A simple piece of cloth is your flexible friend at a new course in the capital

eed a helping hand to boost your flexibility? A new yoga practice will have your body contorting, thanks to a cloth swing suspended from a ceiling. The aim is to get your body into positions you’d not be able to do simply standing up – What’s On even managed to attempt a handstand, of sorts.

Recommended for people with joint issues or back pain, swing yoga stretches your body in a gentle, low-impact way.

The class begins with an introduction to the swing and its parts. The hammocks, which can hold up to 200 kilos, are paired with adjustable arm straps. Our instructor Hiba Elderbi said we’d be doing poses on the swing at three different heights (midshin, hip level and knee level).

Some of the moves will be familiar to regular yoga practitioners – there’s a modified warrior pose that saw us use the swing like a resistance band, and even downward dogs with the cloth placed along our hips. Most impressive, however, was the headstand (only managed with Hiba’s help) that had our legs entwined on the swing and blood rushing to our head. Our favourite portion was the cool down. After snuggling into the fabric like a caterpillar in a cocoon, the lights dimed and we completely relaxed.

There are a lot of adjustments you’ll have to master between each position, which did slow down the lesson. However, as the class was largely made up of beginners, the extra attention felt necessary. That said, the session won’t cause you to break a sweat either, especially if you can’t hold positions for extended periods of time. But you will stretch a handful of muscles you never knew you had.

Lessons are taught three times a week at Adrenagy Gym and are only available for ladies.

Adrenagy Training Club, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, Sun and Tue 6pm to 7pm, Sat noon until 1pm, Dhs119. Tel: (02) 4441121. Taxi: Khalifa Park, Gate 1, behind Park Rotana Complex. facebook.com/adrenagy