These three lineages form the foundation of a practice that cultivates trust, playfulness, and community. AcroYoga may provide physical and mental health benefits. In addition to the exercise and strength building aspects, the partner balancing can improve concentration and the massage elements can provide stress relief. However AcroYoga is more vigorous than many traditional yoga practices. It has three main elements:
- Solar acrobatic practices that cultivate trust, empowerment and joy.
- Lunar healing arts practices that cultivate listening, loving and letting go.
- Yogic practices that cultivate breathe awareness, life balance and connection.
AcroYoga is a form of partner yoga where three yogis work together for therapeutic release and acrobatic fun. There are three primary roles in an Acro-yoga practice: Base, Flyer and Spotter.
BASE — Lie down on the ground with the entire back torso in full contact. This enables both the arms and legs to be bone-stacked for maximum stability and support of the flyer. Main points of contact with the flyer are the feet (generally placed on the flyer’s hips) and the hands (which either form handholds or grasp the shoulders).
Flyer —You will be elevated off the ground by the base. The flyer can move into a series of dynamic positions and generally let gravity do the work. A flyer needs balance, confidence and core strength.
SPOTTER — Here you have an objective view of your partner and the entire focus is on making sure that the flyer lands safely in case of any slips. The spotter can also make recommendations to the base and flyer to improve their form.
Plank Press 1: Poses 1 and 2 help build trust and teach the base to support the flyer’s weight.
BASE — Lie down on your back. Set your feet parallel and hip-width, with knees bent, onto your flyer’s hips.
FLYER — Stand at your base’s feet, with your arms in a T, body firm and straight, and abdominals engaged.
Plank Press 2
BASE — Bend your knees more, receiving your flyer’s weight slowly. Lower her a few inches, and then extend her back to standing.?
FLYER — Keep your feet on the ground. Relax, and trust your weight to your base. ALIGNMENT TIP BASE: For optimal support, place the arches of your feet against your flyer’s hip points before liftoff.
Front Plank: This pose teaches balance, laying the foundation for more-advanced poses.
FLYER — Reach forward and clasp your base’s hands. Keep your arms straight, creating a straight line from your shoulders to your base’s. Press into the ground with your feet to lift off.
BASE — Keep your arms straight as your flyer lifts off. Receive your flyer with bent legs, and then slowly straighten your legs, stacking feet over hips.
FLYER Once airborne, keep your core engaged. Point your toes and straighten your legs.
ALIGNMENT TIP SPOTTER Cue the base and flyer to stack their arm bones vertically, which will help keep the pose stable.
