From playgrounds to gym studios, swings are the new big thing in fitness – we try out swing yoga in Abu Dhabi.

For a helping hand to boost your flexibility, Swing yoga is a trendy new practice that sees participants use a cloth swing and straps hanging from the ceiling to contort their bodies into a series of postures you probably wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. What’s On even managed to attempt a handstand of sorts – but more on that later.

Recommended for people with joint issues or back pain, swing yoga allows you to stretch your body in a gentle way.

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

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Some of the moves will be familiar to regular yoga practitioners – there’s a modified warrior pose that sees 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, the 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 dim and we completely relax.

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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.

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

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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

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