Kaya Aerial Yoga

I had very bad experience going to aerial class for first try out! I was really looking forward to it. Looks fun! But I was feeling very sick and had nausea for hang up side down. And bad headaches. I was not prepare for that and no one warns me. Next day, I had sprain or twisted ankle for my first try out class. I am limping. Instructor was being rude and not nice. She seems like a snob.

A gem of a studio. I love aerial yoga as an alternative or addition to a regular yoga practice — I’m going about once a week at this point and use it to work on my flexibility and as a counter point to conditioning and cycling.
Using the silks gives you support and resistance unlike what you get working on the ground. Some maneuvers are quite difficult (some of those cool circus tricks), others are more accessible because the fabric is holding you up. I feel sooo much length in my back after class, and I’m seeing gradual improvement in the tightly knotted beasts known as my hamstrings.
Big fan, AND they’ve recently added some morning classes (!!) so if you can swing an 8am weekday class (student, remote worker, flexible schedule etc.), there’s more options for class times now.

I mainly stick to either hot yoga or power yoga, so when my boyfriend signed us up for aerial yoga class, I was super excited to branch out and try something new! After an hour of class, I would recommend anyone with some yoga experience to try this! It really challenges your mind to trust your body and push your body to new levels or aerial awesomeness!
Likes
— Certain Friday is Neon Glow Aerial yoga night, which is what I did. You can get painted on and wear bright neon shirts. The glow light makes the experience so surreal.
— Instructor Alexandria was super helpful. She demonstrated the pose in steps, then came around to each student. She helped us through the pose individually and modified the poses according to our comfort.
— It was First Friday in Old City, so parking was horrendous! We couldn’t find parking and ended up 10 minutes late. Good thing, we called the owner, and he let us park in the parking lot where the studio is, even though they didn’t own it.
— Aerial yoga is definitely a challenging and strengthening workout. It required more upper body strength than I thought. Also offers a nice stretch, the inversions really reduced pressure off my lower back.
Dislikes
— Surprisingly, the neon glow class only had 4 people total, including my boyfriend and I. Small class has its perks. The classroom isn’t too big, so we didn’t bump into each other. Also the instructor could provide more individual adjustments. However, I can’t imagine taking a class with more than 8 people.
— Again, parking in old city sucks! Really wish students can parking in the parking lot.
— Studio entrance is in an alley way parking lot, hard to find
Tips
— Wear a shirt with sleeves!
— Come early to avoid parking disasters!
— Each class is $ 20, but if you register online its $ 15
— OR get a group of 10 and each pay $ 10 per class :)
— Call the studio if you’re running late, if the class the is small, they can probably wait a few minutes.

I’ve been here twice and each experience was lovely. I had no experience with aerial yoga but I felt so comfortable in the studio. For one session, I came on valentines day this year with my boyfriend and while he was initially unsure of how sturdy the hammocks would be (he’s a pretty tall and muscular guy lol), once he got into it, there was no doubt on his end. The instructors were really approachable and explained the moves in a way that would be inviting to everybody, regardless of your experience level. I really look forward to going back.

I love me some yoga, but I like it with a twist. And the Hot Yoga studios in the city I’ve tried get ridiculously crowded and lose the zen factor for me. Aerial Yoga always seemed so cool — and I admit — intimidating. Grad School wasn’t kind to me on the scale, and I worried I might not be able to hack it in class. I can’t do everything — but you know what — neither can lots of other people who aren’t carrying some extra pounds! (And the owner Carrie even encouraged opting for private lessons if I had worries or trouble — which was just a great feeling to have walking in for my first class. I knew that no matter what, if I wanted to do this — they’d help me find a way.)
But not only was it an amazing experience, I could do far more than I thought I’d be able to. It feels like each class certain things get easier, certain movements get more fluid, I push myself further and just focus on meeting the next challenge.
Not every instructor is very focused on a very ‘Yoga’ experience. You learn that with each class you take, and it’s not a bad thing. Some things are a bit strenuous, and while you’re focused on your breathing, your head isn’t always going to get there.
Alexandra’s Slow Flow has it all and she had great tips on keeping your hands from getting stiff, and a few modifications for more comfortable inversions. Sara has been absolutely lovely teaching some of the beginners sessions I’ve attended and works with you wherever you are. Other people could be doing crazy things around you but you don’t feel bad for doing whatever challenges you where you are at personally.

