Nicole Haagenson started practicing yoga at the suggestion of her therapist as a teen.

The owner of Aerial Yoga Houston in Montrose said this was the first time she visualized herself as a yoga instructor, and that the practice helped her both mentally and physically.

“It gave me so much clarity,” Haagenson said. “I didn't have to take any antidepressants. I now felt very much in control of my body and my feelings. It gave me a way to manage stress, which was huge for a teenager.”
Nicole Haagenson has been in the yoga industry for more than two decades, and teaches the health benefits of yoga—which she said go beyond physical. (Courtesy Aerial Yoga Houston)
Nicole Haagenson has been in the yoga industry for more than two decades, and teaches the health benefits of yoga—which she said go beyond physical. (Courtesy Aerial Yoga Houston)
Why it matters

A key benefit to aerial yoga is decompression of the spine, as well as better breathing, anti-aging, core activation and stronger muscles, Haagenson said.

With more than two decades of experience in the yoga industry as an instructor, owner and advocate for other yogis, Haagenson said she has learned movement and simply listening to her clients can have revolutionary health benefits.


“We need so much more nurturing and listening, and less prescribing,” she said.
Aerial yoga can help decompress the spine and activates the core, Haagenson said. (Courtesy Aerial Yoga Houston)
Aerial yoga can help decompress the spine and activates the core, Haagenson said. (Courtesy Aerial Yoga Houston)
What to expect

Originally located in a commercial space on Summer Street in 2014, Aerial Yoga Houston opened a residential setting in 2021.

The studio is set behind a home, in an open-concept structure. It has a capacity of eight clients to do aerial yoga, and up to 10 for floor exercises, Haagenson said.
Haagenson said she has a diverse group of clients, of varying ages, genders and ethnicities. (Courtesy Aerial Yoga Houston)
Haagenson said she has a diverse group of clients, of varying ages, genders and ethnicities. (Courtesy Aerial Yoga Houston)
The concept of doing yoga while suspended in the air can come with some anxiety, Haagenson said, but she uses her instruction and the comfortable environment to encourage her students.

“They feel safe to try new things that are scary, because that is part of this experience too—overcoming the fear and transferring that fear to courage,” Haagenson said.