Aerial Yoga Fitness - Frequently Asked Questions

AntiGravity® and star device as well as AntiGravity® Yoga are registered trademarks, owned by AntiGravity, Inc. Any unauthorized or unlicensed use thereof is strictly prohibited and AntiGravity® take all necessary action to enforce its rights. Any failure by AntiGravity® to enforce any of its rights under these Terms and Conditions or under applicable law shall not constitute a waiver of such right

AntiGravity® Aerial Yoga Teacher Training - FAQ

Q: How many days are AntiGravity® Yoga Teacher Trainings?
A: AG®Y Teacher Trainings are 2 days per module. Everyone must completeAG®Y Fundaments (2 day training) and either AG®Y Flying Fitness1 (2 day training) or AG®Y Restorative (2 day training) as well as completing an Apprenticeship before they can test for Level One Certification.

Q: Can I teach wherever I want to once I pass the certification?
A: No. You are allowed to teach in a private (non-commercial) space or in an AntiGravity® Yoga franchised facility only. Franchising is neither expensive, nor overly challenging. Consider finding a space that may want to license the program before you take the training.

Q: Where are AG®Y certifications held?
A: We have training facilities all around the world. Our main training facility for AntiGravity® is in New York City.

Q: What certifications are offered?
A: As of Aug. 2011 we offer: AG®Y Fundamentals (Module 1) AG®Y Flying Fitness 1 (Module Two), AG®Y Restorative (Module 3). Once you have completed M1 plus either M2 or M3 you are a Level One Certified Apprentice. Once you have completed your 50 class apprenticeship and completed your testing, you are Level One Certified.

Q: Is there a manual and DVD?
A: There is a very extensive manual. As of 8/11 we do not have a DVD, but we are currently working on it.

Q: Must I be certified to purchase an AntiGravity® Yoga Hammock?
A: This was our policy for the first 3 years, but as of 8/11 is no longer.

Q: What physical background is most helpful to become an AG®Y Certified Instructor?
A: The physical background you need to become an instructor depends on the track you choose to pursue, Fitness or Therapy. AntiGravity® Aerial Yoga is a hybrid technique. It combines elements from yoga, dance, gymnastics, aerial acrobatics, Pilates and calisthenics exercise. In order to be a successful AntiGravity® Yoga instructor in a group environment there is an extensive physical background that is needed. If someone's background is strictly yoga or fitness, one must have numerous certifications. For all potential AG®Y instructors, a strong passion for movement is needed. There is an extensive linguistic vocabulary with much detail that will need to be learned requiring a willingness to study. The instructors who take to AG®Y Fitness track, the fastest learners tend to come from a dance or acrobatic background. The instructors who take to AG®Y Restorative tend to come from a yoga or bodywork background, however, do not allow this to limit you! What is needed most is the desire and patience to master the technique.

Q: What qualifications are needed?
Q: Do I need to have teaching experience in yoga?

A: There are 4 requirements for becoming an AG®Y instructor.
1. Teaching Experience: One needs to have experience teaching in a group environment. It doesn't matter what the discipline is as long as one knows how to take charge of a room and maintain order. Although it is very helpful, it does not always need to be related to physicality.

2. Positive Outlook: The philosophy of AG®Y is based on having fun while getting fit. Everyone needs to leave class feeling successful and empowered. If an instructor takes themselves too seriously, a typical trap for cold-war style coaches, boot camp style trainers, ballet-master style dance instructors etc, they are not right for this technique. Enthusiasm is key to being an AG®Y instructor. This is not a typical workout, it is playful conditioning for body/mind/spirit.

3. Physical Background: Minimum of ten years of experience combined in preferably two of the following disciplines: yoga, dance, gymnastics, aerial arts, skating, martial arts, fitness training or other artistic sports OR extensive qualifications in Pilates, yoga, fitness training, physical therapy.

