Partner/Acro Yoga

Partnership in yoga is communion.  We learn about how to be there for another person, how to support and offer oneself as grounding, strength, and stability. We are here to offer support so our partner can experience a deeper range of movement than one can gain on their own. We are also here in partnership to learn how to receive.  We learn to surrender to the other, to give and bend, to let someone else take our full weight.  Trust is the guiding factor in partner yoga.  If you do not trust your partner to support you, you cannot possibly let go.  If you cannot let go, you will not experience the absolute joy and freedom of feeling supported.

“Partner Yoga” is typically done with both partners on the ground, or having at least one body part on the ground.  Your main purpose is to let your partner find that deeper dimension of stretching as you assist them. This is a good place to start before you advance to “Acro Yoga”.

There are three primary roles in an Acro Yoga practice: base, flyer, and spotter.

• Base - this is the individual who has the most points of contact with the ground. Often this person is lying on the ground with the entire back torso in full contact. This enables both the arms and legs to be "bone-stacked" for maximum stability and support of the Flyer. Main points of contact with the flyer are the feet (generally placed on the Flyer's hips, groin or lower abdomen) and the hands (which either form handholds or grasp the shoulders).
• Flyer - this is the individual who is elevated off the ground by the Base. The Flyer can move into a series of dynamic positions, and generally lets gravity do the work for them. A Flyer needs balance, confidence, and core strength.
• Spotter - this is the individual who has an objective view of the partners, and whose entire focus is on making sure that the Flyer lands safely in case of any slips. The spotter can also make recommendations to the Base and Flyer to improve their form.

​Some guidelines for “Partner/Acro yoga”:

1. Take care of yourself.  You are responsible for your own safety.  Be mindful of your edges.
2. Communicate what you need. Use “I” messages like “I need more pressure”.
3. Agree on how to communicate.  Will you use hand signals or verbal cues?
4. No blame, no shame.  You are in this together, do not accuse one person of something he or she is not doing right.
5. Wait for the ready signal. Never give your partner an assist until your partner indicates he or she is ready.
6. Come out slowly.  Do not fall out of a pose. Come out on the breath.
7. Listen carefully and respect your partner's wishes.
8. Let yourself laugh, play, and have fun!