Sun man lets his hair down and tries out Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger’s favourite aerial yoga workout
The fitness craze helps with back pain and posture, reduces stress and can act like a massage
MICK JAGGER is apparently swinging from the rafters again and getting high . . . but this has nothing to do with his old hard-partying lifestyle.
To get fit for the Rolling Stones’ next tour, the singer — who last week became a father for the eighth time, aged 73 — has taken up aerial yoga.
Invented a decade ago in New York, the fitness craze, which is sometimes called anti-gravity yoga, was brought to Britain five years ago by London-based instructor Richard Holroyd.
Ultra-healthy actress Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan and now it is really starting to take off . . . a bit like me.
When the boss said I should hang about and let my hair down, this wasn’t quite what I had in mind.
I have never been tempted by yoga’s spiritual approach to physical exercise.
But for me, keeping fit means running to catch the train.
Richard, 47, kindly agreed to give me a lesson at his studio.
He said: “Aerial yoga is becoming very popular. People get hooked on it.”
It involves going through various yoga moves while hanging in a swing made from parachute material.
Before climbing into the nylon swing, I look up at the hooks that will hopefully support my weight.
Richard assures me that they can handle 290lb.
The first move is the gentle “cocoon”, which requires only that I lie back and take it easy.
It is a bit like getting on to a cloud, so I can see the appeal for Jagger.
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Next is “the fish”, where you stretch your hands behind your back, put your feet together and sway.
This is followed by leg lifts and shoulder stretches associated with more traditional yoga.
But then comes the time to turn exercise on its head.
Beforehand, Richard warned me: “The inversion sends your blood rushing to your head and it can make some people feel a bit nauseous or have a panic attack.”
Your blood pressure surges and the exercise is not suitable for people with heart problems.
But the endorphin release gives you a high. Maybe that’s another reason why Mick is into it.
Richard said: “We limit people to ten minutes but many want to stay there longer.”
In no time, I am seeing the world from their perspective. It is a relaxing, calming experience.
After a couple of minutes upside down, Richard asks if I’ve had enough.
But I like having my feet off the ground.
Of its benefits, Richard said: “It helps with back pain, it’s good for your posture, reduces stress and acts like a massage.”
No wonder the oldest swinger in town is such a fan.
FOUR APPS TO BEAT BACK PAIN
BACK pain affects 80 per cent of us at some point in our lives. Improving your posture could ease this.
Here, we reveal four apps that can help.
PERFECT POSTURE WORKOUT, free, iOS
THIS is a 21-day course which sees the user complete regular exercises to improve their posture.
Each of the daily 15-minute sessions focuses on strengthening the muscles to keep your spine in the correct position.
It records the results and vibrates if you start slouching.
POSTURE AWARE, £3.99, iOS
INCLUDES step-by-step guides for numerous exercises to strengthen and straighten the back.
It also has an alarm to motivate and remind you to correct your poor posture.
And the app is designed by back experts to improve your mobility too.
DR POSTURE, free, iOS
WATCH videos and download exercises to improve your posture.
This app promises to help decrease the hump at your upper back.
And it claims to relieve pressure on the joints at the head, neck and chest and – this is the best bit – even make you look taller and thinner.
HOW TO IMPROVE POSTURE, £2.29, iOS
BASED on clinical pilates moves, this app works to improve your posture based on handy exercises.
It also includes advice on how to stop yourself slouching without thinking about it.
And it reminds you of the benefits of sitting and standing up straight.