AcroYoga is much more than a physical discipline. It is a combination of yoga, acrobatics, and connection that challenges you to step out of your comfort zone. It helps you strengthen your body, improve your confidence, and create authentic bonds with others.
You don’t need to be an athlete to get started. Acroyoga is an inclusive and fun practice, where teamwork and communication are key. You learn to trust, to let go of control, and to enjoy movement in a safe space filled with positive energy.
The origin of acro yoga
Although there is no single founder of acro yoga, its history dates back to the 1930s, when the teacher T. Krishnamacharya was recorded practicing flight poses and stretches with a child. Since then, this discipline has evolved with influences from different teachers.
In the 80s, Benjamin Marantz developed the Acro Sage Investment Therapy, incorporating inverted flight postures and massage. Ken Nateshvar Scott took Contact Yoga to a more social dimension, transforming the practice into a shared experience.
In 1999, Eugene Poku and Jessie Goldberg founded AcroYoga Montreal (AYM), merging yoga, acrobatics, and dance. Then, in 2003, Jason Nemer and Jenny Sauer-Klein created AcroYoga International (AYI), establishing a more defined structure and expanding the discipline globally.
The practice of acro yoga and its roles
The acro yoga is a game of balance and connection, where each person plays a fundamental role. It is not just about strength or flexibility, but about teamwork and communication to create fluid and safe poses.
There are three main roles:
- Base: It is the one who supports the flyer. Its stability and control are key to maintaining the poses and transitions. The base is usually in contact with the ground, using legs and arms as support points.
- Flyer: It is one who rises and flows in the air. It does not need extreme strength, but rather balance, body control, and confidence in its base. It moves fluidly, exploring different postures in the air.
- Carer or Spotter: They ensure the safety of the practice. Their task is to observe, correct, and prevent falls, making sure that the base and the flyer maintain a correct alignment.
Each role is essential and everyone can experience all three. Acro yoga is not about strength, but about synchronization and trust. With practice, anyone can find their place and enjoy this unique experience.
Getting Started in Acro Yoga: Tips for Beginners
If you want to try acro yoga, the most important thing is to start with an open mind and the desire to have fun. You don’t need prior experience, just a willingness to trust, communicate, and explore movement in a different way. Here are some key tips:
- Find a partner: You can practice with a friend, partner, or join a community. Trust and communication are essential in this discipline.
- Start with basic poses: Don’t try to do advanced figures from day one. Poses like “Bird” or “Throne” are ideal for learning alignment and balance.
- Use a spotter: Having someone to supervise and correct is key for safety. Their role is to guide and prevent falls while you learn new transitions.
- Listen to your body: Do not force movements. Progression is natural and each person has their own rhythm. Control and technique are more important than strength.
- Practice in a safe space: Use mats or grass to avoid bumps. A comfortable and obstacle-free environment will make you feel more confident.
- Communication is key: Talking to your partner during practice improves coordination and avoids misunderstandings. Use clear words to indicate comfort or necessary adjustments.
- Enjoy and be patient: Acro yoga is a process. Some poses may come quickly, others will take more time. The important thing is to enjoy the journey and celebrate every progress.
With these tips, you have everything to take your first step into the world of acro yoga!
Benefits of Acro Yoga
The acro yoga is not only a physical practice but an experience that transforms the way you relate to yourself and others. Beyond strength and flexibility, it develops skills such as trust, communication, and teamwork.
Physically, it improves balance, strengthens muscles, and increases mobility. By combining yoga and acrobatics, it activates muscle groups that you may have never worked before. Furthermore, by practicing in the air, the body learns to move with more control and stability.
In the mental plane, challenge fears and limiting beliefs. With each pose, you learn to trust, to let go of control, and to be present. The connection with the partner is key, as without communication and synchronization, the practice simply does not flow.
But the most valuable thing is the human connection. Each session is a space for play and exploration, where two or more people learn to hold and support each other. It is a practice that breaks down barriers, fosters empathy, and reminds us how powerful it is to trust another.
Basic Poses of Acro Yoga
Each figure is a physical and mental challenge that requires synchronization and connection with your partner. From static positions to dynamic transitions, these postures are the foundation for exploring movement in the air.
Whale
Here, the flyer rests on their back on the feet of the base, with arms extended to the sides. It is a therapeutic posture that opens the chest and improves back flexibility.
Throne
The flyer sits on the feet of the base, with the knees bent and the back straight, as if sitting in a chair in the air. It is a stable position and perfect for starting to work on balance.
Front Plank (Front Plank)
In this position, the flyer remains aligned upside down, with their hands on the base‘s hands, while their feet rest on the base’s feet. It is a posture that helps develop balance, strength, and confidence, serving as a starting point for many transitions.
Front Bird
It is the most well-known position and the starting point for many transitions. The flyer supports with their abdomen on the feet of the base, keeping the body aligned and extended, as if they were flying.
Folded Leaf
The flyer rests its abdomen on the feet of the base and lets its body drop forward relaxingly. It is a therapeutic posture that helps stretch the back and release tension.
