“IN AERIAL YOGA THE HAMMOCK BECOMES YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM” – KOMAL KHAQAN

aerial yoga

Forget treadmills and dumbbells. One of the most eye-catching fitness trends has people swapping gym equipment for suspended hammocks, stretching, swinging and occasionally hanging upside down. Aerial yoga may look intimidating at first glance but beneath the acrobatics lies a practice centred on strength, mindfulness and self-belief. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not about mastering gravity or pulling off Instagram-worthy flips. As aerial yoga instructor Komal Khaqan puts it, “It’s more than hanging upside down. It’s about trusting your body, trusting yourself and building confidence.” A law graduate who once taught at university before spending a decade as a stay-at-home mother, she walked into an aerial yoga class on a whim and never looked back. What began as a spontaneous decision soon became a career built on consistency, passion and purpose. This week, Komal takes us inside the world of aerial yoga and the journey that led her there…

You! How did aerial yoga first find its way into your life?

Komal Khaqan: It all started with one spontaneous decision. I came across an aerial yoga class and thought, “Why not?” I had absolutely no expectations, I was just curious to see what it was all about. But the moment I stepped into that class, something just clicked. I remember thinking, “This is it. This is what I’m meant to do.” It was such a powerful feeling that I knew I’d found my calling. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a passion and I knew I wanted to take it beyond just being a student.

You! How does one become an aerial yoga instructor?

KK: It requires a lot of commitment. I trained for about three years before earning my certification through the University of Colorado. Becoming an instructor isn’t just about learning the poses, it’s about understanding technique, safety, anatomy and how to guide students with confidence.

You! What do you think makes a good instructor?

KK: A good instructor never stops being a student. I’m always learning new techniques and exploring different ways to keep my classes fresh. But beyond the skills, patience is just as important because every student learns differently and it’s my job to support them at their own pace.

You! For someone who’s never heard of it, what exactly is aerial yoga?

KK: People think aerial yoga is all about hanging upside down but it’s much more than that.

It’s about trusting your body, trusting yourself and building confidence. The hammock simply becomes a tool that helps you explore movements you may never have imagined you were capable of.

You! How is it different from traditional yoga?

KK: Traditional yoga is done on a mat, whereas in aerial yoga the hammock becomes your support system. It helps you move in ways that aren’t always possible on the ground but don’t mistake that support for making it easy. You’re still using your muscles the entire time, so it’s a great strength workout. I often joke that it should be called ‘Aerial Yogalates’ because it combines the mindfulness of yoga with the strength and control of Pilates.

You! Do you need to be flexible or super fit before trying aerial yoga?

KK: Not at all. I certainly wasn’t. I’d never even stepped inside a gym before I discovered aerial yoga. I wasn’t a gymnast or a dancer either. That’s why I always tell people that you don’t need any prior experience. You simply have to be willing to give it a try.

You! What’s the biggest myth about aerial yoga that you’d like to bust?

KK: That overweight people can’t do it. That’s simply not true. Aerial yoga is for people of different body types and everyone progresses at their own pace.

You! Aerial yoga looks intimidating. How do you help first-time students feel comfortable?

KK: Listen to your body and don’t turn the class into a competition. Only do what feels comfortable and stop whenever you need to. You don’t have to master a flip on your first day. Give yourself time, allow yourself to be present and enjoy the process.

You! If someone says they’re too scared to hang upside down, what would you tell them?

KK: I’d tell them to trust the process. And once they see that photo or video of themselves doing it afterwards, they’ll be incredibly proud that they did it.

You! What are the biggest physical benefits of aerial yoga?

KK: It builds muscle strength, improves grip strength and develops the forearms and core. Inversions also help improve circulation and leave you feeling calmer afterwards. One of the biggest benefits is spinal decompression. The hammock helps relieve pressure on the spine, which can improve posture, ease the effects of prolonged sitting and even provide relief for some people dealing with back pain or sciatica.

However, people with certain cervical conditions, vertigo or those who are pregnant should either avoid aerial yoga or consult their doctor before trying it. Safety always comes first.

You! What makes your classes different from others?

KK: I’d say they’re quite dynamic. I like introducing different elements, whether it’s hoops, swivels, spins or new sequences, so every class feels fresh and exciting. In fact, an aerial yoga instructor from Spain who attended one of my classes told the studio owner she’d never experienced a class quite like mine despite teaching and travelling around the world. Hearing that reassured me that bringing something different to my classes really makes an impact.

You! Looking back, did you ever imagine your classes would become so popular?

KK: Not at all. I started teaching in a small room with just six hammocks and every one of them would be booked. I never imagined that one day this journey would take me so far. Today, I teach at multiple studios and my classes are consistently fully booked. I even receive offers from other studios that I sometimes have to turn down simply because my schedule is already full. It’s incredibly humbling because none of this was planned. It all happened through consistency, word of mouth and the love my students have shown me.

You! What’s your favourite thing about teaching aerial yoga?

KK: Seeing my students leave with a smile. That’s my biggest achievement. There’s one message I’ll never forget came from a student who was going through a difficult phase in her life. She wrote, “I feel like you’ve given me a second life. I’m enjoying this so much. It feels like you’ve changed my life.” Moments like that remind me why I do what I do.

You! What does a typical day in your life look like?

KK: My days are full. I manage my home, pick up my children from school, take them home, go for practice, teach classes, come back, help them with homework, make dinner and then prepare for the next day. It’s a constant balancing act just like in aerial yoga.

You! How do you like to unwind?

KK: It may sound silly but with aerial yoga. Whenever I practise alone, it’s my time. It soothes me. It makes me feel accomplished because every practice session teaches me something new. Going to the salon isn’t self-care for me. This is.

You! You started this journey at 35. Did your age ever make you hesitate?

KK: Not at all. If anything, I hope my story encourages other women. It’s never too late to start over or build a career that’s truly yours. I’d tell every woman to become financially independent, build her own identity and make use of her capabilities. Follow your dreams because it’s never too late to begin.

You! Finally, if you had to describe aerial yoga in just three words, what would they be?

KK: Feminine. Strength. Passion.