What is acroyoga?
AcroYoga is a physical practice that combines yoga, acrobatics, and healing arts. It typically involves one person acting as the base, supporting one or more other people, who are the flyers, in various postures and movements. The practice can be done in pairs or groups and is often performed in a playful and dynamic way, but it can also be more meditative and restorative. AcroYoga can be a fun and challenging way to build strength, flexibility, and trust with others.
AcroYoga is a practice that draws from many different traditions and disciplines, including yoga, acrobatics, gymnastics, and Thai massage. The practice can be divided into three main areas: Acrobatic Flying, Therapeutic Flying, and Acro Yoga Yoga.
Acrobatic Flying is the most dynamic and playful aspect of AcroYoga, and it typically involves acrobatic postures and movements, such as handstands, flips, and aerial poses. This type of practice requires a good deal of strength, flexibility, and trust between partners.
Therapeutic Flying, on the other hand, is focused on healing and relaxation, and it typically involves slower, gentler movements and postures. In this type of practice, the flyer is usually supported in comfortable, restorative postures, while the base uses various techniques to massage and stretch the flyer’s body.
Acro Yoga Yoga is a hybrid of yoga and acrobatic flying, which combines traditional yoga postures with the principles of AcroYoga. This type of practice is designed to build strength, flexibility, and balance, while also fostering a sense of connection and playfulness with others.
AcroYoga is often practiced in a community setting, such as a yoga studio or gym, and it can be a great way to meet new people and build a sense of connection and trust with others. It is also a fun and challenging way to develop physical strength, flexibility, and balance.
Here is a list of some common AcroYoga poses:
- Bird: The flyer is supported in a seated position with their legs wrapped around the base’s waist.
- Throne: The flyer sits on the base’s thighs while the base supports their back.
- High Flying Lotus: The flyer is supported in a seated position with their legs wrapped around the base’s shoulders.
- Star: The flyer is supported in a standing position with one leg on each of the base’s shoulders.
- Hand-to-Hand: The flyer and base stand facing each other, and the flyer’s hands are supported by the base’s hands.
- Handstand: The flyer is supported in a handstand position with the base’s hands under their hips.
- Back-to-Back: The flyer and base stand back-to-back, and the flyer’s feet are supported by the base’s hands.
- Hand-to-Feet: The flyer is supported in a standing position with their hands on the base’s feet.
- Front Plank: The flyer is supported in a plank position with their feet on the base’s hands.
- Forearm Stand: The flyer is supported in a forearm stand position with the base’s hands under their hips.
Please note that these poses require a certain level of skill and experience, and it’s always best to practice with an experienced AcroYoga teacher or with a partner who has the same level of experience.