4. Anatomy: Basic understanding of anatomy, kinesiology and body mechanics.
5. Fit: AG®Y requires someone who maintains a consistent fitness regime and has a strong core. It does not require that one is without body fat, rather it requires that they are strong enough to lift their own body weight in different planes of motion.

Q: Are there renewal requirements and/or a renewal fee?
A: Yes. In order to assure quality, once one is Level One Certified, they have one year before they will need to pay for a renewal. Renewal fees are $300 per year to stay current. This fee can be waived provided one submits a receipt from having taken a continuing education class within AntiGravity Yoga curriculum by a certified Master Instructor.

Q: What is the testing process?
A: The written and active practicum testing takes place AFTER the 50 class Apprenticeship has been completed. Testing takes place over one day. Check our website for dates and places. Testing takes place at a qualified testing center for AG®Y with a Certified AG®Y testing specialist.

Q: What happens if after my Apprenticeship I don’t pass the test?
A: If you don’t pass you can continue apprenticing then retest again. Everyone learns at a different rate, it is not crucial that you are a fast learner, only a thorough one.

Q: How many instructors are currently certified worldwide?
A:   As of 8/11 there are 225 certified AntiGravity® Yoga instructors.

Q: Once I pass can I immediately begin teaching?
A:   Once one has completed the trainings they will be instructing at an Apprentice level until they have 50 practice classes in experience.

Q:   What differentiates AntiGravity® Yoga from their aerial competitors?
A: AG®Y is the only aerial yoga program that is certified by the governing bodies of America and the EU. Christopher Harrison is the originator of the aerial yoga genre and the inventor of the silk hammock apparatus. He has put 10 years into developing the technique and along with his international team they have put many years into creating the program. He personally sees to it that all trainings are in line with his standards and that the manuals are very thorough.   A complete description of all the poses and sequences is given in the manual.

Q: Does my training count towards AFAA and/or ACE continuing education credits?
A: Yes. AntiGravity® Yoga Flying Fitness is certified through AFAA and is good for 7 credits provided you fill out the paperwork.   AntiGravity® Yoga Restorative is certified through ACE.

Q: How thorough is the training?
A: Although the training is a short period of time, it is very extensive and thorough. From the AntiGravity® Yoga philosophy to the exact sequencing and progressions, to the maintenance of the hammock, to how to structure a class, you will be given everything you need to know in order to teach a class. Whether or not you become an instructor has to do with the time you put in to learning the technique thoroughly.

Q: What things can I do to prepare for the AntiGravity® Yoga Teacher Training?
A: Ideally you should be on an AG®Y hammock and in classes. However, if that is not an option, then study the website to learn more about AntiGravity the company, get your core strong and go over your anatomy terms.

AntiGravity® Aerial Yoga Practice - FAQ

Q: Can anyone do aerial yoga?
A: Provided one does not have any of the contraindications listed herein and barring any physical abnormalities, anyone who can do at least 3 consecutive sit ups can do AntiGravity Yoga. AntiGravity® Yoga Restorative is more therapeutic and therefore more accessible to all than AntiGravity® Yoga Flying Fitness. To do all of the exercises in AG®Y, it is easiest for someone who maintains a consistent fitness regime and has a strong core.

Q: How hard is it?
A: First of all it depends on which AG®Y class you take and which instructor you have. No matter what, YOU monitor your own resistance so each class is as hard as or as easy as you choose to work. AG®Y Restorative is easier to execute than AG®Y Flying Fitness. If you can do 3 consecutive sit ups, you can do AG®Y.

Q: What are the contraindications (aka precautions) for AGY?
A: Pregnancy, glaucoma, recent surgery (esp. shoulder, eyes, back, hips, hands or wrist), heart disease, very high or low blood pressure, easy onset vertigo, osteoporosis / bone weakness, recent head injury, cerebral sclerosis, propensity for fainting, carpal tunnel syndrome, severe arthritis, sinusitis or head cold, hiatal hernia, disc herniation or acute  discogenic disease, recent stroke, artificial hips, radiculitis (inflammation of nerve root in spine), severe muscle spasms, botox injections (within 6 hours)

Q: Will I be successful in my first class?
A: Yes! Everyone leaves the class a success! Since this is a suspension YOGA class there is no competition nor ego encouraged. Everyone works at their own pace.

