Yoga Props

Aerial yoga swings and hammocks are popular in yoga studios across the world, but now you can also buy one for home. Let us show you the best available!

What are Aerial Yoga Swings and Hammocks

You’ve found the right website if you’re looking to read online reviews and buy your very own yoga swing for use in the studio or at home. The industry is certainly booming and now is the right time to gain the benefits of aerial yoga.

Not so many studios offer aerial yoga and some people simply live too far away. Doing yoga at home with a hammock is certainly a great alternative.

Aerial swings and hammocks provide a way for students to do yoga while suspended in the air and off their yoga mat. Those who practice this form of anti-gravity yoga use the hammock like a swing while gently bending both backwards and forwards or using the hammock as leverage to get a deeper stretch. These aerial yoga inversion tools are ideal for students who have at least 1-year experience in general hatha yoga.

It’s difficult to find good quality equipment in sports stores as it’s not as common to practice aerial yoga at home. However, if you turn to online then you’ll find some great options for yoga trapeze.

Anti-gravity yoga vs Aerial Yoga at home

There isn’t really a difference between these two styles. In fact, people say “anti-gravity yoga” because it simply makes them sound smarter. In reality: It’s just yoga while held up by a hammock.

At home, this is best accomplished with a large door frame or inside your garage. It’s always best to hire a professional ti fit in the suspension frame to the ceiling and ensure it’s rated to at least 500 pounds or 200kgs.

Yoga Hammock vs Swing

A yoga hammock is cloth-like material where you can coup yourself up in and hide as well as do an array of stretches, whereas a swing it more-so rope material with holding bars do you can fly like a trapeze. Either way – both of these are aerial/anti-gravity yoga frames and we recommend purchasing both as they are complementary in their pursuit of getting yogis off their mats and into the air!

Aerial hammocks materials

Most aerial hammocks previously were made from silk. Due to animal rights complaints (the silk worms die during harvesting of their silk) and the ethics of those who practice yoga, this has since changed into nylon/polyester/cotton alternatives in recent years. Today, most aerial hammocks simply aren’t made from silk though are still marketed as silk.

Best Yoga Swings and Hammocks

Right! Now let’s look at what the best aerial yoga swings and hammocks actually are.

1. Yogabody Yoga Trapeze Pro

It’s quite easy for us to say the Yogabody Trapeze Pro inversion swing is one of the best on the market. It’s been safety-tested to 600lbs while providing rubber handle grips (instead of foam) as well as gym-grade carabiners and a stylish carry bag.

They also include video tutorials and a pose chart for total beginners. Whether it’s your first time or you’re an experienced flyer, this is easily our #1 recommendation.

2. Uplift Active

We absolutely love the Uplift Active range of yoga hammocks. Often manufacturers make these in a solid color but Uplift have gone in a different direction. There are in fact several different colors including a rainbow hippy design!

This company is very much in the niche of selling exclusively aerial yoga hammocks and accessories. The fabric feels soft yet very secure and won’t really stretch over time, yet won’t make you sweaty either.

3. Wellsem Yoga and Pilates Swing

If you’re looking to avoid silk aerial hammocks, then the best alternative is 100% nylon for the eco-conscious person. Remember: Silkworms, unfortunately, die during the harvesting of their silk.

Wellsem has brought to the market very strong yoga hammocks which are rated to 2000 pounds! This is far more than just about anything else we have listed here. In addition, you’ll also get 5.5 yards x 3 yards of surface area to play with, and with that also has some stretch too. You’ll also get included in the box the carabiners and daisy chains so you can hang it up on the ceiling.

There are a dozen solid colors to choose from in their range for both men and women.

4. Gravotonics Yoga Inversion Swing

Something in the mid-market is the Gravotonics yoga swing. It’s quite strong and offers a no-frills way to experience going upside down at home. Included in the package is a DVD and this model is made from parachute fabric.

This model has 6 grip handles which are easy to hold and the whole unit assembles in just minutes.

