Acro yoga

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I was a gymnast for years as a child, I finally ended up quitting due to knee pain. I recently heard someone mention Acro yoga, can anyone offer any thoughts on this new style of yoga? As you can likely tell it has really caught my attention and sparked my interest.

#2

David would be the one to respond to such a question.

#3

Greetings Kamma,

I teach Acro Yoga and credit it as one of three things that has been instrumental in my healing.

From the official Acro Yoga website:

AcroYoga blends the spiritual wisdom of yoga, the loving kindness of Thai massage, and the dynamic power of Acrobatics. These three ancient lineages form the foundation of a unique new practice that cultivates trust, connection and playfulness. Our highest aim is to bring individuals into a state of union with themselves, with each other, and with the divine. From this place of mutual support the true self can be realized, honored and shared for the benefit of all.
For ME, Acro Yoga is a means to reconnect to that inner playfulness and innocence that was lost for so many years. I love the instant community that it creates and the intimacy I share with other practitioners. I have made countless friends thanks to Acro Yoga. I like to say that when you meet another yoga practitioner, you have someone you can talk to. When you meet another acro yogi, you have someone you can [B]play with[/B]. And then there is the enjoyment of doing really cool things with you and your partner’s body in a trusting, present, playful manner.

I could go on all day about Acro Yoga. If you have any specific questions, I’d be happy to answer them. In the end, it’s something that must be felt to be truly understood. You can use this link to find a class in your area. Or if you tell me where you’re located, I can help you out.

Here is a cool video of the founders.

#4

although the founders of this "new yoga"whatever that is ,claim to have invented this , there is something called acrosage which was developed by benjamin marantz which i did back in the early 1990s with paul terrell,this looks the same to me ,also if you see the 1938 film of krisnamacharya you will see him doing something similar with two young girls.No doubt there is a difference in that acroyoga is more than one on one, but not sure it is anything particuarly new , looks like fun though and no doubt of benefit. ive never done any “acroyoga” although have worked with others in partner work doing balances etc.

#5

I just watched that video, quite impressive! I loved the ending too! Just shows you how much is possible through Yoga.

The closest place I can find to me that offers Acro yoga, is a four hour drive away. I will PM you, David, my location and see if you can possibly come up with something a bit closer. I warn you though, I live in a little town that only has one yoga studio that just opened up a month ago. As it is I have to drive two hours to attend YTT.

I’ve always wanted to try partner yoga, I am just lacking a willing partner. I suppose I could try hog tying the husband though, would just need some help moving him to the studio… just kidding I’m sure I can borrow a dolly from someone.

#6

Hiya Charlie :slight_smile:

I don’t think anyone is claiming to have invented something mindblowingly new that nobody has seen before :slight_smile: Just as Ashtanga, Iyengar, Bikram, Anusara, etc are based upon teachings from the past, the founders of Acro Yoga have:

[blended] the spiritual wisdom of yoga, the loving kindness of Thai massage, and the dynamic power of Acrobatics.

They’ve blended those three lineages, systemized the result, and in doing so created an absolutely amazing practice that is touching the hearts, minds, bodies, and souls of countless people.

What you see in the video I posted is only a small portion of what Acro Yoga encompasses. Interestingly enough, the Acro Yoga teacher training I went to had a much greater emphasis on the 8 limbs of yoga than any of my previous trainings. Hahah :slight_smile:

#7

I am going to try and attend an Acro yoga workshop next Saturday. When I e-mailed the studio they said I just need to be able to do a headstand by myself and a handstand assisted.

How long do I need to be able to maintain a headstand for?

Also I used to do gymnastics so I know how to do a handstand, but have never been taught how to do this pose in yoga. Is there a proper way to get in and our of the pose or technique?

Can anyone else offer any suggestions or tips to help me prepare for the workshop next Saturday?

#8

hello david,
perhaps my response was a bit spikey,I was responding to the" new style " of yoga
comment and felt i wanted to namecheck the acrosage people and krisnamacharya who although a great innovator and revolutionary never claimed any teaching as his own.Yoga evolves and changes according to what we need ,so fullpower to acroyoga and the countless people it is helping.I am also pleased that you have found a training that encompasses the eight limbs, It is a shame that yoga as practiced in the west seems to be obsessed with the physical postures ,and the medicalisation of yoga,thus perhaps leading us way from the true path.nothing wrong in being fit and healthy of course.

jai ma charlie

#9

I’ve never heard of Acro Yoga, but I’m definitely going to research it and learn more about it.

Lexi

#10

Kamma,

Can you link me to or post the itinerary for the workshop? Depending on what is planned, I can make a more informed response.

#11

Here is a link to the Workshops Info page.

http://www.acroyoga.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/acroyoga-blast-for-web-final.pdf

Thanks David!!!

#12

Hahah. :slight_smile: Oh dear. This is an issue that unfortunately comes up from time to time. There are two “official” acro yoga groups. Acro Yoga founded by Jenny and Jason which is acroyoga.org and Montreal Acro Yoga which is acroyoga.com. I’m associated with the acroyoga.ORG folks. As such, I’m afraid I can’t make an informed decision as to what you’ll need :frowning: There WILL be some acroyoga.org people giving workshops in Canada soon if you’d like their info.

I’m sorry for the trouble Kamma.

hugs

#13

Is there really a big difference between the two groups?

I would love the information on Acroyoga.org’s workshops in Canada

Thanks

#14

[quote=Kamma;17827]Is there really a big difference between the two groups?

I would love the information on Acroyoga.org’s workshops in Canada

Thanks[/quote]
I don’t know enough about Acro Yoga Montreal to comment, sorry. I’m sure they’re amazing people, but the practices have been developed 100% separate from each other.

PM sent with the workshop creators contact info :slight_smile: Good luck!

#15

Thanks for the link and information.

#16

So who are really the “founders” of Acro Yoga ? Is there such a thing ?

Two “officials” groups seems kind of confusing.

I noticed Acroyoga.org registered the name in the US, but Acro Yoga Montreal registered Acroyoga.com first. Do they get along ?

#17

I ordered Acro Yoga Org’s Flight Manual, it looks pretty intense. I’m really looking forward to trying to work up my strength and flexibility to possibly consider a course or workshop with someone from there!

#18

Hi Kamma,

Noticed your posts on acro yoga… little late no doubt :slight_smile:

Did you get a chance to do any workshops or practice recently?

Its such a wonderful practice on so many levels!

Where are you located?

I’m located in Toronto and have been fortunate enough to have spent some time with Jessie and Eugene of acro yoga/ashtanga Montreal and have done some of their acro yoga teacher training. They are such wonderful teachers and absolutely lovely yogis!!

would love to have you join us for some acro yoga jam sessions or partake in some of our upcoming acro yoga workshops in Toronto.

There are a few of us in Toronto looking to establish an acro yoga community to learn and play.

be well,
triplegem

#19

This is awesome! I never even knew this existed!

#20

The more I practice and teach the more I see the benefits of this type of yoga.

Quite a few studios that I practice in lack community… students go in and out without a word (but at least there is always a smile :slight_smile: … acro yoga and partner yoga address this imbalance.

Working with a partner can bring a whole new depth and awareness to your practice. Serving as a mirror, your partner helps with alignment, balance and concentration and a strong connection based on trust is built.

My hope is that with acro yoga which often requires 3-4 people (base, flyer, spotter) an intersubjective experience of yoga “union” will arise :slight_smile:

be well,
triplegem