Welcome to Our FAQs

Yes, the hammocks can be very lovely to use outside! It's easy to set up and take down, so it makes for a great outdoor activity. Please beware that the silk fabrics will fade more quickly in direct sunlight, and we never recommend storing your hammock outside. Color fading does not impact the strength of the material, but can cause expedited wear. We always caution against rigging from trees.

We do not recommend rigging from trees. It is dangerous because it is difficult to predict a tree's strength. There are many unknown factors with trees - a tree may look big and strong, but it could have damage undetectable to the untrained eye - such as prior storm damage, internal rot, pests, etc. The safety of a tree rigging can change over time, as the tree is a living, changing organism. Some trees can be prone to sudden branch drop syndrome.

Rigging from trees is possible to do in a relatively safe way, but it requires an experienced rigger and arborist to evaluate the tree's health and suitability for rigging. Many tree rigging set-ups done the right way require more than one tree. We recommend to consult a professional rigger to create your set up, as well as an arborist for an evaluation on the tree's health.

There is an increased risk of injury or death with tree rigging and several reported cases of serious injury and death in the aerial arts community due to tree rigging failure. For your safety, please do not hang from trees.

Aerial Fabric is not designed to be left outside; please be aware the color will fade with repeated exposure to outdoors. A safer, and often more affordable option is a portable rig, such as the Height Adjustable Aerial Rig.

This is up to personal preference and varies depending on the size of the person. We recommend 18-20 inches (45-50cm) apart, but some prefer a wider or narrower seat. You can also hang the hammock from one suspension point (often seen in aerial performance) with a swivel, but typically we recommend 2 attachment points for aerial yoga for better stability.

Height depends on personal preference. For most aerial yoga classes, we recommend that the hammock falls about hip height - low enough that you can bend over in a forward fold, but high enough that your head will not touch the ground when inverted. Hammock height is easily adjustable by using different loops on the daisy chains that come with each hammock. If you are purchasing the silk fabric hammock, you can further adjust the height by increasing the amount of fabric used in your knot. Some studios will raise the fabric higher for more aerial style classes, or lower to knee height for restorative yoga.

The package with rigging equipment is about 5.0 lbs. Each product we sell may have a different user weight limit, so please check the specific item you are interested in. Hammocks are tested to hold up to 400-600 pounds safely. Typically, the strength of the location you hang the hammock will be weaker than the hammock itself. Please be careful hanging the hammock that your weight will be supported.

By far the easiest and most portable option to rig is by using our Yoga Swing Stand. These are appropriate for both indoor and outdoor use.

If hanging indoors (or outdoors) from a beam or ceiling, we recommend hiring a professional rigger to help install your aerial equipment. The simplest way to install is to use an exposed beam in your house, garage or porch, but you'll need to have this tested to ensure it is sturdy enough to hold a dynamic weight load. Always use a stud finder to locate beams and have them tested before using for inversions. Be sure to use hardware approved for holding overhead human weight. If you are mounting into a wood, consider installing our  Ceiling X-Mounts. You can also potentially hang your hammock in a doorway. The key here is safety first - always have a professional rigger, licensed contractor, or engineer help you with aerial installations!

A fast and easy option is to see if your local park has any swingsets; you can simply wrap up existing swings and set up your hammock.

We do not recommend rigging from trees; it is dangerous as it can be very difficult to determine the tree's weight limit. We do not recommend this option unless your tree has been assessed by an arborist and your set up is created by a professional rigger. Often, tree branches are not as sturdy as they look!

Aerial arts is fun for all ages, but there are inherent risks with the sport. Our products are professional quality and designed for adults. It is not designed for kids. If you have kids, please be aware there are increased risks just by having aerial equipment in the home - the apparatus poses a choking hazard, and at-home training can be dangerous without proper supervision. We do not recommend using for anyone under the age of 12. We recommend working closely with your local instructor to create a training plan and tips to spot for safety. Aerial equipment should always be stored away from children when not in use. This product is not intended to be used as a toy, and not designed for use in children aged 12 and under. Bringing an aerial apparatus into the home can be a source of fun for the whole family, but the risks and precautions should be taken seriously before purchasing.

We always recommend hiring a professional rigger or structural engineer to help with the installation to determine what rigging equipment is needed for the space. Local aerial studios/circus/theater groups tend to be knowledgeable on the best people in your area, or the ETCP certification website has a directory of professional riggers.

Dynamic aerial movements produce forces greater than the body weight; for Aerial Yoga and Bungee Fitness, professional riggers typically recommend rigging point can hold a minimum of 3000lbs.

For Aerial Silks, you will need to be able to hold 5000lbs or more.

If you forgo professional rigging, you accept all liability for any injury or damage resulting from using the equipment and you potentially put the lives of yourself and others at risk. We highly advise professional installation.

When looking for contractors/riggers, if there is no one available in your area experienced in aerial rigging, you may look for a structural engineer or a contractor experienced in framing or structural work. We recommend consulting your local aerial studios for recommendations in your area.

If you have questions, we urge you to contact us directly. Our equipment is tested by third party engineering firms in Atlanta, GA; we can provide guidance on the right and wrong ways to use the equipment and where to find a qualified person to help with the installation.

No amount of care can eliminate all risks in Aerial Arts, but safe practice starts with professional installation. Uplift Active cannot be held responsible for damages incurred to property or life by improper installation or rigging of Uplift Active products - always hire a professional!

We have two Aerial Yoga Teacher Training options, provided by Aerial Yoga Academy - Online Training, or Online + In-Person Training. Both options include the 250 Hour Teaching Certification. If you select the online portion, everything is completed remotely. For the In-Person, the first part of the training is completed at your own pace, through the Aerial Yoga Academy online portal and practice at home or at a location of your choice. Then the final training teach-out is completed in-person under the guidance of one of our master instructors. The biggest benefit of this is that you can learn on your own pace then receive personalized help with what you need.

The course offers a comprehensive training manual and easy to follow training videos. The five sections start from very easy beginners poses to more intermediate poses such as inversions. Each pose is accompanied by a video with step by step instructions of how to do the pose as well as Anatomical focus, Therapeutic applications, cuing tips and benefits. Our upcoming locations for training is available here.

The course is personalized and we work with each student as an individual; we are accessible for students to work with us during the training and after via skype, phone, facetime, and WhatsApp. The flexibility of the course caters to all lifestyles as the bulk of the training is completed with the convenience of studying in your own home.

The $599 250hr Online Course includes:

• 250hr International Aerial Yoga Certificate + 20 Bonus Advanced Poses
• 90 Hours of Aerial Yoga Techniques
• 30 Hours of Aerial Yoga Methodology
• 100 Hours of Aerial Yoga Practicum
• Over 180 hours of contact guidance in all areas

You may sign up for the Aerial Yoga Academy on our website here  or reply to us with any other questions that you have.

We have Free Tutorials  with yoga tutorials on how to set up a yoga hammock, basic flows, and more! We also have a YouTube Channel  that you can subscribe to for more updates. We're working on creating more full class videos that will be released soon!

The Bungee Fitness includes:

• 1 Bungee Cord: 110cm
• 1 Daisy Chain: 105cm
• 2 Slings (1pc 57cm diameter, 1 pc 37cm diameter)
• 3 Carabiners (2 pre-installed)
• 1 Padded Safety Belt Harness (Wide leg for comfort and safety)
• 1 Swivel Rotational Device (Rotates 360° so you can spin!)

If you need a ceiling mount, we have Ceiling X-Mount Hooks available here we always recommend professional installation for your safety.

Yes we do! Almost all of our items ship internationally. Please review the item description for details of shipping availability, some exclusions apply, like our gymnastics mats.

• We have warehouses in the USA and Asia that ship all over the world.
• Depending on where you are located and which items you buy, we use the center that will get you your order the fastest.
• Shipping times can vary but we always use expedited shipping methods that on average have delivery times of 4-8 business days, even internationally. Certain areas, like the Middle East, Africa, Island, and remote locations may take longer.

After you order, you will receive an email with tracking details typically within 2-4 business days. Some items take us a few days to cut and prepare.

Questions? Contact us at the button at the bottom of your screen, or email hello@upliftactive.com.

Are you ordering in bulk? We have Studio Packs of Yoga Hammocks available. If interested in wholesale or bulk quantities of other equipment, contact us for a custom shipping quote.

Uplift Active offers easy exchanges and returns because we want to help you with all of your aerial needs. More information available here.

Join our family of happy customers who have started their aerial journeys with us.

We have 24/7/365 Ticket and Email Support. Please contact us if you need assistance. We'll respond within 1 business day!

Carrier and shipping times vary per item and we update the estimated shipping times regularly on each product description. Shipping times are not guaranteed, but we do our best to get orders to you as quickly as possible! Most items ship within 1-3 business days; customized orders or custom sizes may require a longer handling time. In the US, hammock sets can arrive in as little as 4-8 business days. International orders typically take 7-14 days to arrive. See the product description for more accurate time estimates and contact us for expedited shipping options. Please contact us before purchasing if you have a deadline or event to make sure your order will arrive in time.

For most items, shipping calculates automatically at checkout. Shipping prices vary by the item and variants selected. If you have any error messages or need any special shipping requirements, please contact us. We also offer expedited shipping on a customized basis - please contact us for details. Shipping costs do not include country specific taxes, customs, or import fees - if applicable, these are due upon receipt or entry to the country. Orders shipped to the USA orders are exempt from any import fees.

Different items may ship from different locations. Uplift Active is headquartered in the USA. Our fulfillment providers are in Los Angeles, Florida, and Shanghai. These partners help us achieve fast and affordable shipping rates internationally. Depending on where you are located and where we have stock available, we the center that will get you your order the fastest. If you're outside the US, please anticipate that there may be import or brokerage fees due upon delivery. These are country-specific charges and we recommend checking the local import guidelines for your country for the best estimate of this cost.

Shipping times can vary but we always use expedited shipping methods that on average have delivery times of 4-8 business days, even internationally. Certain areas, like the Middle East, Africa, Island, and remote locations may take longer.

After you order, you will receive an email with tracking details typically within 2-4 business days. Some items take us a few days to cut and prepare.

Questions? Contact us at the button at the bottom of your screen, or email hello@upliftactive.com.

Are you ordering in bulk? We have Studio Packs of Yoga Hammocks available. If interested in wholesale or bulk quantities of other equipment, contact us for a custom shipping quote.

Uplift Active offers easy exchanges and returns because we want to help you with all of your aerial needs. More information available here.

Our deadline for standard shipping by Christmas is 12/8. Exclusions apply to certain products like our apparel and made to order items. After 12/8, items will be available to expedite within the United States - check out each product description for expedited delivery options. International orders cannot be expedited at this time; standard delivery may or may not arrive in time due to international postal and customs delays, but we will ship your order as quickly as possible! US orders can be expedited in time with select options.

US customers in Florida are subject to state and county taxes. Our products usually have little or no taxes in most countries, however, this can vary country per country.

If you're outside the US, there may be an import tax or brokerage fee due upon delivery. In particular, please note that Canada and UK orders are subject to import tax on delivery. Please check your local import laws prior to ordering and contact us with questions. Any additional customs or fees from your country will not be covered by Uplift Active.

If you are worried about the import tax, contact us prior to ordering for assistance.

We always recommend hiring a professional rigger or structural engineer to help with the installation to determine what rigging equipment is needed for the space. Local aerial studios/circus/theater groups tend to be knowledgeable on the best people in your area, or the ETCP certification website has a directory of professional riggers.

Dynamic aerial movements produce forces greater than the body weight; for Aerial Yoga and Bungee Fitness, professional riggers typically recommend rigging point can hold a minimum of 3000lbs.

For Aerial Silks, you will need to be able to hold 5000lbs or more.

If you forgo professional rigging, you accept all liability for any injury or damage resulting from using the equipment and you potentially put the lives of yourself and others at risk. We highly advise professional installation.

When looking for contractors/riggers, if there is no one available in your area experienced in aerial rigging, you may look for a structural engineer or a contractor experienced in framing or structural work. We recommend consulting your local aerial studios for recommendations in your area.

If you have questions, we urge you to contact us directly. Our equipment is tested by third party engineering firms in Atlanta, GA; we can provide guidance on the right and wrong ways to use the equipment and where to find a qualified person to help with the installation.

No amount of care can eliminate all risks in Aerial Arts, but safe practice starts with professional installation. Uplift Active cannot be held responsible for damages incurred to property or life by improper installation or rigging of Uplift Active products - always hire a professional!

Once an order is placed, we cannot cancel it. Our warehouse starts cutting and preparing orders for shipment right away. There is often a lag between when orders are shipped, and when the tracking information is sent to you. The package may be sitting in the USPS or UPS warehouse before they are scanned. If an order cannot be delivered (ie, due to an incorrect address or you are unable to provide a signature) contact our team for assistance. We accept returns within 30 days; please review our return policy for details.