Q: What should I wear?
A: Wear workout wear that covers armpits (sleeve) and legs. Cotton or cotton blend fabric is best (non-slippery). Tops: sports bra for females. Not too loose for guys. Remember, you will be upside down.  Bottoms: If wearing tights make certain they are opaqe (non-see through). If wearing sweats, tight around cuff of legs is best. No socks (unless they are sticky). You may need sticky gloves if you have weak grip. PLEASE NO JEWELRY

Q: What should I bring?
A: Water, sweat towel and an open mind --- NO JEWELRY

Q: Do I need to be a yoga practitioner?
A: No. But you will need an open mind.

Q: Do I need to be physically fit?
A: Not necessarily. AGY is easier than regular yoga because the AntiGravity Hammock supports you in your poses. However, AGY is easiest for someone who maintains a consistent fitness regime and has a strong core

Q: Which AntiGravity® Aerial Yoga class is best for me?
A: This depends on your fitness level. We recommend that everyone start with a fundamentals group class or private course. AG®Y Restorative is less challenging than AG®Y Flying Fitness.

Q: How do I find an aerial yoga class in my area?
A: We will post all AntiGravity® Yoga franchisee’s on our locations page. Their links will be our website. Class schedules should be available via their link.

Q: Should I come on an empty stomach?
A: We recommend having something in the stomach to stave off dizziness, however, we do not recommend a big meal.

Q: Will I get dizzy?
A: If one has a strong propensity for dizziness or a “hips over head” spatial awareness style dyslexia this is not the technique for them.

Q:   How will I feel after?
A:   You will feel taller and lighter. Your muscles will have a pump and you will be refreshed!

Q:   Are all aerial yoga classes alike?
A:   AntiGravity® Yoga is the original aerial yoga technique. Over 7 years went into the development of the technique after Mr. Harrison created the apparatus. He created a very specific nomenclature and sequencing that can be done safely. AntiGravity® is the only aerial yoga technique certified by the AFAA. Any other aerial yoga technique is a knock-off from the original and should be considered risky.

Q: Are you sure the AG®Y Hammock will hold me?
A: Every portion of the AntiGravity® Hammock is rated for over 2000 pounds (22kns). The points in the ceiling in an AGY franchise has been placed by a professional contractor and certified by an engineer.

Q: How yoga is AntiGravity® Yoga?
A: This depends on your instructor. Although it is a hybrid technique, the class is a perfect formula for a body/mind/spirit class that brings about awareness. AGY classes in fitness gyms do not tend to be as spirit based as they are in yoga studios.

Q: What if I am afraid?
A: The difference between fear and excitement in the body is relaxation. In AG®Y we bring ourselves to presence before we begin class. During an inversion you are only 3 inches off the ground. Remember, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself” FDR.

Q: What if I am afraid of heights?
A: During an inversion you are only 3 inches off the ground.

Q: Can AntiGravity® Yoga make me taller?
A: Yes! Our promise to you is that after class you will be stretched to your maximum height, varying between ¼” to 1 ½” taller, unfortunately, the effects are not cumulative.

Q: Can AntiGravity® Yoga heal my back pain?
A: Our franchisees, instructors and practitioners around the globe all have amazing testimonials of healing through our zero-compression inversions. We are currently having studies commissioned in order to gather concrete evidence, until then you will only know by coming to class.

