How to Set Up an Aerial Yoga Hammock

Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle

Last Updated: September 9, 2022 References

An aerial yoga hammock is a piece of fabric that is suspended in the air on both ends and can be used to pull off amazing aerial yoga techniques. To set up an aerial yoga hammock, you’ll need to tie a knot and attach a carabiner to both ends of the fabric. From there, it’s just a matter of clipping the carabiner to a secure ceiling mount or beam. If you follow the right instructions you can have your aerial yoga hammock set up in no time!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Making Hanging Knots in the Hammock Fabric

1
Gather the material on both ends of the fabric. Lay the hammock flat on the ground and place your fingertips on the left and right edge of the fabric. Start to walk your fingers up the fabric so that both ends bunch up.^{[1]
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- Instead of looking like a sheet, your hammock should look like a loose rope when you’re done gathering the material on both ends.
2
Wrap the end of the fabric around your arm. Drape one end of the fabric around your forearm so that 2 feet (61 cm) of it is hanging over your arm. Grab onto the short end that’s hanging with your free hand, wrap it under your arm, and hold it so that it’s pulled across your chest.^{[2]
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- The hammock fabric should be completely wrapped around your forearm if you followed the steps correctly.
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3
Grab the long end of fabric with your free hand. Hold onto the long end of the fabric with the arm that the fabric is currently wrapped around. Holding the fabric is necessary to create a loop.^{[3]
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4
Pull the wrapped fabric down, off your arm. Pull down on the fabric that’s wrapped around your arm while still holding onto the long end of the hammock fabric. This should create a knot-like loop where your arm used to be.^{[4]
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- Do not pull the loop or you will undo your knot before it’s secured.
5
Clip a carabiner through the loop you created. Most aerial yoga hammocks are suspended in the air by carabiners. If carabiners didn’t come with your yoga hammock, you can purchase them online or at a hardware store.^{[5]
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- You’ll need 4 carabiners in total. 2 for each end of the hammock and 2 that attach to the mount, hook, or beam near the ceiling.
6
Stick the short end of the fabric through the loop. Take the short, tail end of the fabric that’s hanging and pull it up and over, through the loop that you just created. This will secure the knot at one end of your hammock and will ensure it doesn’t come undone.^{[6]
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7
Pull both ends of the fabric to tighten the knot. Grab the knot with one hand and grab the long end of the fabric with your other hand. Push down on the knot while pulling back on the long end to tighten in. Repeat the process with the shorter, tail end of the knot to completely tighten the knot.^{[7]
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- Your carabiner should be tightly secured around the knot.
8
Make another knot on the other end of the hammock fabric. Create another knot and attach another carabiner to the other end of your hammock fabric. When you’re done, you should have a knot tied and a carabiner attached to both ends of the fabric.^{[8]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Installing a Ceiling Mount or Hooks

1
Find a solid piece of wood to attach your mount or hook to. It’s important that your mount or hooks are drilled directly into ceiling joists or solid wood or they will not be able to support your weight. Locate a portion of your ceiling that is at least 8 feet (2.4 m) off the ground and made of solid, sturdy wood.^{[9]
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- If you have drywall or drop ceilings, you may have to hang your hammock from a secured beam or rod, rather than hanging it from your ceiling.
- A contractor will be able to tell you if your ceiling can handle the load if you’re unsure.
2
Hold the mount or hook against the ceiling and mark the bolt holes. Use a step ladder and hold the ceiling mount or hooks for your hammock against the ceiling in the location where you want to hang it. Use a pencil to mark where the holes go.^{[10]
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- Use stainless steel fasteners. Large eye hooks work well.
3
Measure and mark the ceiling for the other mount or hook. The other side of the ceiling hook or mount should be about 16 inches (41 cm) away from the original marks that you created. Repeat the process of holding the mount against the ceiling and marking where the holes need to go.^{[11]
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- The second set of holes should run parallel to the first holes.
4
Drill holes where you marked. Get a drill bit that’s the same size as the bolts that came with your hammock mount. Press the bit against the marks that you made and pull the trigger of your electric drill while applying upward pressure. This will create holes for your mount bolts.^{[12]
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- Wear a face mask and eye protection as you drill so that debris doesn’t fall into your eyes or mouth.
- You can find the bolt size for your hammock in the instruction manual or product description.
5
Screw the mount or hooks into the ceiling. If you are using a mount, hold the mount against the ceiling and push the threaded end of the bolts through the mount and into the holes that you created. If you are using hooks, simply press the threaded end of the hook into the hole you created. Turn the bolts or hooks clockwise until they are completely screwed into the ceiling. Use a wrench to finish tightening bolts, if you are using them.^{[13]
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- Pull down on the hooks to make sure they are secure once you're done.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Hanging the Hammock

1
Hang ropes over a secured beam or pole if you didn’t install hooks. The ropes that come with your aerial yoga hammock should have loops in them. Hook a carabiner on the loop at one end of the rope. Then, simply drape the rope over a beam or pole so that both ends hang an equal amount on both sides.^{[14]
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- The ropes should be hung approximately 16 inches (41 cm) apart from each other.
2
Push your ropes through the hooks if you have them. If you’re using hooks or a ceiling mount, attach a carabiner to the end of the ropes. Then, thread the free end of the rope through the carabiner in your ceiling hooks.^{[15]
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- Both ends of the rope should hang down an equal length.
3
Thread the end of the rope through the loop in the ropes. Take the end of the rope that has the carabiner attached, and thread it through one of the loops in the rope. Pull down on the carabiner to create a knot that attaches the rope to the hook, mount, or beam that you plan on hanging it on. Then, go over to the other rope attached to the ceiling and do the same thing.^{[16]
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- This slipknot will prevent the ropes from coming undone when you pull down on them.
4
Attach the carabiners from your hammock to the carabiners on the rope. Attach both ends of the hammock to both carabiners hanging from the ceiling. Your yoga hammock should now be suspended in the air.^{[17]
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5
Sit on the hammock to make sure it’s secured. The hammock should be able to hold up your weight. If you feel insecure or the hooks come out, try attaching your hammock to a secure beam in your house instead.^{[18]
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- Don’t start using the hammock until you know it’s secured or you could injure yourself.

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Question

How far apart should aerial yoga hooks be?

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Some yoga experts recommend placing the hooks 16 inches (40.64 cm) apart. However, others suggest a different way to determine the ideal spacing. Stand with your arms spread out at your sides in a “T” pose, then bend your elbows up 90° so that your fingertips point at the ceiling and your palms are facing in. Measure the distance between your fingertips on each hand to determine the most comfortable distance between the hooks.
Question

Is aerial yoga good for weight loss?

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Aerial yoga involves both cardio activities and strength training exercises, so it’s a great way to lose weight and get more fit!
Question

Can you hang a yoga trapeze from a pull-up bar?

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Yes, as long as the bar is securely mounted. Don’t try to hang your trapeze or hammock from a pressure-mounted pull-up bar.