Self-discovery is hot on everyone’s minds at the moment, but forget travelling to the far corners of the earth to find that inner peace – you can find it right here in the country’s capital.

What’s it all about?

Zero Gravity Yoga is the new hottest yoga technique, brought to London by celebrity yoga guru, Aisha Patterson. Aisha has studied yoga around the world from some of the best know teachers such as Anna Forest and Shiva Rear, and has taught celebrities like Pamela Anderson and even appeared on MTV as Jerry Hall’s personal yoga instructor.

Zero Gravity Yoga works with a unique swing system that literally turns traditional yoga practices on their head, and provides new challenges with over 100 unique poses to lead you through a journey of mind and body.

Suspended from the ceiling using a cloth swing, Zero Gravity Yoga combines elements of challenge and relaxation. There is no way to get through this class without using your deep abs – from light aerobic dance moves to the supported yoga poses.

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What exactly do I do?

Aisha shows you how the swing system works, and helps you get into positions (some awkward and some fun) and stretch your body, at the same time as concentrating on breathing and relaxing your muscles whilst gently stretching them.

The ropes are used to create various inversions which feel divine for the spine, but also allow for more versatility and add a fun, aerial factor. You may not realise it, but fun and playfulness actually enhances the yoga experience. Aisha believes that the best yoga experience combines mind, body and spirit together while incorporating the breath and even laughter! To her, this is the necessary combination in order to enjoy the full benefits of yoga. After and stretching out that tense spine I discovered I had, the hard work began.

Using the swing system, I was put into plank and side plank positions which posed far more difficult than normal floor planks as your feet are higher up, so you have to engage that core all the more than normal – I could certainly feel those stomach muscles working hard! You learn how important your elbows and knuckles are in terms of tension efficiency and taking some of the strain, the yin and yang of how your body works, whilst all the time focusing on your breathing.

Each exercise would be held between 30 seconds to a minute, with another minutes rest in relaxing positions between. All the time you are using the swing system and watching your body in the mirror to make sure your body alignment is correct.

The use of the swing system adds variety to the yoga and makes it all the more fun by embracing new challenges and positions, breaking new barriers within your own personal yoga practise and also has the ability releases parts of your body that normal yoga cannot.

The work-out also has benefits of bringing new experiences to old exercises. Your tummy gets a workout without the strain and tediousness of sit-ups!

To conclude the session, Aisha gets you to sit within the swing system crossed legged and wraps you up in the cloth so you are relaxing within it like a hammock. With some relaxing music and your eyes closed you concentrate on regulating your breathing and recovering from the muscular demands of the session, whilst she leaves you gently swinging.

What are the benefits?

Body Balance - The swing connects the top of the body (the mind) with the bottom of the body (the feet) to bring about an important corporal unification which markedly improves your balance and ability to centre your mind.

Circulation - Inversion ups your body’s circulation which in turn slows down the ageing process, boosts the immune system and reduces stress and tension. It can also help to relieve the pressure of varicose veins, stimulate the thyroid and parathyroid, improve digestion and balance your hormones.

Back and core health - Additionally, inversion therapy helps to strengthen and stretch the spine, improve posture, reduce back pain and build core strength.

Who does it suit?

There are plenty of positions for beginners, but some experience in yoga would mean you would get more out of the session.

With over 100 new poses, Zero Gravity Yoga is physically demanding and always challenging, no matter your level. Those who already have yoga as part of their fitness regime would benefit from Zero Gravity Yoga as an opportunity to push and challenge their personal yoga barriers, at the same time as providing them with some variety.

Where can I do it?

Zero Gravity Yoga classes are held exclusively at the Chelsea Club for both members and non-members. Classes for non-members are held at 6.30pm on Wednesdays and coast £30. It is available exclusively in 2010 so try it out before it’s too late! For more information please visit www.chelseaclub.com ^[4] or ring 0871 223 1224 for bookings.

Clarissa Goodwin, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine