Jeanine Smit on Finding Lightness in Aerial Yoga
Jeanine Smit, a yoga teacher at Yoga Moves, shares her journey of discovering Aerial Yoga and how it has brought a new sense of joy and balance to her practice. In this interview, Jeanine reflects on the benefits of stepping out of her comfort zone, embracing playfulness, and teaching yoga as a way of sharing what she loves.
"I’m Not a Yoga Monogamist!"
Jeanine admits she’s not committed to a single style of yoga. Practicing and teaching multiple forms has enriched her life in ways she never expected. Aerial Yoga, in particular, complements her practice and has brought her a sense of lightness and joy.
How did you discover Aerial Yoga?
“I started with Ashtanga—it’s still my home base. Ashtanga’s steadfast discipline and clear theory resonated with me. But I realized that people drawn to it, including myself, were often already disciplined. For me, the practice reinforced qualities I already had—discipline and even rigidity. Eventually, I started feeling dull. I missed the freedom and lightness in my practice.
Then I studied Yin Yoga, which helped me develop more acceptance and become kinder to myself. But I still felt something was missing. My breakthrough came during one of Daniella’s Yoga Korunta classes at Yoga Moves, where we used ropes to explore inversions and new perspectives. I felt inspired! So, when I heard about the Aerial Yoga Training, I immediately thought, ‘I want to do that!’”
Why Aerial Yoga?
“Aerial Yoga is like a shortcut to joy. It brings lightness and playfulness into my practice. We always say, ‘Enjoy your practice,’ but with Aerial Yoga, that joy comes so naturally. It reminds me of being a child again—swinging on hammocks, feeling free and carefree.
I teach yoga not just to be a teacher but to share what I love about the practice. Aerial Yoga balances discipline and steadiness with playfulness and joy. It has helped me find more balance in my own life.”
The Benefits of Aerial Yoga
1. Enhanced Proprioception
“When you go upside-down or float in the air, you lose your bearings. You’re forced to reorient and develop a heightened sense of spatial awareness. Aerial Yoga trains this in a completely unique way.”
2. Building Confidence
“Being in a hammock or upside-down is not something we’re used to. It’s outside most people’s comfort zones. But taking small steps to make it more comfortable builds trust—in your body, your practice, and yourself.
As we age, our comfort zones often shrink. But Aerial Yoga has the opposite effect—it helps me expand mine. Even if I can’t do all the tricks, I feel like I’m growing, not shrinking.”
3. Strength Development
“Aerial Yoga builds strength in ways that are different from other yoga practices. In traditional yoga, we’re often pushing against the floor. In Aerial Yoga, we’re pulling—engaging entirely different muscles. Balancing in the hammock also requires strength and control, like stabilizing on ice. These movements have made me stronger in a new way.”
4. Teaching Acceptance
“I don’t teach flips or acrobatics. My focus is on yoga. The hammock is just another tool to help people connect with their bodies and find joy in their practice.
Aerial Yoga has also taught me to accept my strengths and limitations. I’m not the strongest or most acrobatic, and that’s okay. What matters is creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone can explore and grow.”
Final Thoughts
“Talking about Aerial Yoga makes me feel light and bubbly—it’s truly joyful. It’s helped me let go of old, rigid patterns and embrace playfulness in both my practice and my life. It’s a reminder that yoga isn’t just about discipline; it’s also about freedom and fun. And that’s a gift I’m excited to share.”
Come meet and take class with Jeanine or any of our aerial teachers at Studio Fly!
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We are hosting an AERIAL YOGA BASIC TRAINING in January!
Come enjoy and explore this practice and if inspired - learn the basics for teaching Aerial Yoga - high and low classes (hammock high and low)
