Are you looking for a new workout to motivate you? Have you ever wanted to fly? Or are you interested in combining workout out and fun? Then you may be interested in AcroYoga! AcroYoga blends the wisdom of yoga, the dynamic power of acrobatics, and the loving kindness of healing arts. These three lineages form the foundation of a practice that cultivates trust, playfulness, and community.
My friend Laura is an AcroYoga instructor at Up in the Air Phoenix AcroYoga and Slacklining. I’ve been interested in AcroYoga ever since she started but a little intimidated about the creative poses and finding a willing partner. Over lunch I asked Laura a few of these questions and more.
Me: AcroYoga looks complicated. Do you need any special training before starting?
Laura: No, not at all. It helps to be generally active and have a limited knowledge of yoga, but there’s no special training needed. We teach you everything you need to know!
Me: Do you need to bring a partner to practice?
Laura: Definitely not. We mix people up during the class so just because you come with someone does mean you’ll practice with them for the entire session.
Me: It looks like you need crazy core strength and balance. I’ve been known to trip over my own feet. Can I really do this?
Laura: Yes, absolutely! Core strength and balance are helpful, but anyone can be successful. It’s much more about bone stacking than it is about your strength.
Me: How many days a week do you practice?
Laura: Probably 5 days a week. But I have a live-in partner so that helps!
Me: Do you ever worry about falling?
Laura: I know my limits. If we’re practicing on concrete (like the photo above), we know what we can and can’t do safely. And you learn the art to falling gracefully, much like a figure skater or gymnast. We put safety first during our classes. We typically demo the move/pose and each group has a spotter to make sure no one gets injured.
Me: What is your favorite part of AcroYoga?
Laura: The community! There’s a vulnerability and fun to AcroYoga. Lots of giggling and laughing!
Join Laura and her fiancé, ShawnT, as they kick start their weekly all-level AcroYoga Tuesday night class at URBAN YOGA at 7:30pm! The first class is free so bring your friends! Urban Yoga is located in Downtown Phoenix at Central and Osborn.
Follow Up in the Air Phoenix on Facebook here and learn more about AcroYoga here
all photos courtesy of up in the air