HomeBlogBlogAerial Hammock vs Silks: Which Is Easier for Beginners?

Aerial Hammock vs Silks: Which Is Easier for Beginners?

Is an aerial hammock easier than silks?

For most beginners, an aerial hammock (also called an aerial yoga hammock) tends to feel easier than silks. The hammock is a single, wide piece of fabric that creates a supportive “sling,” so it’s simpler to sit, lean, or recline without needing as much grip strength or complex wrapping technique. Silks usually involve two separate tails of fabric, which can require more coordination, stronger hands, and more precise foot locks and climbs.

Why a hammock often feels more beginner-friendly

The biggest advantage is built-in support. Because the hammock cradles more of your body at once, it can make foundational shapes—like seated poses, supported backbends, and gentle inversions—feel more stable. Many people also find it less intimidating to start upside down in a hammock, since the fabric can act like a “seatbelt” around the hips or back when properly set up.

When silks can feel easier

Silks can be easier if the goal is straightforward conditioning or skill progressions common in aerial arts classes (like climbs, basic foot locks, and split-fabric holds). The two tails give more options for precise tension and lines, which some students find clearer than managing a wide sling that can shift around the torso.

What really determines “easier”

Ease depends on your training style, comfort with height, and what you want to do in the air. If you’re primarily interested in yoga-inspired flows, supported stretches, and low-to-mid height practice, the hammock usually offers a gentler learning curve. If your focus is performance-style aerial skills, silks may be the better long-term match, even if the first steps are tougher.

For setup tips, safety notes, and a beginner-friendly flow, use this step-by-step guide: https://splendena.com/guide-aerial-yoga-hammock-guide-setup-safety-beginner-flow/.

FAQ

What height should I hang an aerial yoga hammock?

Many beginners start with the hammock hanging around hip height so it’s easy to sit, stand up safely, and control transitions. As you gain confidence, you can adjust higher for deeper swings or more space for inversions, as long as your anchor point and hardware are rated and properly installed.