a.k.a. Aerial Yoga, Anti-Gravity Yoga or Flying Yoga combines traditional yoga poses, pilates exercises and dance movements with the use of a hammock. The hammock acts like a swing or soft trapeze, supporting the hips for forward bends and back bends. Yoga postures which some find difficult to do on the ground may be easier in mid-air using the hammock, and the hammock moves add variety to a workout. This practice revolves around counteracting gravity – by relieving compression due to the pull of gravity while on the ground, the spine is elongated and the shoulders straightened. The few inches of suspension in the air releases tension on the bones and muscles, increasing flexibility.