By Carmen Curtis

 

Yoga Might Not Be Good for You… If You Have Hypermobility

(Unless You Do These 5 Things)

If you’re someone who’s always been told, “Wow, you’re so flexible!” — this one’s for you.

Because being bendy doesn’t mean your body is safe. In fact, if you have hypermobility, certain types of yoga — including AIReal Yoga® — can actually be harmful, unless you’re practicing in a way that protects your joints and supports long-term stability.

Let’s break it down.

 

 

What Is Hypermobility?

 

Hypermobility is when your joints move beyond the normal range of motion. Some people have it in just one or two joints. Others experience it throughout their entire body.

It might look like:

• Elbows or knees that “bend backwards”
• A deep backbend that feels easy but lacks control
• Being able to sit in splits with no warm-up

But here’s the catch: hypermobility often comes with joint instability — meaning the ligaments and connective tissues aren’t providing enough support. Over time, this can lead to pain, wear and tear, or even injury, especially if you’re regularly stretching into that end range of motion without resistance.

 

 

Why Yoga & AIReal Yoga Can Be Risky for Hypermobility

 

Yoga is often thought of as a practice that improves flexibility. But if you’re already hypermobile, you don’t need more flexibility — you need more stability.

Pushing into your maximum range in every pose might feel familiar, but it’s not serving your body. In fact, it’s likely reinforcing unhealthy patterns and putting your joints at risk.

This is especially true in AIReal Yoga® (aerial yoga using a hammock), where the support of the hammock can deepen your stretch — for better or worse. Without awareness, you may be sliding deeper into your joints and disengaging the muscles meant to protect you.

Done incorrectly, AIReal Yoga can worsen instability. But done correctly, it’s a powerful tool for strengthening.

 

 

The Hidden Challenge of Being Hypermobility in Yoga

 

Here’s something most people don’t talk about:

Yoga can actually feel harder for people with hypermobility — not easier.

Why?

Because you’re not meant to just relax into poses. You’re constantly resisting. Instead of letting go, you’re pulling back. Engaging. Activating. Protecting.

That means:

• More muscular effort
• Slower progress (on the surface)
• Less “Instagram-worthy” shapes
• And more emotional frustration when others seem to “advance” faster

But your progress is real. It’s deep. And it’s sustainable.

 

 

5 Things Every Hypermobile Yogi Needs to Know

 

Yoga and AIReal Yoga can be incredibly healing — when practiced correctly. Here are five essential shifts to make:

1. Stop Chasing the Stretch
If you’re always trying to go deeper, pause. Instead, ask yourself: “Can I support this shape with strength, not just slack?”

2. Strengthen Before You Lengthen
Build strength in your stabilizing muscles before exploring deeper ranges. Focus on resistance, slow transitions, and controlled movement.

3. Learn to Pull Out of Your Joints
Rather than collapsing into a pose, draw in. Hug muscle to bone. Use cues that emphasize lifting, resisting, and activating.

4. Modify — Always
Every pose might look different for your body. That’s not a flaw — it’s intelligent movement. Props, micro-bends, and smaller ranges are your superpowers.

5. Find a Teacher Who Gets It
Not all yoga teachers understand hypermobility. Look for someone trained in anatomy and movement science — someone who can guide you into stability, not just flexibility.

 

 

Why AIReal Yoga Might Be Exactly What You Need

 

When done right, AIReal Yoga is one of the best tools for hypermobile students.

Here’s why:

• The hammock provides proprioceptive feedback to help you find true alignment
• It helps activate the stabilizing muscles around your joints
• You learn to engage instead of collapse
• Strength builds faster than in floor-based yoga — especially around vulnerable joints

But only if you’re using it with intention and awareness.

 

 

The Bottom Line

 

Hypermobility is not a yoga superpower. It’s a signal to practice differently.

Yoga and AIReal Yoga can absolutely be healing, empowering, and deeply therapeutic — if you’re practicing with the right guidance and intention.

Protect your body now, and it will support you for life. Learn how to modify. Learn how to resist. Find a teacher who sees your unique structure and helps you move in a way that builds strength, not instability.

It’s not about looking bendy.

It’s about moving intelligently.

 

 

Want to learn more?

Join our AIReal Yoga Teacher Training or become a member to access new classes designed specifically for hypermobility and functional strength.

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💬 Have questions about your body or how to modify? Reach out anytime — we’re here to help.