AntiGravity® yoga: Q&A with 1-Star instructor and trainer Cholthicha Srivisal (Thicha)

AntiGravity® yoga is something that sounds like it might defy the laws of physics, or less dramatically, like something that only the most flexible of flexible circus-performers and acrobats could dream of doing.

Master Developer & Certified 1-star trainer for AntiGravity® in Singapore and Program Director for AntiGravity Pilates, Thicha, dispels these myths and gives us some valued insight about the relatively new and revolutionary form of yoga.

But before we jump into our chat, there are a few facts you need to know about the practice, courtesy of Aerial Academy Singapore:

1. AntiGravity® is an acrobatic performance troupe that was founded in New York City by Christopher Harrison in 1991.
2. AntiGravity® Fitness techniques were at first concentrated upon aerial arts techniques through aerial silks.
3. By lowering the aerial silks onto almost ground level, Christopher Harrison discovered the Harrison AntiGravity® Hammock.
4. In 1999 Christopher Harrison incorporated his practice of yoga, Pilates and calisthenics into the Harrison AntiGravity®Hammock – thus a new genre of aerial yoga and suspension fitness was born.

Marie France Asia:  Why AntiGravity® Aerial yoga? And how does this differ from normal aerial yoga?

Thicha: AntiGravity® Aerial Yoga for me, decompresses, refreshes and rejuvenates my body from the simple use of the Harrison AntiGravity® Hammock – what sets AntiGravity® apart from normal aerial yoga apart is the simple fact that, AntiGravity® is the originator and leader in this method of fitness. Our teaching is one that is systematic and encourages mostly on aerial conditioning and proper hammock placement. A low impact workout that not only lengthens, stretches but also strengthens your body and soul, all at once.

MFA: We understand that Pilates helped cure your ankle injury and other bodily ailments you once had. What encouraged you to try Pilates in the first place?

Thicha: My love for Pilates came about simply from my dance background. Back in the day, when I was based in Boston and studying at MIT, I was also a ballet dancer with a ballet company. It was through my many years of ballet dancing that I experienced severe back and ankle injury. Through the recommendation of a fellow dancer, who encouraged me to attend a Pilates class. I discovered the beauty and grace of Pilates helped me not only rehabilitate my injury, but also allowed me to put on my ballet shoes once again to dance. Once I was fully recovered, I knew I found my calling in spreading the wonderful nature of this exercise method; hence I became an instructor trainer.

MFA: How did you progress to focusing on antigravity aerial Pilates specifically?

Thicha: With my strong background in the Pilates field as well as through my many years of teaching Pilates, naturally, I do explore other forms of practices to enhance my Pilates knowledge. That was why when the chance came up to fully develop the Pilates method onto the Harrison AntiGravity® Hammock I knew I was able to fully apply my teaching experience in Pilates, GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® into a well rounded Pilates program for AntiGravity® Fitness.

MFA: What are the fundamental differences between AntiGravity® aerial yoga and AntiGravity® aerial pilates?

Thicha: The AntiGravity Fitness method itself is derived from multiple fitness disciplines such as, yoga, Pilates, TRX Suspension Training as well aerial acrobatic arts, but using the Harrison AntiGravity® Hammock as a piece of equipment. Therefore there are no major fundamental differences between AntiGravity® Aerial yoga and Aerial Pilates. However I will say, Aerial Pilates emphasizes on bringing awareness to your body and activating the right kind of muscles. This will ensure total body mobility through mindful movements and breathing techniques, assisted in part by the hammock as well.

MFA: Is this an exercise that is suitable for everyone? Who do you recommend it for?

Thicha: Definitely as long as you keep your hearts and minds open you are able to come and do AntiGravity Fitness. I have seen many people of differing ages; body types achieve the impossible with AntiGravity® Fitness. However I would also recommend all to remember one important principle of AntiGravity®, which is to monitor your own resistance – always listen to the way your body is reacting to the hammock and how the hammock itself reacts to your body.

MFA: Could you describe some simple techniques or poses involved in AntiGravity Aerial Yoga?

Thicha:AntiGravity Aerial Yoga is truly taking the age-old Yoga practice into the air or simply giving it an aerial perspective. What is also does is to also allow you to achieve advance yoga postures or inversions, while fully understanding the right muscles to engage through the support of the hammock. We have essentially taken poses from Vinyasa, Asana types yoga into the air.

MFA: Is this a practice that can be done at home, without supervision?

Thicha: I would only recommend advanced practitioners of AntiGravity® who is comfortable being in the hammock and working with the hammock to practice this at home. At the same time, proper rigging of the hammock is required within any home setting, so a little bit of construction work will be involved.

MFA: You are a certified yoga instructor, GYROTONIC and GYROKINESIS instructor and trainer, what are the latter two?

Thicha: To simply put, GYROTONIC and GYROKINESIS are part of the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® the only difference is that GYROTONIC is done with specifically designed equipment whereas GYROKINESIS is done on a mat or chair. Both methods consists of sequences that are made up of spiraling, circular movements which flows together into a rhythm. That in turn allows our joints to move as naturally as possible without causing too much compression. What it does essentially is allow our joints to heal through its natural range of motion to create, balance, efficiency, strength & flexibility.

Diya-Maya Tsering Bhalla