5. EverKing Yoga Swing

The EverKing Yoga Swing Trapeze is a high-quality but cost-effective unit for inversion exercises. You can use this for spinal decompression as well as building upper body strength.

They provide a 30-day money back guarantee and 12 months worth of warranty. This is a Chinese brand and so you won’t find the brand to have its roots in yoga but still a worthwhile contender for this list.

6. Sotech Aerial Yoga Hammock Inversion Swing

For the individuals looking for a cheap yoga hammock (gasp! you actually shouldn’t look for cheap and low quality) then the AGPtEK is much more affordable. But honestly, price should be last on your list of important considerations.

Again – this is another Chinese manufacturer who is in the aerial yoga space but there are hundreds of positive student reviews. The whole unit packs up into a small pouch. This makes it perfect for traveling around.

7. UpCircleSeven Swing Inversion Tool

This one isn’t specifically a hammock. It’s more of a rope setup but does give you a lot of support without the feeling of being strangled while you’re pulling a creative upside down asana.

The rating on this quite high at 550 pounds while also having good padding. Their construction is quite unique and it also comes with a couple of extension straps to get you safely through each pose regardless of your height or ability.

Recommended accessories

In addition to the aerial yoga setup that you buy for your home or studio, there are several props and accessories that we can recommend for the perfect experience.

Suspension hooks

Unfortunately, most yoga hammocks don’t come with suspension hooks. These are the stainless steel hooks that you get professionally mounted into your ceiling rafters.

On the bright side, these are remarkably cheap and you can find these yoga hammock hooks on Amazon for very affordable prices. One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to find load-rated hooks at a minimum of 1000lbs per hook so avoid anything that looks to small and non-rated.

Yoga gloves

One of the challenges of using hammocks is the lack of grip. For that reason, we do recommend that you invest in some quality yoga gloves. Look for those that have a firm but not tight trip and you might also want to consider some yoga socks as well.

Portable aerial rig

Did you know that you could buy a portable aerial rig? This means you don’t need to buy suspension hooks or drill into your house. If you’re renting then a portable rig is a fantastic idea.

Uplift Active as we mentioned at #2 on this list also sells a portable aerial yoga rig. The weight rating on this unit is low but it does mean you can use this within needing to make modifications to your home.

Buying Guide

So what do you actually look for when buying an aerial yoga setup? Well, quite a few things actually!

User reviews

You should be checking the reviews of users who have used a yoga hammock that you’re considering. What are they saying about it? Was it high quality and packaged well? Often the negative reviews are based on the fact that most hammocks don’t including ceiling hooks.

Weight capacity

Consider the weight capacity of which ever unit that you purchase. You’ll want to know that it can support you and most on the market hold between 300 and 700 pounds, though some stretch right up to 2000 pounds so you can (if you’re confident) have 2 people using the device at once.

Color choices

Most manufacturers simply use basic solid colors and for most studios, this works just fine. Consider a color choice that works with your home or personal taste and know that most colors will fade due to sunlight over time based on the materials used.

Handles

Yoga swings come with handles and yoga hammocks are simply flat material where you must improvise. With the swings, you can get either rubber or foam handles. We recommend rubber as the grip is superior and foam isn’t so sustainable for the environment.

Hammock size

100″ by 60″ is the most common yoga hammock size. This allows practioners to cover the bulk of yoga poses and exercises quite comfortably, though you purchase extension straps to get lower to the ground or if your ceilings are quite high.

Most Common FAQs

What are aerial yoga extension straps for?

The extension straps for aerial yoga hammocks lower the height between the floor and hammock, while with swings they change the height for the practitioner. These straps often come included with the purchase of a swing or hammock though are only used 30% of the time.

How do I wash my aerial yoga hammock?

Most commonly manufacturers do include instructions, but if yours are missing, then here’s what to do:

1. Fill a bathtub half full with water
2. Avoid the use of any soaps or detergents
3. Simply hand-wash your hammock for 5 minutes
4. Hang it out to dry on the line for 1 to 2 days.

A word of caution: After washing your yoga hammock, do not use a dryer as this may melt or shrink your hammock while reducing its structural integrity. This is especially the case with silk and nylon hammocks.

Can my kids do aerial yoga?

Absolutely! In fact children are more inclined and excited about the prospect of hanging upside down and stretching than adults are. Most commercial yoga studios do offer kids aerial yoga classes these days so check your local centres.

What is the best clothing for aerial yoga?

Given the nature of poses that you’ll experience including going upside down multiple times, it’s best not to wear shorts during aerial yoga. The best clothing to choose are leggings and tighter fitting tops and yes, this includes men. Avoid using the same loose clothing that you might use for a gym or running session.

How high should I have my yoga hammock?

You’ll want it to be between 90cm and 130cm from the ground depending on your height. Essentially, your hammock should be easy enough to jump up into but high enough that when you go upside down, you don’t knock your head.

In summary

Transforming your yoga journey by including aerial yoga is something we can highly recommend. This style of yoga is still evolving and more and more yoga studios are offering weekly classes.

Starting your journey at home is certainly a great step in the right direction with affordable pricing now offered. As a result, we simply recommend you spend up for the best in class and know that you have a strong brand holding you up there where you’ll feel more confident doing those poses.

Yoga back benders and stretchers have become very popular. We’ve got you covered with the 7 best models on the market to stretch and open your back muscles.

Best Yoga Backbenders and Stretchers

Yoga back stretchers and back benders are often forgotten about prop in the studio or just at home, but they can have massive upsides to help you during your practice.

The art of merely laying down on one for several minutes can relieve those muscles from days of staring at your phone or computer screen, or even a book of self-discovery.

What we love most about these is that they are relatively inexpensive. You can often find these for less than $100 online including delivery!

Let’s get started:

1. YogaGoPro Eco Back Bender

Able to handle something solid? The eco-friendly solid wood found in this yoga back bender can really help you to increase flexibility and arching of your back.

The hard oil coating will help preserve this back bender in your studio or home for years. Weighing only 3kgs (6.6lbs), its’ easy to move around while being strong enough to handle 150kgs.

Many users have reported that this is an awesome back bender with strong quality with the grips in the right place. It’s quite sturdy as a back bender on both carpet and hard floors.

More information: https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/497704554/eco-back-bender-wooden-yoga-back-bender

2. Yogamatters Back Bender

The Back Benders available from Yogamatters are a unique device which combines a chair with a back bender. You can either buy the bender only or buy the complete kit with the chair.

It’s relatively affordable and simple to use with solid reviews by users of this device.

You can either use it on its own or with the chair which is sold separately (high recommended).

The feet have non-marketing feet and the entire system is small enough to easily pack away in a closet. If you’re limited with space in an apartment, then this is a great alternative to full-sized units.

More information: https://www.yogamatters.com/yogamatters-back-bender.html

3. Yogikuti Tall Back bender

Looking for something big that gives you the utmost security that it won’t break under pressure? The Yogikuti Tall Backbender is exactly what you need.

The adjustable legs mean that you can progressively stretch further each month as you gain more experience on this solid bench. It’s hand-crafted from wood and allows you to undertake other Asanas instead of just back bending.

This unit is heavier, but as it’s also taller, you can easily move it around the studio without having to bend over. While it’s more expensive than most other models, it’s also something that will fit right at home or in the studio with the feeling that it will last and serve for years.

More information: https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/760569243/yoga-tall-backbender?ref=shop_home_active_29&frs=1&cns=1

4. Solidback Lower Back Stretcher

Moving away from the Yoga aisle for a moment, we come across the Solidback Lower Back Stretcher which is very popular on Amazon.

It’s a basic 1-piece design that helps to improve posture and relieve back pain for sports enthusiasts. It isn’t so popular with yogis and yoginis because of its plastic design and hard spikes, but solid user reviews show that it’s a good investment.

