The ability to balance body and mind is one of the most important life skills today. There has been a lot of talk recently about the need for balance in different areas of life, especially between personal and professional life. Why is this so important? Today we already know that a lack of healthy balance can mean serious problems, both in physical and emotional health. So how do we regain our balance and enjoy life to the full?
We suggest one way that combines fun with relaxation and working with your own body and mind. And how? Read on!
Balance in the air and on the water
We are not discovering new theories, but following what is tried and tested and known around the world. Today, we can repeat the maxim from the first century AD: „In a healthy body, a healthy spirit”. And although a healthy and fit body will not solve all our life's problems, it will significantly help to face them. To catch a much-needed distance and balance. And how?
Physical activities that engage not only the body, but also the mind, are proving exceptionally valuable. Those that require concentration and focus, while involving the whole body. Ideally, they should be carried out in a soothing atmosphere and be fun and rewarding.
We love these, which is why there is no shortage of them at Sticks in the Forest of Possibilities! And we are talking about aerial yoga, about SUP board yoga and about the classic versions of these activities. Such a set cannot lack stretching, and on the beach! Nothing helps you to find your balance like balancing on unstable ground! And nothing helps you find your balance like being in touch with nature! And what does it look like for us?
If you book a stay with us as part of the Holiday with Yoga package, classes are included in the price of your stay!
Aerial yoga, or yoga on a hammock in the air
Aerial yoga, also known as aerial or anti-gravity yoga, is a form of yoga that combines its traditional form with elements of aerial acrobatics. Exercises are performed on a special hammock, which is fixed on a stable structure or in tree branches. Positions with upside-down body elements are thus possible. And this is not only an interesting diversification. It is also a range of benefits for our body, especially for the spine.
What do you gain from practising aerial yoga?
- Strengthening the core muscles, also known as deep muscles. They are a group of muscles located in the central part of the body, primarily covering the trunk area. Their main function is to stabilise the body, especially the pelvic region and the spine, and to support daily movements and physical activities. The strength and stability of these muscles are crucial for health and function, as they affect the ability to maintain correct posture, reduce the risk of injury and the efficiency of performing a variety of physical activities, from basic daily activities to advanced sports training.
During the practice of aerial yoga, the core muscles have to work hard to keep the body stable while performing various positions. This constant engagement and tension in the abdominal and back muscles, especially in situations where positions are inverted or require maintaining balance, leads to their gradual strengthening. The transitions between positions in aerial yoga are sometimes dynamic and require rapid adaptation of the core muscles to changing conditions, which contributes to their strength and endurance. In addition, the deep stretching made possible by the support of the hammock allows the muscles to become more flexible and improve their function, which also translates into increased strength. Regular aerial yoga practice also helps to improve posture, which is a direct result of strengthening the core muscles. Better posture is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also health, as proper body alignment reduces the risk of pain and injury.
- Relief of back pain and reduction of pressure on the spine. When the body is inverted, gravity acts in the opposite direction to normal, allowing the spine to be gently stretched. This stretching can help relieve pressure on intervertebral discs and other spinal structures, which is particularly beneficial for people who spend a lot of time sitting. Regular practice of the upside down position can help relieve chronic back pain. Stretching in inversion can relieve tension in the muscles supporting the spine, providing relief and increasing mobility.
- Improving vertebral nutrition. Inversions increase blood flow to the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, which can promote their health and regeneration. Improved blood supply means better nutrient delivery and faster removal of metabolites, which contributes to overall spinal health.
- Improving posture. Inversions can also help to correct posture by strengthening the muscles responsible for keeping the spine in the correct position. Strengthening these muscles, including the core muscles, contributes to better stability and less strain on the spine on a daily basis. In addition, your movements and posture will become more graceful and light.
- Relaxation and stress reduction. Air yoga can also have a relaxing effect by reducing the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body. Reducing stress is not only beneficial for the mind, but also for the body, as high levels of stress can contribute to muscle tension and back pain.
- Air yoga is therefore a great way to add variety to your workout routine, introduce an element of fun and experiment with new forms of physical activity.
And it is to this experimentation that we warmly encourage and invite you:
- All aerial yoga enthusiasts who want to get away from the city and indulge in their favourite activity in the lap of nature and with the birds singing.
- Beginners who are taking their first steps and want to deepen their skills in a unique natural setting and under the guidance of a qualified instructor.
- Curious people who are just considering this form of activity and wondering if it is the activity for them.
- Anyone who wants a new experience in physical activity.
- All those who want to strengthen and make the body more flexible and take care of the balance of body and mind.
- Anyone who spends a lot of time in a sitting position.
Equally interesting and full of benefits for body and mind is our next activity, Pilates on a SUP board!
SUP board yoga - peace and challenge on the water
SUP board yoga is an innovative form of exercise that combines traditional yoga postures with a dynamic water environment. Practising yoga on a SUP board allows you to strengthen your muscles, improve your balance and harmonise your mind, while offering close contact with nature and its soothing influence.
Yoga in the air and on the water for beginners and advanced
If you're a beginner or just looking to get started with yoga on the water, you've come under good wings! Our SUP boards are wide and anchored to the bottom. Catching your balance will involve some effort and concentration, but it is not an extreme sport. You will be under the care of an experienced instructor who will guide you step by step.
On the other hand, if you are at an advanced level, you can count on training to get the most out of your skills. The bonus is the unique atmosphere and the beauty of the surrounding nature.
There is considerable overlap between the benefits of SUP board yoga and those of aerial yoga:
- Strengthening the core muscles. The SUP board requires constant work of the core muscles (deep abdominal, back and pelvic muscles) to maintain balance. This makes every movement and position in yoga more intense and effective.
- Improving balance and coordination. Exercising on the unstable surface of a SUP board requires greater body control and awareness of movements. Regular training leads to significant improvements in balance and coordination, resulting in better function in everyday life.
- Stress reduction and relaxation. Being surrounded by nature and the gentle rocking of the water has a soothing effect on the mind. SUP board yoga is an excellent way to reduce stress, improve your mood and achieve inner peace.
- Increasing the effectiveness of exercises. Working on the water requires more muscle involvement, which makes the exercises more effective. As a result, improvements in strength, flexibility and endurance can be seen more quickly.
Stretching on the beach
This is another attraction of our Sticks Forest of Possibilities complex. Stretching on the beach is the perfect way to combine relaxation with physical activity. This form of exercise is not only enjoyable, but also extremely beneficial for the body and mind. Added to the benefits of the workout itself are the benefits of being in nature.
Doing stretching exercises on the beach allows us to take full advantage of the space and freedom of movement. We can move easily between different positions, taking advantage of the unrestricted space, which promotes fluidity of movement and more effective stretching. In addition, the presence of water offers the opportunity to cool down after more intense exercises, which is particularly pleasant on hot days.
Stretching on the beach engages all the senses, resulting in deeper relaxation and greater body awareness. The sounds and smell of the surrounding nature create a unique atmosphere that promotes relaxation and stress reduction. Using deep breathing techniques while stretching in such an environment further enhances the relaxation effect, helping to calm the mind and focus on the present moment.
All of these classes in our complex can prove to be a valuable aid in calming down and finding your own balance in your head and body. In addition, they will strengthen your core muscles, bring relief to your spine and help you achieve a light and graceful posture.
In the summer season, we encourage you to make use of the Yoga holiday package. Aerial yoga, SUP board yoga, stretching on the beach, as well as classic versions of yoga and Pilates are included in the package price. There is a different class every day. This is the perfect opportunity to try something new and exciting, or indulge in your favourite activities in nature. The package includes accommodation in comfortable air-conditioned chalets, a crossfit boxed gym, a yoga and pilates room, access to a games area with billiards, ping-pong and board games, and access to a relaxation area with hammocks and a forest bar.
And you can also enjoy a range of other activities, such as unique bonfires in a tipi tent, a sauna, a hot tub and much more. Enjoy!