma