A yoga trapeze(aka yoga swing) is fast becoming a must-have in studios and gyms around the world.
These swings enable a whole new range of weightless motion, lengthening and stretching the body, and can make an exercise routine into a work of art.
They are also a fantastic way to improve spinal health and alleviate back and neck pain, through simpler exercises that use a trapeze to create traction and reduce compression in the spine.
Whether you want a yoga trapeze to practice beautiful aerial workouts, or to simply improve your health and reduce pain, here is our guide to the best yoga trapezes on the market today.
Quick Answer:
For a fast answer to our top picks in yoga trapezes, here are our top three favorites:
The YOGABODY Yoga Trapeze is used in YOGABODY gyms and studios around the world, and they are largely responsible for the growth of the amazing trapeze trend.
This yoga trapeze is identical to the ones used in YOGABODY studios and workout routines, and they are strong, comfortable, and have high-grade materials for extra durability.
These are the best yoga trapezes for YOGABODY students and instructors alike.
The Aerial Yoga Hammock by Lambow is a beautiful, large hammock with a generous 13 x 9 feet of aerial silk. It isn’t as strong as some, but is plenty strong enough to hold most adults, and comes in a choice of appealing colors.
We love that this trapeze comes with a mounting kit, which is usually sold separately.
3. UpCircleSeven Aerial Yoga Swing Set
UpCircleSeven makes excellent yoga products, and this aerial swing is no exception. It’s a strong trapeze with generous, comfortable handles, and the fabrics have a gentle shimmer that adds grace and beauty to an aerial trapeze routine.
It comes with a more extensive beginner’s guide than most, and is robust enough for even big and tall yoga practitioners, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Editor’s Pick Best Yoga Trapeze
Yoga Trapeze Buying Guide
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a yoga trapeze.
Yoga Trapeze Fabrics
An important thing to know about trapeze fabrics is that the term “silk” almost never refers to literal silk woven from insect cocoons.
Because parachutes were originally made out of this material, the term has endured even as our fabric technologies have evolved. Most yoga trapezes are made of one of two materials:
Nylon
Nylon is a silky thermoplastic material, known for its durability, light weight, moisture resistance, and smooth feel. Nylon used in trapezes is usually woven in small squares, known as “ripstop” nylon, to prevent small tears from unravelling the fabric.
Tricot
Tricot is the name of a weave, rather than the name of a fiber. Tricot can be made of cotton, polyester, silk, or other fibers. A tricot weave is known for being soft, smooth, and durable, resistant to runs and tears.
Most yoga trapezes are made of synthetic fibers, either from nylon or polyester. Generally speaking, trapezes that are made from tricot weaves will have a bit more stretch when they bear weight, but will not tear or break.
Nylon trapezes, also known as “parachute silk,” will generally have less stretch, and will also be tear and fray resistance.
The ability of a fabric to stretch enhances your comfort when you are in the trapeze, but may reduce feelings of security or stability; it’s primarily a matter of personal preference.
Yoga Trapeze Weight Ratings
While it is not intentional, yoga trapeze weight ratings can be a bit deceptive. When a trapeze is bearing weight, it is part of a whole system of supports.
That system has multiple points of failure, and the entire system is only as strong as the weakest point. When considering weight ratings, keep the following in mind:
Fabric weight ratings
Most yoga trapeze fabrics are extremely strong, easily able to support the weight of two people without ripping or tearing.
In addition, most are woven from material designed to prevent rips and tears from progressing, so that even if a tear occurs it will not progress to a rip that spills someone out of the trapeze.
Strap and rope weight ratings
Yoga trapezes are usually hung with “daisy chain” straps. These kinds of straps are also used in hammocks, and a variety of camping and sporting equipment.
Because there are strong loops along the length of the strap, it is easy to adjust the height of the trapeze.
However, these straps or ropes used to hang a trapeze also have their own weight rating, which decreases over time if there is wear or fraying on the strap.
Carabiner weight ratings
Most yoga trapezes are attached to straps or ropes by carabiners. Most carabiners used in yoga trapezes are the same kinds used in mountain climbing; they are made of steel and very strong.
The strength of the knots and assembly points
This can be a major point of failure in a trapeze, swing, or hammock. The trapeze is tied or attached to a carabiner, which is attached to a strap, which is attached to a hook or mounting rig.
Many yoga trapeze kits come disassembled, and you need to tie and attach these different elements together.
The fact is that some knots are simply stronger than others, and it’s best to use the very strongest knots if you are trusting your body weight to a trapeze.
The strength of the attachment to the suspension point
Even when a yoga trapeze comes with a mounting kit, the consumer needs to create a secure, stable connection to an overhead mount that can sustain their body weight.
It’s important that the beam, branch, or overhead point be strong enough to support the weight, and that the attachment mechanism be as secure as possible.
In other words, just because a trapeze has a weight rating of 600 pounds does not necessarily mean that a person below that weight can simply hang the trapeze and never worry about falling.
It’s best to ensure high weight ratings and durable support for every component in the system. When in doubt, upgrade a component to a stronger one, so that you can fly without worry.
Handles or No Handles?
The presence of handles on a yoga swing can be a source of some controversy. Some aerial artists and yogis are purists, who feel that handles are unnecessary, and actually impede the beauty and motion of aerial flow.
Others point out that handles increase the range and complexity of poses and motions possible in a yoga trapeze, making them capable of a more full-body yoga practice.
If you aren’t sure which type is right for you, start by looking at some online videos of the two types of trapezes being used in a yoga trapeze routine or yoga practice, to see which type of motions you would rather do.
It is usually easier to transition from a trapeze without handles to one with handles, if you decide to change your mind later on.
Using a Yoga Trapeze for Inversion Therapy
Many people choose to use a yoga trapeze not for a yoga practice at all, but simply to practice strength, flexibility, and inversions that can help ease lower back pain, speed recovery from injury, and improve overall fitness.
A yoga trapeze can be used as a traction device, and is more flexible and portable than a traditional inversion table, allowing for more motion and therapy, without big bulky exercise equipment in the home.
A yoga trapeze reduces compression of the joints in the spine, relieving pressure on the nerves and easing pain.
When using a yoga trapeze for inversion therapy, it’s important to consult with a medical professional first, to determine if these exercises are right for you.
Inversion therapy is not usually recommended for those with heart disease, glaucoma, or blood pressure problems, so be cautious and talk with your doctor first.
Before buying a yoga trapeze, it’s a good idea to also visit a gym or physical therapy center that offers trapeze workouts, to learn basic workouts that will ease your back pain without risking strain or injury.
Yoga trapezes are a fantastic way to stretch, loosen, and strengthen your spine, reducing pain and improving your range of motion, but make sure that you are doing so safely.
8 Best Yoga Trapezes Review
1. YOGABODY Yoga Trapeze
The YOGABODY Yoga Trapeze is the same model used in YOGABODY studios worldwide, and is a professional-grade yoga trapeze. The set includes one main sling, two sets of three handles each, four carabiners, two knotted ropes for hanging, and a drawstring carrying bag. It has gym-grade rubber handles, rock-climber grade carabiners on the sling and handles, and parachute fabric that has been stress-tested to hold weights up to 600 pounds.
It comes with a free YOGABODY trapeze setup guide, and DVD and YouTube instructions help you set up the trapeze in minutes. It comes with a full 10-year parts warranty.
PROS:
- Extremely strong parachute fabric can support up to 600 pounds
- Handle lengths can be adjusted as needed
- Comes with a carrying bag for portability
- Machine washable
CONS:
- Doesn’t come with installation instructions, so you might have to do some searching on YouTube to set it up.
Best For:
The YOGABODY Yoga Trapeze is best for anyone who practices at a YOGABODY studio or who uses their workouts. Other yoga trapezes may be a different size, and have handles at different heights, that make it more difficult to follow a YOGABODY workout on that equipment.
2. Aerial Yoga Hammock by Lambow
The Aerial Yoga Hammock by Lambow is a complete set, with aerial silk fabric, 2 steel carabiners, 2 extension straps, 2 O-slings, and 2 ceiling mounting rigs. The trapeze is made of 13 feet by 9 feet of comfortable Tricot aerial silk, and can hold 300 pounds.
Available fabric colors are blue, dark green, light blue, purple, and white. The extension straps are 3 feet long and have 6 loops on each, so that the height can be adjusted quickly. The mounting rigs are made of solid steel pipe, and the trapeze can be installed from heights as high as 11 feet.
PROS:
- Silk fabric is soft on the skin, and has some slight give for comfort
- Comes with a mounting kit
CONS:
- The clasps are hard to open and close
Best For:
The fact that the mounting kit is included with the Lambow Aerial Yoga Hammock makes it a good choice for those who don't have an exposed beam or tree branch to hang a hammock from. Including the mounting rig in the trapeze kit, along with everything else you need, is a great way to get started.
3. UpCircleSeven Aerial Yoga Swing Set
The UpCircleSeven Aerial Yoga Swing Set has a large, comfortable swing seat that is triple-stitched for extra security, and comes in shimmering fabric in colors of black, cyan, orange, pink, turquoise, or purple. It has six large handles with thick foam padding for extra comfort, and the handles are 25% larger than other brands.
It comes with 2 multi-loop daisy chain straps with a load capacity of 200 pounds per strap, and 4 high-strength steel carabiners. It also comes with a 23-page pdf guide to yoga swings for beginners, that teaches poses that will help you learn inversions, heal back pain, and advance more quickly. The whole thing comes in a black travel bag for portability, and is backed by a 30 day money back guarantee.
PROS:
- Large swing seat is comfortable for a wide range of people
- Large, thick handles are good for sustaining poses with hands and feet
- Attractive colors
- High weight capacity
CONS:
- Hanging instructions may be missing or difficult to understand
Best For:
This is a great yoga trapeze for beginners to yoga or aerial workouts. The strong fabric, stitching, and hanging straps provide extra security for those who are big, tall, or a bit out of shape, while the wide handles add comfort. The beginners guide can help a newcomer get started and gain confidence.
4. TEC Aerial Yoga Swing
The TEC Aerial Yoga Swing comes with a swing that is handcrafted and stitched, with water resistant fabric that resists fading and fraying. It has a 600 pound weight capacity. It comes with two weight-tested hanging ropes, and the rubber handles are professional grade. It comes with rock-climbing-grade carabiners and heavy duty ropes. It also comes with an aerial swing pose guide, and easy, 3-step setup instructions. It is backed by a 100% one-year money back guarantee and a 5-year warranty.
PROS:
- Fade resistant, fray resistant fabric
- Easy and fast setup
CONS:
- It’s a budget friendly option so it’s not made with the best materials
Best For:
The fade resistant fabric on the TEC Aerial Yoga Swing makes it a good choice for outdoor use.
5. Aerial Yoga Hammock by Aum Active
The Aerial Yoga Hammock by Aum Active is made from 13 feet by 9 feet of tricot aerial silk, with a slight stretch and a maximum weight rating of an astonishing 1,800 pounds (although 660 is the maximum recommended weight).
The trapeze is available in navy, red, gold, light blue, pink, hot pink, or lavender colors. It comes with 2 steel carabiners, 2 O-slings, and 2 daisy chain extension straps each 3 feet long. It also comes with a 2 page guide to aerial yoga, with poses and hanging instructions. This trapeze can be hung from heights as high as 11 feet.
PROS:
- The trapeze is pre-tied
- High maximum weight
- Large comfortable size
CONS:
- Fabric stretches a bit, so you may need to adjust hanging height over time
Best For:
The Aum Active yoga trapeze is a good choice for beginners, since it is already tied, and has a large size and high weight range. For people new to aerial yoga or for those who are using a trapeze to improve back strength and flexibility, it's a strong, comfortable trapeze.
6. Aerial Yoga Swing Set by Yoga4You
The Aerial Yoga Swing Set by Yoga4You comes in green or blue, and is made of studio-quality silk nylon fabric. It is strong enough to hold up to 600 pounds. The hammock is 98 x 59 inches, and has reinforced fabric in the seat for additional comfort. It has 6 handles covered with thick foam. It comes with 2 daisy chain hanging straps, each one 50 inches long. The kit also includes carabiners and a convenient carrying bag. It also comes with a pdf eBook with hanging instructions and beginner aerial poses for those new to trapeze yoga.
PROS:
- Reinforced seat fabric
CONS:
- Handle lengths aren't adjustable
- Not very durable
Best For:
The large size and reinforced seat make this a good choice for people who have back or spine problems and need additional comfort while using a yoga trapeze.
7. Blue Crescent Yoga Trapeze for Yoga
The Blue Crescent Yoga Trapeze for Yoga is a studio-quality trapeze made of extra-strength parachute silk nylon. It is available in turquoise or amethyst colors, and can support up to 550 pounds. It has strong high-quality plastic fixators and comfortable, wide foam padded handles. It comes with stainless steel carabiners, 2 daisy chain straps, and a drawstring carry bag. It also comes with hanging instructions.
PROS:
- High-quality fabric and connectors
- Wide handles
CONS:
- Not as strong as some yoga trapezes
Best For:
This yoga trapeze has high-quality components and attention to detail that make it a good choice for people who need a very durable yoga trapeze that can withstand daily ongoing use. It's perfect for the person who is experienced at aerial yoga and wants a swing that can support their practice.
8. HEALTHYMODELLIFE Healthy Model Life Silk Aerial Yoga Swing & Hammock Kit
The HEALTHYMODELLIFE Healthy Model Life Silk Aerial Yoga Swing & Hammock Kit has an enormous parachute silk hammock that is 12.5 feet long by over 9 feet wide. It can hold a maximum of 1,984 pounds, but 440 is the maximum recommended weight. It comes with the steel carabiners already attached, so it’s ready to hang right away.
The included daisy chain is 80 inches long. The set can be carried in the included cotton drawstring bag. It comes with an installation video and a beginners aerial yoga class, and is backed by a 1-year guarantee.
PROS:
- Carabiners are already attached, so there's no need to tie them
- Enormous hammock with super strong weight rating
CONS:
- This yoga trapeze has no handles, which is perfect for some aerial poses and workouts, but may be a challenge for others
Best For:
This trapeze is our largest and most versatile, easily able to be used as a traditional swing or hammock. It's a classic design for all kinds of aerial and inversion routines.
FAQs:
How Do I Hang a Yoga Trapeze?
Hanging your trapeze correctly is essential, so that you can exercise and use it without worry and restraint.
You need to be able to trust your trapeze to effortlessly hold your weight, so you can concentrate on your body and breath and get the most value from your practice.
For that reason, it’s critical to follow the instructions that come with your trapeze and/or with your mounting kit.
However, it’s also smart to know where and how you will hang a trapeze before you buy it, so you can get any necessary hardware.
Here are the general guidelines for how to hang a yoga trapeze:
Yoga Swing In a doorway
The door frames in most homes are extremely strong, and easily able to support your body weight.
The most secure and stable way to do this is to first install a doorway pullup bar designed for chin-ups (or YOGABODY sells one for the express purpose of hanging a trapeze).
This means carefully measuring your doorway, using a stud finder, and making sure you mount the bar correctly.
Once the bar is hung, you can use daisy chain straps and carabiners to simply attach the trapeze to the bar when you are using it, and take it down and put it away when you are done.
This method is a great choice for those who are simply using a yoga trapeze for traction or inversion.
It is not a good option for yoga workouts, because the narrow opening of a doorway limits your range of motion and the possible poses you can do in your trapeze. For aerial yoga and workouts, a doorway yoga swing is simply too limiting.
Over an exposed beam or branch
If you have a sturdy tree branch or beam on your house or porch, you can quickly and easily hang a yoga trapeze from that.
Simply loop your daisy chain over the branch and clip the trapeze to it with your carabiners. Keep in mind that, over prolonged use, the strap may begin to wear or fray on the beam or branch, and should be checked periodically.
Using a mounting kit
You can purchase mounting kits specifically for hanging a yoga trapeze, but kits for hanging a swing from playground equipment will also work well, particularly if you want to hang your trapeze outside.
You need two suspension points, and for most yoga trapezes your ceiling height should not exceed 10 or 11 feet. If your ceilings are taller, you may need to also purchase longer daisy chain straps for hanging.
To use a mounting kit to hang a yoga trapeze:
- Identify a strong structural beam in your ceiling. The beam should be a 2”x6” or a 4”x4”, and you may need to use a stud finder to locate an appropriate beam. If you only have 2”x4” beams, you should not attempt to hang a yoga trapeze from your ceiling.
- Measure the distance that your hooks should be placed. To identify the optimal distance, stand with your body in a neutral posture and raise your arms out to your sides in a T position. Then bend your arms at the elbows to a 90 degree angle, with your fingertips pointing toward the ceiling. The distance from your left to right fingertips is the distance apart that your trapeze mounting hooks should be placed.
- Hang your mounting equipment. Make sure to follow all the instructions that come with the mounting equipment, and use high quality bolts.
- Hang your trapeze. The lowest point in your trapeze should be at about the height of your hips, so position your straps accordingly. Depending on your routine, or if your trapeze material stretches slightly, you may need to adjust the height over time.
Remember that your yoga trapeze is only as strong as the weakest point in your suspension system, so be attentive to every detail, from the weight rating of your mounting hooks to the size and security of your bolts, to the weight rating of your straps and carabiners, to the security of your knots and attachments.
If you have any doubts about your ability to securely install a ceiling mount, or of the size and placement of your beams, then consult a professional. For most contractors and handymen, this is a simple, inexpensive job, and it’s worth it to gain peace of mind.
A yoga workout needs to be free of worry or concern, so that you can concentrate on your body and breath, so invest in the best mounting and attachment system you can.
Using a yoga trapeze frame
If your ceiling isn’t suitable for hanging a trapeze, you can get a freestanding frame.
Most frames sold for aerial trapezes are fairly expensive, but similar frames marketed as exercise stands for strength training are more affordable. The CAP Barbell Power Rack Exercise Stand is a good example.
Make sure you have a very wide base and heavy weight in such a yoga trapeze frame, because they aren’t natively designed for swinging.
However, many people use them for trapezes and find they work well for the purpose. They are wider than doorways, usually stronger than doorway bars, easier to access than a ceiling, and portable when necessary.
It’s an excellent option for renters in particular.
Always use padding beneath your trapeze
However you mount your trapeze, it is important to use it safely. If you are an experienced trapeze user and confident in your abilities, it may be enough to simply place your yoga mat beneath your trapeze just in case.
If you are using a yoga trapeze for inversion therapy and have a sensitive spine, or if you have kids who may be playing on the trapeze, protect your safety and theirs with a thicker yoga mat. Something like the Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Folding Mat should work perfectly.
Conclusion
Our favorite yoga trapeze is the YOGABODY Yoga Trapeze. It’s super strong and durable, designed and made for use in gyms and studios worldwide, so it is both rugged and beginner-friendly. It’s an easy yoga trapeze to learn on, and the best if you want to use any of the many popular YOGABODY aerial yoga workouts.
A great alternative is the HEALTHYMODELLIFE Healthy Model Life Silk Aerial Yoga Swing & Hammock Kit. This yoga trapeze is incredibly large, comfortable, and versatile. The no-handle design lets you do more truly aerial workouts that don’t use as many yoga poses, but also makes it comfortable and versatile to simply use as a chair, hammock, or swing, and it’s beautiful enough that you don’t have to put it away after use.
It’s incredibly strong, and pre-attached carabiners reduce your knot-tying. It’s a great option to simply hang and use, particularly if you are more interested in simple stretches and inversions than in aerial yoga.
Allen Wei is someone who believes in living his best life, focusing on balance, happiness, and relaxation. He fosters a positive lifestyle in terms of his body, mind, and environment, and he is a huge proponent of learning to be balanced via relaxation techniques integrated into our busy lives.