5. Yoga Props Backbending Bench

Have a big budget? Then you’ve found the Rolls Royce of the yoga back benders available internationally. This one happens to be located here in Australia.

It’s certainly a big unit so you’ll need the storage space or room in the studio, but it’s also very effective for a complete stretch. You can turn it into a mini yoga back stretcher or pull it out for the full effect.

There are minimal reviews on this product as it is new to the market, however, you can see exactly how this unit is used here:

More information: https://iyogaprops.com.au/foldaway-backbender

6. Mysore Backbender Eco2

This back bender is modelled off a children’s balance board. It’s a simple 1-piece design from India and is super simple to use. You’ll notice that one side has a different slant to the other, meaning you can find which side is best for your practice.

The shine on this model very good and isn’t something that is going to grow mould after you sweat all over it. The eco-friendly glues and materials is a real bonus too.

7. Children’s balance board

As we noted, the previous design reminded us of using a kids balance board for backbends. So we tested this and it works well!

You can use these for yoga planks, band benders or to even building stability in normal standing Asanas. Perfect for those who want to stretch the limits.

These balance boards are marketed to children, however, they are also rated up to 200kgs. Therefore, there isn’t any reason that adults couldn’t use these too.

Back Benders Buying Guide: What to look for

Now that you’ve seen what’s on the market, let’s share what you should be looking for when buying your first yoga back stretching/bending device.

Usage frequency

Just how often will you anticipate using one? Because while we’ve shown some really cool options here, the big models will inherently take up a lot of space. If you’re only using these devices casually, then a small model will do just fine.

Materials

Most adults who practice yoga look for eco-friendly materials and design aesthetics. That is – we don’t want cheap plastic. It’s an ethical thing. Look at what materials are used and in which country the device as manufactured in.

Pricing

Buying a cheap yoga back bender isn’t always possible. If you want something to get you by for a little while, then a yoga block is more than enough. Often with back stretchers for yoga, it’s a case of getting what you pay for.

Load rating

Some people are heavier than the typical yoga student. For that reason – you want to look at the load rating before clicking the buy button. And while some might be rated slightly higher than your current weight, always consider a 70lbs buffer.

Reputation

We recommend checking online reviews from others, as well as who the company is. How long have they been in business? Where does the yoga back bending device ship from? Those are the types of questions you’ll want to research first before buying.

Surface finish

Most of these yoga back benders and props mentioned should have a smooth finish. This will stop sweat from affecting the wood and causing mould/rot over time. If it doesn’t have a good finish, then a trip to the hardware store might be in order.

Portability

If you’re wanting to take any type of yoga prop to the studio from home, you’ll want to ensure it’s portable. Not only should it be easy to carry, but it should be easy to lift into the back of your car too. We love models that are super simple to pack away.

Handholds

You might want to consider buying a backbend device that has handholds. These are built into the structure as noted in some of these examples above. You’ll then have a place to hold and even go deeper into your yoga stretches.

Stability

This really depends on what type of surface you’ll be using. For carpet, it’s hard to get a solid grip with any device on the market. However, with wooden floors or tiles, look for yoga stretching devices that have rubber feet. This will stop them from sliding around.

Getting started with back benders

We hope that has helped you in choosing one of the many yoga back benders for you, so you can get a good stretch and relieve those muscles. From there, you can continue developing your yoga practice over time, including the use of yoga straps with your stretching bench.

Remember – this is a marathon, not a race. Yoga is a lifelong practice, not something that can be achieved in just 5 minutes.

Always seek professional advice from a medical practitioner before commencing any type of workout or stretch. They will be able to provide specialist advice to you.

Non-slip yoga straps are the one thing that I often reach for in the class. They have helped me numerous times in achieving a truly deep stretch. I can do this without the risk of injury or without the embarrassment of slipping out of a stretch.