Tips:
~In the name of all that is holy, please wear a shirt with sleeves. Every class there are always people in tank tops — rubbing their sweaty/​deodorant-​caked underarms all over the silks… They Febreeze after every class and wash the silks regularly, but still. Plus sleeves helps protect you from the fabric, which can be uncomfortable when you’re getting started doing certain moves.
~Bring water and stop to hydrate as needed. It’s crazy important (especially in the summer) for a successful practice if you want to hang in inversions for a while. Trust me, you want to. Dehydration leads to dizzy inversions so make sure you’ve had lots of water that day.
~Getting there the first time is a bit confusing. Look for the building behind that’s set back in a small parking lot. It has a set of big green barn doors. Walk around right corner of that building and there’s regular door after two windows — and walk right in! (If you come late, you may get locked out… so come early!)

I consider myself a yogi enthusiast, so when I heard there was an aerial yoga studio in Philly I just had to try it out! If you’re stuck in yoga rut then aerial is definitely something you should attempt.
I called the studio the day before planning on taking my first class and asked if I should book online ahead of time or just drop in. The instructor suggested I book online since there are only 11 spots available per class and sometimes they fill at the last minute. At the time I called all 11 spots were available so, being the procrastinator I am, of course I was in no rush to book. Later that night I checked again and there were only 4 spots available! Yikes! I quickly registered through MindBody and signed up for the Foundations class. This is a required class for any student new to the studio.
Getting to the studio can be a little tricky. It’s located on a little itty bitty street and there is no signage really visible without superhuman vision from the street. The side of the building is located in a small parking lot and the side of the building is light green. Once you get closer to the building you see the door and Kaya Aerial Yoga sign located on the sign of the building.
The studio itself is small and cozy. The room only holds 11 students so in all honesty the studio doesn’t have to be much bigger. Once I entered the yoga room I felt like I was in training for the circus. The room was filled with colorful silks hanging from the ceilings. I was glad I got to the studio early because the instructor was able to take her time and adjust the silk to my height. I picked my silk based on my favorite color, purple :) I was able to sit and swing on the silk and feel a little comfortable before class started.
The Foundation class was exactly that, a way to get comfortable and build confidence with the silk. The poses were more restorative and calm. We were able to do a few inversions and hang upside down for a few minutes. I can’t say I broke a sweat or felt like I had a workout but the next day my arms were a little sore. I would like to come back and take the level 1 class.

We went here for their date night class. Both my husband and I were beginners, but the trainer Sarah was very informative and took her time explaining poses.
We had a great time! There were a lot of opportunities to do yoga while being flirty and loving to your partner. I loved hanging from the wraps. It was a great experience!
The studio is very clean and pretty. I loved all the colors and the candles.
After the program they put out sangria, water, and some snacks. We had a lot of fun trying a new activity together, highly recommend it!

This class was a lot of fun. I just wish there was more room to move around without bumping into people next to you. It was a great workout and very relaxing! I would go back again to try out more classes.

As the minutes of the hour passed, I started liking the class more and more
This was my second class so I am in no regards an expert to how aerial yoga should be. However some of the things I noticed between my first and second studio is that my 1^st studio I went to had mirrors which I really liked to be able to see your pose and where to situate yourself. Second, the first studio I went to had steel beams and very sturdy anchors. These were still very sturdy, but different from those steel anchors!
The instructor was great. She jumped right into it and I felt like we did a LOT, a lot of poses, a lot of challenging poses at that and I really broke a sweat. But that’s what I paid for right?! I’m glad we didn’t do too much meditating and things like that (I’m more physical than spiritual). She seemed to give us a lot of challenges my first class didn’t give me. We jumped right into a lot of things I didn’t think they would allow beginners to do. But I LOVE that! I love the challenge.
$ 20 for a drop in is kind of pricey. It’s great to try one time. But for someone that would love to do this regularly, let’s say 2 or 3 times a week it really adds up. and their packages aren’t cheap either! $ 89 unlimited monthly contract but 3 month minimum. 5 class card with 30 day expiration only saves you $ 1 per class.
Something that woulda brought this to a 5 star would probably be a courtesy email regarding what to bring or wear to your first class. My first class did send us an email advising to wear shirts that cover the armpit. Overall, great experience though.

