I’ve heard many preconceived notions over the years as to why one can’t do acro yoga. I’ve tried and failed to come up with ways to make it clear to people that most anyone can do this! So here I’ll address the main concerns people have had:
“I’m not flexible enough.”
Flying her grandpa!
You don’t have to be flexible. You don’t have to be able to touch your toes. As a base we’d put something underneath your sacrum (just below the lower back) so that your legs can better support someone. As a flier you don’t have to be flexible at all!! The base will move you around to whatever capacity your body can move, and it will feel incredible!
“I’m not strong enough.”
You don’t have to be strong. You don’t have to be able to bench press or squat any amount of weight. Can you stand on your own two feet?? Great, you can base someone too!! It works by bone stacking, if the bones are straight than the muscles don’t have to work very hard. When you stand up straight you’re supporting 100+ pounds on your legs (more with a backpack on!). This is similar to being a base, with the legs straight up you can hold a lot of weight without being that strong. I’ve seen 115 pound women flying 200 pound men using this principle.
“I weigh too much.”
No you don’t. The last paragraph speaks to this. Especially if the base is experienced and has a good sense of balance, I’ve based 335 pounds before. There’s a video of little tiny thin Jenny basing someone easily 250 if not more. No matter your weight you can still fly!!
“I haven’t done yoga before or not for very long”
Yoga is not a prerequisite for acro yoga. Yes it helps; yoga helps develop body awareness, calm the breath, and deepen connection. But these things can develop with acro yoga as well. All it really takes to do this is an open mind and a willingness to try.
I find it fascinating how good people (me included!) can be at telling and convincing themselves what they can’t do. I find it a beautiful discovery to move past these silly thoughts and find out that they can. I find it an amazing step in our collective human spirit to stop limiting ourselves with false beliefs and open to infinite possibility!!