The wisdom of yoga, the dynamics of acrobatics, and the loving kindness of a Thai massage: it is the confluence of the three that has given rise to acroyoga. They form the foundation of the practice that cultivates trust, playfulness and community. Generally, a base (the person on the mat) and a flyer (the person who is elevated) work together to create postures and transitions that are taken from traditional yoga asanas . Working with a partner helps in developing direct and compassionate verbal communication. As you learn to support others, you end up allowing yourself to be supported. There are two aspects to it: lunar (therapeutic) and solar (acrobatic). In therapeutic practice, the flyer is passive and receives stretch and massage from the base. In acrobatic, the flyer is active, and holds tight by engaging core muscles.
Who should do it and who should you partner up with?
Anyone can do acroyoga. There is no age, size or weight limit. However, if you suffer from vertigo, high blood pressure, herniated discs, destabilised sacrum, or have had recent surgery, acroyoga is not recommended. You can partner with almost anyone. Technique is more important than strength. Stacking (aligning) the bones, gives you more strength than relying on your muscles. This technique will allow you to lift or counterbalance someone twice your size. You don’t have to be super flexible either. You only have to honour your body, to learn the required building blocks, to take your existing capabilities to the next level. It is best to lift smaller people to begin with, then same size, and if you want to challenge yourself, you can even lift people heavier than you.
Where do I begin?
Begin with a workshop and see if you are interested, then you can do regular sessions. Being physically active in any form (even by way of walking) will only help the practice. Respect your body and its limitations and work around them; begin slow and progress gradually.
Why should I do this?
Acroyoga is done only with a partner or a group. It compliments Hatha or other individual yoga practices. Unlike regular yoga, the focus is not just on your own body and its capabilities, but on the dynamics between you and your partner. Building your strength and flexibility with the help of another person makes it easier and more fun than practising alone. For example, while working with a partner, you’ll find you stretch a little more than on your own. Moreover, it allows you to let go of the need to be in control. Acroyoga builds trust and a sense of community that gives you a safe space to explore your strengths and limitations. Finally, it improves your verbal and non-verbal communication, as you learn to ask for what you want, to respect your body and listen to both your own body and others. It encourages your journey towards the art of giving and receiving.
The writer is a yoga teacher trained at the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Madurai, and an accredited acroyoga instructor from Acroyoga International. She conducts acroyoga workshops in Chennai, Cochin, and Pune