Purchasing and Rigging my AntiGravity® Yoga Hammock - FAQ

Q: Where can I purchase an AG®Y Hammock?
A: In the past they were not on the market for retail sales unless one had completed an AntiGravity® Module One Training course. As of 8-11 that has changed. Visit our store to purchase an authentic and original AG®Y hammock. If it is purchased from anywhere but an AG®Y facility, you are taking a safety risk

Q: How do I hang my AG®Y Hammock?
A: AntiGravity® Fitness LLC is not a rigging company and therefore is not allowed to give you information regarding hanging the rig. You will need to find a certified contractor and/or engineer to put up your hammock points. Specifications for rigging and assembly and maintenance will come with your AntiGravity® Yoga hammock.

Q: How do I know if my AG®Y Hammock is authentic?
A: Only hammocks purchased through a licensed AG®Y facility or through our website are originals. Beware of risky knock-offs as the flying fabric is specially rated. Any other could be unsafe.

AntiGravity® Yoga Licensing - Franchise FAQ

Our Licensing and Franchising department looks forward to speaking with you individually as we do not believe in the "one size fits all" approach. Our guidelines were developed to make Licensing and Franchising of Antigravity® Yoga a pleasant and easy experience.

Q: What is cocooning?
A: During an AntiGravity® Yoga class, one is swathed inside a silk hammock and led through a guided meditation often associated with the transformation of a butterfly. The pose looks a bit like a chrysalis and is called “The Cocoon”. The experience of sensory deprivation and swinging that follows a challenging workout is transformational in nature. Cameron Mathison professed his love for AntiGravity® Yoga on Good Morning America. GMA producers liked the term and associated it with AntiGravity® Yoga on Aug. 17th, 2011 bringing it into the mainstream. The word made it to number 32 on AOL’s hourly search trends on that day.

Q: What is your return/refund/exchange policy?

A: Return Policy:

You may return any unused item purchased from AntiGravity for a refund or a replacement within 7 days of receipt, provided that the procedures and requirements are followed.

Refunds:

A restocking / processing fee of 15% will apply to the value of merchandise returned for a refund. Refunds are issued by check within 14 days after our receipt of the returned intact merchandise. We will only refund the value of the merchandise returned, not the shipping cost.

Exchanges:

If you purchased a product that you wish to exchange your AntiGravity® Yoga Hammock for an alternate color (if available) , you can return the item for a refund and simply place a new order for the item you desire. We do not apply store credit to your new purchase. If we see a new purchase for equal or greater value of your return, we will waive the restocking / processing fee.

Defective Merchandise:

All of our shipments are double checked for integrity of materials. Merchandise that is discovered to be defective upon receipt will be replaced. You may also return defective merchandise for a refund; however, a 15 % processing fee will apply. The processing fee will only apply if you choose to return the merchandise for a refund. No fee will be assessed if we are permitted to resolve the issue by replacing your defective merchandise.

Damaged Merchandise:

All packages are inspected for damage prior to leaving our offices. If your merchandise is damaged during shipment by the shipping courier, please contact us immediately as we must be informed within 7 calendar days from the date of receipt for all damage/shipping related claims. You may also return damaged merchandise for a refund; however, a 15 % processing fee will apply. The processing fee will only apply if you choose to return the merchandise for a refund. No fee will be assessed if we are permitted to resolve the issue by replacing your damaged merchandise.

Return Shipping:

Return shipping cost (the cost to send merchandise back to our store) is comparable to your cost of driving to any store for

returning an item, which is not reimbursable. Therefore, we do not reimburse any return shipping cost. If an item you received is defective, we will definitely replace the item with a new one; however, we do not cover or reimburse the shipping cost for returning defectiveÂ merchandise back to our store. We will ship the replacement product to you at our cost, and use every good measure to ensure that the replacement order is processed quickly.

Returning Items:

All returned merchandise must be in original condition. Remember, returned merchandise that is lost or damaged during transit is solely the shipper's responsibility (which is you when you return a product to us). It is important to save the tracking information and to properly insure all merchandise being returned to AntiGravity ®.