We want you to feel comfortable trying a product online, and if you are not satisfied with your Uplift Active purchase, you can return it for a replacement or refund in new condition within 30 days of delivery. The buyer is responsible for return shipping. If you want to return an item, shoot us an email at hello@upliftactive.com and we will be happy to help you with returns!

Our return policy exists to protect the safety and hygiene of all customers. All returns and exchanges are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Items must be in new condition (with no exposure to moisture or heat) in the original packaing, with no signs of use, damage, soil, or wear to qualify for a return. Uplift Active reserves the right to refuse a return or exchange at any time for any reason. Limit to one return or exchange per order. If you cannot receive a package for some reason, please contact us. The customer is responsible for return shipping charges and insurance if desired.

Please do NOT refuse a package or you will be liable for return shipping and any related carrier fees. If you want to return something, please contact us. If you refuse a package, you forfeit all rights to a refund as the fees incurred by the shipping carrier for the return shipping may exceed the cost of the item. To help protect our customers and make sure every return or exchange is dealt with fairly, we may either require a receipt or decline a return or exchange in certain situations, including:

• Items that were not purchased directly from www.upliftactive.com
• Items with a missing label or an item that has been defaced
• Items damaged through improper use or ironing
• On rare occasions, based on the nature of prior transactions
• Items that have been soiled or contaminated
• Items lost or damaged due to fire, flood or natural disaster

We do not apply any price adjustments and cannot honor any coupons after an order has been placed. Shipping costs are non-refundable. After an order has been placed online, it may not be canceled - our warehouse starts cutting and preparing orders for shipment right away. If an order cannot be delivered (ie, due to an incorrect address or you are unable to provide a signature), please contact us right away before the package is returned to sender to avoid additional shipping fees. If the package is returned to us, the order will be treated as a return and all incurred shipping costs and additional fee will be deducted from the refund, regardless of who paid the initial shipping fees. Uplift active is not responsible for returns lost in transit; please purchase insurance and tracking to ensure your return is delivered safely. Goods damaged from customer use may not be returned. Snags and tears present upon delivery, due to manufacturer defect, must be reported within 14 days of delivery. Inspect all products within 14 days after delivery and before each use and do not use if you have signs of wear and tear. Any missing items or defective items must be reported within 14 days of delivery. Items returned outside of the 30-day return period are not eligible for refund. Uplift Active reserves the right to decline any return, refund, or exchange at their sole discretion.

We work diligently to get your items delivered to you safely; if you have any concerns please contact us as we are here to help.

We stand behind everything we sell, so you can shop with confidence that our equipment is built to last. While unlikely, if you experience a mechanical failure, items can be returned within a year of purchase for a refund or replacement (shipping or handling costs may apply). Limit to one item warranty replacement per customer. To help protect our customers and make sure every return or exchange is dealt with fairly, we may either require a receipt or decline a return or exchange in certain situations, including:

• Items that were not purchased directly from www.upliftactive.com
• Items with a missing label or an item that has been defaced
• Items damaged through improper use or ironing
• Items damaged with fabric snags, tears, or puncture holes
• On rare occasions, based on the nature of prior transactions
• Items that have been soiled or contaminated
• Items lost or damaged due to fire, flood or natural disaster

Uplift Active's guarantee does not cover color fading from leaving hammocks in sunlight or outside, or any damage caused by improper use or accidents. Always keep sharp objects away from your yoga hammock and never use zippered clothes with the hammock. We cannot cover snags or tears on fabric. Aerial fabric must be treated with care and is prone to snags and puncture holes, commonly caused by jewelry, zippers, long nails or other accessories. Do not use wedding rings or earrings with your aerial fabric. The exception to this is snags, tears or scratches on arrival due to manufacturer defect, and this must be reported within 14 days of delivery with photo or video evidence. Inspect all products within 14 days after delivery and before each use and do not use if you have signs of wear and tear. Uplift Active reserves the right to decline any warranty return or exchange at their sole discretion. 1-year warranty does not apply to X-Pole products. All X-Pole products and their associated parts are guaranteed free of manufacturing defect for a period of 6 months from date of purchase. Defects from use, wear and tear, chipped edges from pole to pole contact, or being dropped, and anything outside of a pure manufacturing defect are not covered.