Hi All,
Doing Yoga for 5 years, in 6 countries, on 3 continents.
Took a Acro yoga class last week, and can tell you shortly the insights:
1) It was gymnastics class. No thing to do with Yoga (zero attention to Yoga 101 principles like concentration, breathing, or injury risk — be you’ll have to watch yourself there).
2) It is very, very expensive: $ 20 per class (60 – 90 min) — in which you do gymnastics and not Yoga. For comparison, Bikram Yoga of Phila takes $ 30 per first month unlimited, and then its much less than $ 20 per class (which is 90 min of real hot Yoga). A month membership for best gym in Phila is $ 40, and here $ 20 per class. Not sure how they argument their pricing strategy.
3) The class is small and the design is poor. If you like small groups and smelly environment: this is for you. May be with kids it’s fun… or in private groups. I am not sure hot more than 6 people can practice there in comfort.
4) The music is POP music (what it has to do with Yoga I am not sure, may be gymnastics…). I guess it is a matter of taste.
5) They do not update schedule online, and rarely answering phone. So you might come and discover that schedule is changed (you might want to check before you pay for parking in Old City).
6) Instructors are super kind, though if kindness were the main factor to help you progress in Yoga… I would expect Yogy’s /​Professional Yoga instructors, which pay attention to Yoga details, rather than humor during the class when you try to breath correctly…
Verdict: Over all, tha place is cool and the location is great. The program is for novice & beginners who just want to chill in a small room and to tell friends that they went to «Yoga». Price is ridiculous.
Have fun!
Namaste ;)

I came here on a Sunday with 2 of my friends and we’re not exactly the most in shape BUT this was so much fun!!! The instructor wasn’t pushy or anything like in some yoga mat classes where they like kind of throw you under the bus and point you out. This wasn’t like that all. I was super comfortable doing what the instructor was telling me to do. It’s really fun and relaxing! I recommend coming here. We will be back and are looking into the package deals! I never knew I could hang upside down!

Barf city! My first time hanging upside down at Kaya made me super nauseated, and I will probably never try this again. But regardless, I can appreciate that going to a class gives you a great stretch, better balance, improved posture, and just overall better wellness. The instructor was nice and peaceful and the room felt clean. I wish the space was a bit larger, but I will admit the small room makes a group of strangers feel like close friends.

We took the beginner class, and it was pretty interesting. You are in a small room with about 9 other people. You transition from different positions ranging from just stretching with the support of the bands to a lot of upside down positions/​hanging, which made a few people nauseous and dizzy. This is definitely worth trying at least once to see if this is for you, it was definitely fun!

I have been wanting to try Aerial Yoga ever since I heard it was a thing, and this place was awesome! I love yoga and have done yoga at over 10 different places in the city and this was totally different but in a really cool way.
PROS
+ Miyori was a great instructor, and super helpful to a newbie like me who was like «and then my leg goes where?!»
+ Hilarious phrases like «now make like a little leg taco with your silk» and «now swim like a little fishy.»
+ Being upside down is the best.
+ Super interesting new take on yoga.
+ Definitely a good strength and flexibility workout.
+ Great way to work on inversions and core strength in a way you’re not used to.
+ Very small studio so lot’s of personal attention.
CONS
–These classes are pricy! I don’t think they have any intro specials, although I think I’ve seen them on Groupon from time to time.
— Is it me or was this really hard to find? It’s on a tiny side street and kind of set back from the other buildings on the street.
— For beginners, the silks are really painful when you’re upside down. They say you get used to it, but I couldn’t really relax with the pain.
— Not really a cardio workout like you’d get in a vinyasa flow class.
— This is nothing like any yoga class I’ve been to. Which is a shame because I’m obsessed with yoga. I don’t know how I was expecting it to be more similar, but besides a few poses, this was totally different and didn’t give me the rush I get from normal yoga class. I did get that walking out on a cloud feeling though.
RECAP: totally check it out if you’re into being upside down and trying novelty workouts like I am!

