Can plus sized women do Aerial Yoga?
Short answer: Yes!
Long answer: Not only can plus size women do aerial yoga, they’re often some of the people who benefit from it the most.
At Open Aerial Yoga, we work with women of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels every single day. And one of the biggest misconceptions we hear is:
“I need to lose weight before I try aerial yoga.”
You don’t.
Let’s talk about why.
Aerial Yoga Is Designed to Support Your Body
Unlike many workouts where you’re fighting against gravity, aerial yoga actually helps support your body weight.
The hammock (also called a silk) holds you up.
That means:
Less pressure on your joints
Less strain on your wrists and knees
More freedom to move without pain
For many plus size women, this is the first time exercise actually feels good instead of discouraging.
You Don’t Need Upper Body Strength to Start
This is one of the biggest fears.
“I’m not strong enough.”
Here’s the truth:
You are not expected to pull yourself up or do advanced moves in your first class.
Most of what we do is:
Supported by the hammock
Guided step-by-step
Adjustable to your comfort level
You’ll build strength over time, but you don’t need it to begin.
The Hammock Is Stronger Than You Think
Let’s address the elephant in the room.
Yes, the hammock can hold you.
Aerial yoga equipment is designed to safely support hundreds of pounds when properly installed (which ours is).
We’ve worked with:
Beginners
Older adults
Plus size women
People who have never worked out before
And the hammock supports them safely.
You Don’t Have to Be Flexible Either
Another myth.
Aerial yoga actually helps you become more flexible, instead of requiring it upfront.
Because the hammock supports you, you can ease into stretches without forcing your body into uncomfortable positions.
Why Plus Size Women Often Love Aerial Yoga
Once people try it, the shift is immediate.
We hear things like:
“I didn’t expect to feel this comfortable”
“This is the first workout I’ve actually enjoyed”
“I finally feel like I can do something active without pain”
There’s also something deeper happening.
Being in the hammock feels:
Supportive
Safe
Almost like being held
For many women, that alone makes it easier to relax and actually enjoy the experience.
What About Confidence?
Walking into any new fitness space can feel intimidating.
Especially if you’re worried about:
Being judged
Not knowing what you’re doing
Feeling out of place
We get that.
That’s why our classes are designed to be:
Beginner-friendly
Supportive
Non-intimidating
You’re guided through everything step-by-step, and our instructors are there to help, not judge.
What Your First Class Will Actually Look Like
At Open Aerial Yoga, your first class is simple.
You walk in and get oriented
We help you get comfortable in the hammock
You move through a guided, beginner-friendly class
You rest, stretch, and even try gentle inversions (optional)
You are always in control of what you do.
No pressure. No expectations.
Who Might Not Love It
Let’s keep it honest.
Aerial yoga might not be the best fit if you:
Don’t want to try something new
Prefer high-intensity workouts only
Aren’t open to being a beginner
But if you’re even a little curious, that’s usually a good sign.
If You’re On the Fence
You don’t need to get in shape first.
You don’t need to lose weight.
You don’t need experience.
You just have to show up.
We’ve helped thousands of women try aerial yoga for the first time, including many who were nervous walking in and didn’t want to leave after.
The Bottom Line
Yes, plus size women can absolutely do aerial yoga.
More importantly, it might be one of the most supportive, enjoyable, and sustainable ways to start moving your body.