What is it?

Fear not: this is not yoga in a space simulation chamber, pinwheeling around in the lotus position while a hi-fi blares out Also sprach Zarathustra (aka the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey). Though that does sound rather appealing … No, in this class, you do yoga in a hammock suspended from the ceiling. So nearly as odd, but with more gravity.

How does it work?

The hammock is really a sort of sling with ropes of varying heights. It was invented by an aerial choreographer in New York, who incorporated it into his troupe’s exercise regime. For those of us who don’t perform on, or off, Broadway, it involves climbing into the sling and performing familiar yoga moves, but with a particular emphasis on ‘inversions’ – ie hanging upside down. The cushioning and support of the sling and ropes allow you to manoeuvre yourself into positions you might never achieve without them, such as a handstand or an aerial bridge, where you bend yourself backwards in the sling and grab your ankles underneath.

What’s so good about it?

If you find yoga a bit boring, this is going to change your mind. There’s also something strangely soothing about swaying gently upside down for a few minutes at a time. It’s clearly addictive – one woman at the class after mine had to be practically forced the right way up by our instructor. The class I went do was taught by the very serene Aisha Patterson, who assured me I had an excellent sling-enhanced plank. I’ve never even got close to doing a handstand in a standard yoga class, so when she helped me into the right position, I was pathetically proud of myself. It also clearly works a lot deeper muscle groups than normal yoga, as I could really feel it the next day.

How easy is it to use?

Definitely not one to try at home, kids. There’s a certain amount of adjusting the ropes – my instructor did this for me, but some of the more advanced pupils were doing it themselves. However, moves that seem daunting are actually quite simple once you get over your fear of catapulting yourself out of the window by accident. The class finished with a lovely few minutes gently swaying in the swing in the lotus position (upright, this time).

What are the downsides?

Not so much a downside as an upside down … If you don’t like the blood rushing to your head, this is not a class for you. It’s also currently only available at the Chelsea Club gym, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London.

How much does it cost?

It’s £30 a session for non-members. If, however, you are lucky enough to be a member, you can go and relax after your class with an Ayurvedic facial at the lovely Antara spa downstairs, or have a splash in the pristine indoor pool. Or even both. Those footballers have all the luck.

Perfect if …

You harbour fantasies of yourself in a bat cave.

Best avoided if …

You don’t like novelty classes, and prefer to see the world the right way up.

• Zero-gravity yoga at the Chelsea Club, Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, London SW6 1HS; 0871 223 1224; thechelseaclub.com.

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