Acro Yoga: A New Way to Get Strong and Strengthen Connections
December 31, 2024
Even the most dedicated yoga practitioners can hit a roadblock from time to time. Often for no apparent reason, their practice may start feeling a little stale, and what used to be a helpful routine has turned into a case of going through the motions.
When that happens, trying a new instructor or style of yoga can help, but you could also look a little further and consider a multidisciplinary approach like acro yoga. As the name suggests, acro yoga combines acrobatics and yoga. In addition, practitioners also complete trust-building exercises before quite literally taking their practice to new heights.
The biggest difference between acro yoga and pure acrobatics is the emphasis on how the practitioners move rather than which position they achieve. Building a deeper connection and moving mindfully is essential to successful and safe acro yoga.
Why Practice Acro Yoga?
Acro yoga takes elements from yoga and acrobatics and fuses them into a practice all of its own. Think of it as a combination of the athleticism and technique required for safe acrobatics routines and the mindfulness, presence, and breath control that come from yoga.
Moreover, acro yoga is a partner activity. Where your yoga practice can be solitary at times, acro yoga requires at least one partner, and you will need to build trust in each other as you attempt the poses.
Also read: How Yoga Can Create a Sustainable Path to Wellness and Weight Loss
The goal is not only the beautiful expression of an asana. More importantly, perhaps, acro yoga furthers strong connections between the partners that run deeper than the bond you share with other practitioners you happen to meet in the same class every week.
Who Should Consider Acro Yoga?
Acro yoga has physical and emotional benefits. On the physical side, this practice will help you build strength, balance, and flexibility. You’ll also improve your body awareness as you’re moving you’re your partner.
On the emotional or interpersonal side, acro yoga challenges you to think about your movements as a team. Every move you make will influence your partner. Ideally, your movements support each other, but if you haven’t quite developed the required level of trust, you may actually find that you’re throwing each other off balance.
Don’t worry – like every form of yoga, acro yoga can be practiced at many different levels. However, most people enjoy dipping into acro yoga more once they have developed a solid foundation in a more traditional yoga practice.
How Does Acro Yoga Work?
We already mentioned that acro yoga requires a small team. In its most basic form, an acro yoga team consists of a base and a flyer.
The base is the person closest to or on the ground. In many cases, they will be lying with their back on the ground and have their legs and arms extended into the air to support their partner. Sometimes, the base person may also be standing or lying on their belly. In either case, their job is to support the flyer and balance or carry them.
Also read: 5 Yoga Poses to Boost Energy
The flyer is the person on top of the base, holding one or more points of contact. They could be resting their shoulders on the base’s feet or performing a handstand on the base’s hands or feet. Flyers need strength and excellent body control to allow their base partner to support them.
In some cases, you may also have a spotter, ready to catch a potential fall and prevent accidents. Spotters are essential when you’re first starting out or attempting a new pose.
How Can You Build the Foundations for Acro Yoga?
Unless you come from an acrobatics or circus arts background, you’ll most likely need to build your own strength before attempting acro yoga. A regular yoga practice, perhaps with a focus on core strength, is a great starting point.
Once you find it easy to engage your core during your yoga practice, start focusing on asanas that build upper and lower body strength without forgetting about flexibility. Even practices like Yoga Nidra will help you prepare for acro yoga as they increase your ability to be present and move mindfully.
Practicing with a regular partner is also a great way of building that connection and your trust in each other before moving on to more challenging poses.
Are You Ready to Build Strength and Flexibility?
If you’d like to try acro yoga in the future, start building your strength and flexibility now. Take a look at our schedule and book a class today. Remember, our instructors are always happy to help you work toward individual goals. Just have a chat before class and see if there are specific variations on asanas that help you progress toward your goal.
We can’t wait to hear from you – get in touch today!