Yes, you can use our Aerial Rigs outside. Aerial Rigs make aerial yoga accessible just about anywhere, and there's nothing like practicing in a beautiful setting outdoors. The best practice is to take them down when not in use. They are not intended to be left outside long term and will weather or rust with repeated exposure to moisture.

If you need to keep it outside longer, there are metal protectant sprays (like Sta-Bil Rust Stopper) that may prevent weathering, and some customers keep a tarp over it when not in use to protect against morning dew. We recommend avoiding rain and moisture to prevent damage. Every climate is different and more humid/wet climates are more prone to weathering. Parts may rust over time, and we sell replacement parts if needed. The warranty does not cover damage from outside use, and regular inspection of the equipment is especially important if you plan to use it outdoors.

Yes, one able-bodied person can set up the Height Adjustable Aerial Rig on their own. It is more challenging to do alone and will take longer. To set it up alone, we would recommend doing it outside or somewhere spacious for the first time. It is easier and quicker with two sets of hands, but we have many people who have purchased it and live solo or only have themselves to get it set up!

Yes, we do available here. Please note our fabric is a low to medium stretch; it is considered low stretch by our fabric manufacturer but we find it is a little stretchier than some other low-stretch brands. This provides comfort in poses and tricks. All our fabric is 108 inches wide, which is the standard hammock width.

Yes! All our products are independently tested and rated for aerial use. Our Height Adjustable Rig is tested by professional riggers at an independent engineering firm. The minimum breaking strength of the rig is 1550lbs, at which point a leg bends irreparably. Click here to see a photo of one of our tests. When you buy a rig from us, you are buying a tried and true, tested design.

For Single Point Hoops, there are a few ways to hang them.

If you plan to spin, we recommend getting our Swivel Kit and a Round Sling.

Hoop size is a personal preference and really depends on what you're used to practicing with, and the type of tricks you enjoy. The most popular sizes used in studios are 35 and 37 inches for adults. A smaller hoop can be easier for beginners to maneuver, and a larger hoop is great for tricks that require more headroom. You may ask your instructor what hoop size you're used to using in the studio for a reference.

We really recommend measuring to make sure you get the right size hoop, but the sizing on the hoops is a little flexible and up to personal preference. Most aerialists like the hoops to be big enough to sit in without hitting their head (though, there is a tiny hoop trend on social media right now). To measure for your standard size, you can sit in a chair and measure from your bottom to the top of your head and add two inches. Measuring is important as people carry their height differently (some have longer legs, while others longer torsos which can impact hoop size). But, as a general guideline, people under 5'0 will choose a 31-inch hoop, 5'1-5'3 may choose a 33 inch hoop, 5'3-5'5 may choose a 35 inch hoop, 5'5-5'8 may choose a 37 inch hoop, and 5'8-5'11 may choose a 39-inch hoop. We have temporarily discontinued our 41-inch hoops but most people under 6 feet can use a 39-inch hoop.

We have several types of fabric available in our store. Fabric ranges from low to medium stretch depending on the variant selected. Low stretch is easiest for beginners; it's easy to climb and maintains a consistent height for aerial yoga. Medium stretch is best for more experienced aerial enthusiasts, as it provides a cushion to tricks and flips.

Our low stretch solid colors are the most popular in studios; they are shimmery, soft, and have a nice low level of stretch that's easy to climb.

Our ombre colors are a low-medium stretch and also have a nice shimmery finish. The ombre colors are slightly stretchier than the low stretch, providing a cushion in flips and tricks, but still plenty supportive for aerial yoga.

Our printed colors are a low-medium stretch, and are slightly stiffer/less stretchy than the ombre fabrics, making them easy to grip.

Our medium stretch colors are available by special request. They are more stretchy than our low stretch, and are great for aerial tricks and flips. These colors can still be used for aerial yoga, but it's recommended for intermediate and advanced students.

If you're interested in seeing and feeling fabrics before you buy, try our fabric samples.

