In the heart of Chennai, a unique and inspiring haven awaits those seeking a holistic approach to well-being. Nestled within the city, an aerial yoga studio stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and the profound impact of yoga on the mind and body. Founded by Viji and her husband Rupesh, whose personal journey through adversity led them to discover the transformative power of yoga, this studio is more than just a place to exercise—it's a sanctuary for self-discovery, artistic expression, and community connection.
A few years back, Viji’s husband Rupesh was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. The journey that followed was marked by excruciating pain, constant fatigue, and emotional turmoil. He battled agonising abdominal pain, unpredictable flare-ups, fatigue, and medication side effects daily for a year. Amidst the physical agony, emotions like frustration and anxiety consuming them, a glimmer of hope emerged—the healing potential of yoga, which became his lifeline. This spark of inspiration ignited a remarkable transformation as her husband chose to channel his strength and resilience into the practice of yoga. His dedication led him to become a certified Hatha and Aerial Yoga instructor. From his journey emerged Aulayaa, born of a passion to share yoga's transformative power. Through mindful movement, breath, and meditation, they empower you to find inner peace, balance, and strength on your journey of self-discovery. What began as a personal pursuit soon evolved into a mission to share this transformative experience with others.
The studio's inception was driven by a deep-rooted passion to create a space where individuals could embark on their journey of healing and self-discovery. With the conviction that yoga could bridge the gap between physical and emotional well-being, Viji and Rupesh set out to establish an inviting and inclusive environment. Aerial yoga, a form that combines traditional yoga poses with the support of fabric hammocks suspended from the ceiling targets different muscles, which became the medium through which their vision would manifest. Also known as anti-gravity or flying yoga, aerial yoga allows practitioners to experience the benefits of yoga while partially or fully being supported by the hammock. The key benefits of practising Aerial Yoga include spinal decompression through inverted poses and gentle hammock traction that enhance spinal health. The hammock's instability makes you engage your core muscles, fostering strength and stability. This practice boosts flexibility and mobility, facilitating deeper stretches and a broader range of motion. Additionally, it builds upper body strength, toning arms, shoulders, and back. Aerial Yoga's emphasis on breath awareness, mindfulness, and relaxation nurtures a strong mind-body connection, fostering mental and emotional well-being similar to traditional yoga. It offers a unique blend of physical challenge, artistic expression, and mindfulness. The hammock becomes both a partner and a guide, offering support as participants explore inversions, dynamic movements, and restorative poses.
Aulayaa offers a diverse array of classes, carefully curated to cater to participants of all skill levels from beginners to experienced individuals. Guided by experienced instructors, participants learn to navigate the hammock with grace and purpose, fostering a profound mind-body connection. The practice encourages mindfulness, breath awareness, and relaxation, providing a sanctuary from the pressures of modern life. Establishing an aerial yoga studio came with its share of challenges. Ensuring safety was paramount, with meticulous attention paid to equipment quality, rigging, and instructor training. Their ceiling-to-floor height is minimal, which causes lesser risk. The practice is done with a yoga mat on the floor under the guidance of a qualified instructor who ensures proper technique and safety. Beginners are typically advised to start with basic poses and gradually progress as they build strength, stability, and familiarity with the hammock. The classes for beginners teach them to move gradually from warm-up exercises to experimenting with a few energetic poses, all while focusing on controlled breathing to enhance movement awareness. Each session concludes with a tranquil relaxation routine in the hammock, offering a truly blissful sensation.
Viji and Rupesh work to make everyone feel welcome and safe. They clearly show how to do the poses and help each person according to their abilities by showing variations of a posture that is suitable according to the individuals' skill levels, body type and comfort. They also create a calming and friendly space that feels inviting. According to them, people suffering from high blood pressure and extreme vertigo should reconsider practising aerial yoga. However, they take sessions for pregnant women and personal sessions as well with no prior experience required for anyone above 12 years of age. They offer memberships or packages for those looking to commit to regular aerial yoga practice at Aulayaa—monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and Annual subscriptions. During the classes, they recommend bringing a water bottle and a face towel. For those new to aerial yoga and thinking about giving it a shot, Viji and Rupesh want to convey that embracing a new experience can be thrilling. Aerial yoga brings together fitness, creativity, and mindfulness in a way that might pleasantly surprise you. They're here to assist you throughout the journey, and they encourage you to approach it with an open mind, a spirit of exploration, and a readiness to take flight! Soaring to new heights, this studio invites all seekers of well-being to embark on a journey of self-discovery, artistic expression, and the joy of aerial yoga. The Aerial Yoga sessions take place Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and the Hatha yoga sessions happen on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
