Have you ever looked at someone floating in a yoga hammock and thought: “That looks like fun—but also kind of impossible?” We get it. Aerial yoga might look like circus arts from the outside—but once you try it, you’ll realize how grounded, accessible, and deeply nourishing it can be.
Whether you're already teaching yoga or just getting curious about how to become an aerial yoga instructor, this blog will give you a down-to-earth overview of what aerial yoga is, what makes it so unique, and what to expect from an Aerial Yoga Teacher Training—including the difference between our 80h and 50h Yoga Teacher Training options.
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Aerial yoga uses a soft fabric hammock that hangs from the ceiling to support your body in different yoga postures—on the ground, off the ground, and sometimes upside down. It’s not about tricks or perfect poses. The hammock helps you move in a way that’s more intuitive, supported, and sometimes even playful.
The benefits?
And let’s not forget: it’s seriously relaxing. Being wrapped up in a hammock at the end of practice is like sinking into your own personal cloud.
Aerial yoga blends the foundations of traditional yoga with techniques inspired by movement arts and Iyengar’s rope wall work. It became more widespread in the early 2000s through teachers like Christopher Harrison, Michelle Dortignac, and Carmen Curtis—and has since developed into a full, creative, and highly adaptable yoga style.
One of the things we love most about aerial yoga is that it offers both dynamic, strength-building movement (yang) and slow, deeply restorative sequences (yin). In yang practice, you build heat and move with flow and focus. In yin, you surrender into longer holds and soft inversions, letting the hammock do the work while your fascia and nervous system let go.
If you're a certified yoga teacher and want to offer something new, fun, and incredibly effective to your students, a 50h or 80h Aerial Yoga Teacher Training is the next step. At our retreat on Portugal’s west coast, we offer both options:
Focused on energizing and strength-based flows, this training gives you everything you need to start teaching aerial yoga safely and creatively. You’ll learn:
Perfect if you’re short on time or only want to focus on the active side of aerial yoga.
Want the full picture? This extended version includes both the dynamic yang sequences and deeply calming yin aerial yoga. You’ll also explore:
Both programs are Yoga Alliance certified, include an in-depth manual, and take place in a peaceful, down-to-earth retreat setting near the ocean. With small groups, delicious homecooked vegetarian meals, and personal guidance throughout the week, you’ll get so much more than just a certificate.
The teacher training was a perfect mix of fun and education. We practiced all basic techniques and postures and how to teach them, so that I felt super confident starting to teach Aerial Yoga straight away afterwards. Elke is a great teacher with a lot of experience! There were also some fun activities and trips and relaxation time. Staying at 4elements was also great: close to the beach, fantastic food, and Pedro and Ali, the owners, are lovely people! The whole week was a great experience!
Sonja
No aerial yoga experience is required—but a 200h yoga teacher training is recommended before joining. We’ll guide you through everything step-by-step. For safety and comfort, please bring:
Avoid makeup, sharp nails, or jewelry during practice
If you're wondering how to become an aerial yoga instructor, it starts with the right training—and the right environment. Whether you choose the 50h Yang or 80h Yin & Yang Aerial Yoga Teacher Training, you’ll leave with the skills and confidence to share this practice with others.
2–12 November 2025 80h Yin & Yang Aerial TTC
2-7 November 2025 50 Yang Aerial TTC
Location: 4elements retreat, Portugal
Small group format, taught by Elke Bancken (Belgium)
Yoga Alliance Certificate included
Want more info or not sure which option fits you best? Check out the full description here and get in touch with us by email or on WhatsApp.
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