Straight up, yoga studios intimidate me. Even though yoga is about practicing non-​judgment and surrender, I have always felt like an outsider in yoga class. I’m not particularly fit, I’m unfamiliar with yoga jargon, and I don’t own a single Lululemon garment ($ 80 for a pair of leggings? Uhhh no.). I’ve tried different types of yoga in the past (Hatha, Vinyasa, Bikram) and nothing has ever stuck. I end up feeling defeated, becoming jaded with the crowd, and forfeiting my efforts.
Lo and behold! The exception has been found. Kaya Aerial Yoga is the most welcoming body-​moving studio of any kind that I’ve been to. The classes are small (as many as 10 or as few as two), the hammocks are bright, and the poses are FUN — fun like, «Once I own a home I’m buying an aerial hammock and installing it in my living room» fun.
Some days, the classes are slow paced, allowing for deeeep stretches, relaxation, and decompression. Other classes include flying poses and inversions (i.e. being upside down — if you’re comfortable with it, of course!). It feels more akin to being a monkey than being a monk.
Leyna, the owner, is an angel. She is accommodating and patient, and she makes sure to work with each student to honor where they’re at that day. She is cheerful, hilarious, and honest.
She also offers free classes during her Teacher Training sessions. If you ‘like’ them on Facebook, you’ll get notified when these classes are. A great way to try it out at no charge.
I love Leyna, I love Kaya, and I highly recommend everyone try aerial yoga.

I love this place! I’ve been going here for a few months now and every time I go, I have a great time. I sit at a desk all day for work and since I have been taking classes here, my back and neck feel amazing. I am also now in much better shape. I am an active runner and going to aerial yoga has really helped my muscle toning/​endurance.
You will experience great workout that is physically challenging, as well and mind clearing. Every teacher I have taken a class with thus far has been very helpful/​informative and will let you proceed at your comfort level (which is really nice if you are nervous with trying new things like I am.)
Tip: make sure you wear a shirt that covers your arm pits!

So much fun and so interesting and challenging. I actually look forward to exercise and especially to yoga in the silk. It’s a bit like getting to be a kid again with the swinging. Leyna is an exceptional teacher. I am over 60 and she is gentle and patient
with me and let’s me go at my own pace at the same time encouraging me. I love the support in the postures and as it said — it’s so much fun. I was pleased that progress was rapid.

Anyone who sits and types at a computer all day, should try silk and Lyra exercises. There is no daily activity, or any other activity that requires the same moves for one’s arms and shoulders. Anyone who is sagging downward and needs a boost past their mental block to push upward should try aerial yoga. Anyone who can’t figure out how to tone their arms and strengthen the intrinsic muscles of their core should give circus style exercises a go.
I attended one class and as I was sitting on top of the aerial hoop swinging, looking down, I felt exhilaration and glee. Now I must make it clear that as a person, I am more trepid than not, with many fears, including heights. My arm and core strength have been on the bottom of the list of my strengths. But nothing has provided me with as much motivation as this form of exercise to work on all my mental and physical barriers in one fell swoop. Once you defy gravity, and turn upside down, the world doesn’t look the same again.

I just took a Kundalini class with Haripal and it was wonderful. He is very knowledgeable and sets a good pace for the class. He explains the postures and the movements very clearly and also offers suggestions on how to modify the pose for beginners. Make no mistake, he will also give you a great challenge if you are experienced. Very friendly and a nice clean, calm, cozy studio.

Very unique yoga experience for veteran and novice yogis alike. I fall somewhere in the middle of that spectrum — a longtime on-​and-​off practitioner. I’ve taken other non-​traditional classes before so I wasn’t thrown by the idea of being suspended in silks. With my groupon, I went to a few intro classes and one restorative. More recently, I took advantage of a free intro class taught by a student teacher (also named Kate) who was great, which I think speaks to the comprehensiveness (and safety) of their teacher training plan and to the care that Heather takes in sharing this unique yoga practice with us.

Using the silks allows for some great things — you can dig a little deeper in a standard position, invert in a way that’s safe for your spine, or try a new positon that simply isn’t possible without the silks. The teachers recommend that you make your practice consistent so you can get used to the pressure of the silks digging into you at strange angles — which can be truly uncomfortable the first few times you try it, I can attest to this. I did feel very stretched out after these classes, and the sacrum wrap and inversion is brilliant. I haven’t yet made it my regular practice because I didn’t feel like I was getting enough of a workout — I like my yoga to leave me a sweaty, heavy-​breathing, tired mess of a girl — but as an addition to my regular practice, I totally dig it.
A lot of the people who come here (both women and men) are die-​hard fans who truly love this style of yoga, so I would definitely recommend that you try it out and decide for yourself!