Yoga is not just for the mat anymore. Downward dog and warrior poses take on a new twist as local yoga studios are taking to the air when it comes to performing the ancient discipline.

Alyssa Konda, owner of Reaching Treetops Yoga in Waukesha, has added aerial yoga to the list of classes she offers to students. Large silk hammocks hang from the ceiling, which students use as they go through a yoga routine.

"Because you are moving and hanging, there’s a little bit of psychology that goes with it," says Konda.

Aerial yoga began in California 10 years ago, blending the ideas of aerial artists and yoga masters.

An alluring aspect of aerial yoga is being able to get into positions you may not be able to on a traditional yoga mat. But it’s also about trusting a tangible piece of fabric. "You fight some demons to rely on the silk ... it makes a perfect marriage to have to rely on your body, mind and soul," says Andrea Smessaert, an instructor at Reaching Treetops.

Besides testing your strength and trust, Konda explains that aerial yoga can have therapeutic effects for people by allowing them to hang inverted from the sling, much like an inversion table at a chiropractor’s office. It aids in lengthening the spine and creates openings in the joints, says Konda.

"You’re using gravity in a different direction," adds Smessaert.

As far as positions, "the options are endless with the hammock because of the ability to fly," says Smessaert.

Reaching Treetops Yoga is the only certified aerial yoga studio in the area, according to Konda. The staff was trained and certified at Airacat in Boulder, Colo.

One look and you may wonder how you are able to keep a grip on that fabric to avoid crashing to the floor. Konda says it’s key to apply resin to your hands prior to class to help keep the fabric in place.

For more information, visit www.reachingtreetopsyoga.com