New aerial yoga class to start Jan. 4 in downtown Rehoboth

Nate Metz, E-RYT 200, LMT, of Evergreen Wellness will be teaching a new aerial yoga class from 8 to 9 a.m., Thursdays, starting Jan. 4, inside HeartWish Healing Center, downstairs at the Shops at the Cultured Pearl, 301 Rehoboth Ave., Suite G, Rehoboth Beach.

With the addition of an aerial yoga hammock, the asanas (yoga postures) are supported in a way that puts less stress on joints like knees and wrists, allows practitioners to explore new postures and offers the benefit of traction, all within a fun environment and supportive community.

The class is open to the public. No prior yoga or aerial yoga experience is needed. It is recommended to preregister for class online at natemetz.com and reserve a hammock, although walk-ins are welcome. The drop-in rate is $25 per person per class. A discounted class card is available for $108 for five classes. Questions should be directed to nate@natemetz.com.

The supreme yoga posture is inversion, but most people cannot safely hold a headstand or handstand. An aerial yoga hammock allows the practitioner to safely and easily invert. A total novice can enjoy benefits of inversion from day one with an aerial practice. The primary benefit of aerial inversion is traction for the spine, decompressing the intervertebral discs and joints. When a person is upright, the spine tends to get compressed, while hanging upside down from the hip bones allows the body and spine to surrender to their original and natural alignments. Aerial inversion also can help boost mental focus and clarity, increase memory, reduce stress, and improve sleep, circulation and balance.

Aerial yoga began in the early 2000s in New York City, evolving as a hybrid of yoga styles. Metz received his aerial yoga certification in 2015 in Rehoboth Beach at the former Kaya Wellness Center. He combines the ancient wisdom teachings with a contemporary anatomical and kinesthetic understanding for a targeted, safe, effective yoga practice that combines posture, breath work and intention setting. Metz gravitated toward aerial yoga because it enriched his life, and he knows it is important to share these gifts with the community.

Locally owned and operated by Metz, Evergreen Wellness offers alternative holistic medicine to help restore, recharge and remember. The most popular services at Evergreen Wellness are deep tissue massage, reiki, soul retrieval and personalized yoga training lessons both on the floor and in an aerial yoga hammock. Evergreen Wellness is named after flora of the same name. Evergreens keep their needles year-round and remain green while other plants loose their greenery during the dark half of the year. This bold display of vibrancy and powerful life force is inspirational for healing in all seasons of life.