Aerial Yoga and Aerial Silks can sometimes be confused to be the same thing. The truth is, these practices have quite different fundamentals. Aerial Yoga derives from traditional yoga with a focus on breathing and flows, and uses a Hammock as a support prop for yoga and fitness exercises. Aerial Silks is traditionally a circus act with a focus on tricks and dance, and uses a fabric hung from the center with two poles, or ribbons, that hang down from the ceiling. The two can be distinguished by looking at the flow, style, and equipment used. The fabric in both is the same, but the length required and hardware is very different. There is some cross-over between the two arts, as aerial dance can also be practiced on a Hammock. In general, Aerial Yoga is better for beginners to aerial fitness, and is more commonly found in yoga studios - we recommend starting with our most popular Yoga Hammock Set.
Aerial Silks is a more challenging practice and are commonly found in circus schools - we recommend starting with our Aerial Silks Set.

We have two types of yoga hammocks/swings available - the Yoga Hammock Set and the Yoga Swing with Handles.

Both fabrics are nylon, which is the strongest fabric option for aerial arts, but the Yoga Swing with Handles is thicker, non-stretchy nylon (like you would use in a parachute) and includes handles. It is great for outdoor use and for incorporating TRX-types of exercises with the handles. The Yoga Hammock Set is nylon tricot, which is stretchy and soft, which cocoons the body and is great for more wrapped poses. The preferred type is a personal preference but we find the Yoga Hammock Set is more popular with our customers because you have more options with the poses wrapped in the wider fabric.

If you like the wider fabric of the Yoga Hammock Set but like the handles of the Yoga Swing with Handles, you may consider purchasing an Extended Size Yoga Hammock Set and tie handles with the extra fabric (we recommend a minimum of 10 yards for ceilings up to 12 feet tall for this set up).

We are open and shipping to most countries worldwide, with normal shipping times to most destinations. However, please be aware countries and local areas are affected differently, as shipping companies around the world have been experiencing high shipping volumes. Shipping times are estimates, and not guaranteed. If you need something by a certain date, contact our team by email for assistance. More information on our COVID tips for sanitization, safety and more are in our COVID Update Letter here.

We have Free Video Tutorials with yoga tutorials on how to set up a yoga hammock, basic flows, and more! We also have a YouTube channel that you can subscribe to for more updates. We're working on creating more full class videos that will be released soon!

We offer payment by installments or financing (as low as 0% interest) at checkout through Klarna.

Individual terms are determined at check out.

At this time, this service is only available for US orders. At check out, select the "Buy now, pay later with Klarna" button to set up your plan.

Wash on cold, gentle cycle. Hang dry or tumble dry on a cool setting. Be sure to remove the daisy chains and carabiner before washing. Do not iron. We recommend washing every 2 weeks of regular use, or as needed. Hammocks can be refreshed between classes with a cleansing spray. Check out our DIY Cleansing Spray Recipe.

YES! Aerial yoga can actually be easier than regular yoga, since the fabric acts as a support in many postures. The yoga hammock will help increase your flexibility and can help ease into yoga poses that would be difficult on the ground. If you're practicing at home, try to slowly work your way up to more difficult moves, and you will likely see great progress in flexibility and potential alleviation of back pain.

We always recommend using appropriate mats depending on what you are practicing. Always be sure you are practicing over flat, clear ground.

A simple yoga mat is appropriate for ground-based aerial yoga poses. Thicker gymnastics mats or crash pads are recommended for all other types of aerial arts. Mat thickness depends on the type of poses you are practicing. We recommend checking with your instructor for an appropriate thickness for you.

Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. Aerial Yoga is fun for all ages but our products are not intended for children. Keep out of reach of children as hammocks can pose a choking hazard.

Please review our terms and conditions prior to ordering.

The first few times that you use the hammock, you may experience discomfort. This is completely normal and goes away with repeated use. Every person has different areas that are more or less sensitive (like hips, low back, behind the knees..), as we are all unique. If you practice regularly, the discomfort will go away and it may even begin to feel good. The hammock will release tension in the body. This phenomenon is called peripheral desensitization - the hammock pressure is like a deep tissue massage, releasing tight muscles and stimulating the lymphatic system. Take it easy; when new to aerial arts, go for shorter sessions more frequently to allow your body to get used to the pressure.

In the meantime, there are some modifications that can make it more comfortable and enjoyable. For inversions, you can pad your hammock with a yoga mat first, especially if you're practicing inversions for longer periods of time. You may also try the bucket seat inversion to relieve pressure in any one point of your back - there are photos of this option as well as more great details and tips on reducing discomfort in this article here.