As someone who is super tight, having a yoga strap nearby is compulsory. Even today when I struggle to touch my toes, being able to reach for a non-slip strap is a godsend.

Best Non-Slip Yoga Straps of 2020

I really struggle with rounding my back. I don’t like the feeling and it certainly feels like something is about to break.

Through using a yoga strap, I’ve been able to transcend this very well.

In this guide, I’ll be showing you how to choose the right strap for you while also improving your yoga practice.

Let’s begin.

1. Hugger Mugger D-Ring Non-Slip Yoga Strap 8′

The Hugger Mugger yoga strap is not only very affordable, but it also lasts a long time and the 4 colors mean that you’ll have plenty of options in the market.

Given that this has a lifetime warranty, we simply had to rate it #1. While being rated to 500lb, it’s very unlikely that anyone will break this anytime soon.

At 8 feet long and with 2 light but very strong buckles, it’s one model that we highly recommend to total beginners and experienced yogis.

2. Manduka Unisex Align Non-Slip Yoga Strap 8′

Manduka’s Unisex AligN yoga strap is well known. Their brand is synonymous with eco-friendly yogis around the globe, though are more pricey than others in the market.

The strap itself is well made and lightweight. The durable cotton is designed to last for many classes while the buckle is made from zinc alloy, not stainless.

What we like the most are the strap softness and anti-slip feel. It’s thick so it won’t cut into your hands, but also won’t slip when you’re pulling a deep stretch.

3. Gaiam Yoga Strap Non-Slip Stretch Band 6′

If improving your flexibility and deepening your stretches is what you’re looking for, then it’s hard to go past Gaim’s shorter 6-foot yoga straps.

These straps are more affordable but don’t let that fool you – they are still strapped with a secure buckle and durable fabric. You can also get these straps in 8′ and 10′ varieties depending on your requirements.

Many yogis and yoginis have reported a great experience with these straps. Basic in their nature but do the job very well.

4. Yoga Design Lab Yoga Strap

Let’s put the boring monotone color designs aside. These vibrant styles from Yoga Design Lab are bound to get your attention during any class.

What we really love is that these straps are recyclable but are also heavy duty. Commonly recycled materials don’t last a long time which is disappointing, but this company has clearly done its best to turn this around.

However, as this list showcases the best non-slip yoga strap, we need to mention that there is a slightly reduced grip. It’s mind, really.

Essentially, you’ll need more strength to hold your yoga strap while performing an asana. But for all the upsides, this strap is definitely worth the price you pay.

5. Yansyi Yoga Strap

If you can get past the slightly Chinese-feel of these straps, they are very strong with a beautiful design and pattern. You’re bound to get some compliments with this one while on the mat.

A lot of users have reported that it’s slightly less grippy than the typical fabric yoga strap. This is due to their skin-friendly fabric used in production.

It’s the best yoga strap as a gift that money can buy, especially with the attractive tin that it arrives in.

Buying guide

Honestly, choosing a yoga strap is often a 5-minute adventure. You find one that you like and you click to buy because the prices are very affordable compared to mats.

However, there are a few things that you should look out for. These include:

1. Materials. Look for cotton primarily as these are more non-slip than anything else, especially with sweaty yoga hands.
2. Buckle. The type of buckle used and quality. If it’s slipping while stretching then you’ll quickly get frustrated and head straight for Savasana.
3. Length. Go for 8 feet long as this will suit most people while 10 feet straps often just get in the way with so much slack.
4. Origin. We like straps that are made ethically and sustainably. Each company will have a process on how they address this.

Often it’s both the design and brand that most people are buying. We would recommend sticking with the common brands while looking for user experiences mentioning non-slip.

In summary

Using specifically non-slip yoga straps is a necessary way to improve your stretches on and off the mat. You certainly can use the strap for other means such as stretching your shoulders and upper back while standing.

The best yoga strap is one that doesn’t slip and has a soft feel. On this list, that’s the top 3 designs which are all designed to last for several years.