When I first dove (or rather, got lifted!) into the world of acroyoga, I was thrilled… and totally lost in translation. What was a "washing machine," and why was everyone talking about being a "star" or a "monkey"? I quickly realized that learning acroyoga came with its own quirky vocabulary, each term capturing the spirit of the practice—playful, supportive, and a bit mind-bending.
So, if you've ever found yourself scratching your head mid-flow or wondering what all the buzzwords mean, here’s your handy guide to the acroyoga lingo!
Whether you’re new to acroyoga or just brushing up, these 30 terms will help you sound like a total acro pro (and maybe even make a few laughs along the way).
1. Base – The person on the ground supporting the flyer. They’re the solid rock of the duo, making the magic happen while keeping things steady and grounded.
2. Flyer – The person lifted into the air by the base. Flyers get to feel like they’re defying gravity, but it’s not all fun and games—balance and trust are key.
3. Spotter – A person who ensures safety during poses or transitions. Think of them as the fairy godparent of the acro world, ensuring you land safely.
4. L-Basing – Acro where the base lies on their back with legs up to support the flyer. This is the go-to setup for beginners and advanced alike.
5. Standing Acro – Poses performed with the base standing. It’s a bit more challenging but makes for some epic, statuesque moments.
6. Flow – A sequence of poses that transition smoothly. Flowing is basically acro choreography; it's where things start to look fancy.
7. Pop – A move where the base "pops" the flyer into the air for a catch. It’s an exciting way to spice things up!
8. Washing Machine – A sequence of moves that loops back to the start, so you can keep going like a washing machine on spin cycle.
9. Calf Press – A technique where the flyer presses into the base's calves for balance. Great for helping the flyer find their stability.
10. Bird – A classic where the flyer is face-down on the base’s feet. It’s basically the acroyoga version of Superman!
11. Foot-to-Hand – A position where the base holds the flyer’s feet. It sounds simple, but balancing makes it super satisfying.
12. Hand-to-Hand – A challenging move where the flyer balances on the base’s hands. It’s as epic (and as hard) as it sounds.
13. Back Fly – The flyer lies face-up, balancing on the base's feet. It’s a relaxing, almost meditative position… until you transition to something else.
14. Reverse Bird – Like Bird, but the flyer is facing upward. It adds a whole new perspective (literally)!
15. Whale – A backbend pose where the flyer is supported on the base’s feet. It’s just as graceful as it sounds.
16. Star – The flyer balances in a T-shape on the base’s feet and hands, feeling (and looking) like a total superstar.
17. Side Star – A variation where the flyer leans to the side. Adds a nice twist to the standard Star.
18. Foot Lock – A technique for securing the flyer’s foot on the base’s foot, keeping everything snug and safe.
19. Bone Stacking – Aligning joints for better stability. A little technical but super important for balance.
20. Monkey – A beginner-friendly move where the flyer stands on the base’s hands. It’s usually the first “flying” experience for newbies.
21. Chair – The flyer is seated on the base’s feet like they’re sitting in an invisible chair. Great for getting cozy.
22. Throne – A seated position on the base’s feet, but the flyer sits more upright. It’s like the royal version of the Chair.
23. Washing Machine Sequence – A loop of acro moves that flow back into each other. Great for endurance and flowy goodness!
24. High Flying Whale – A version of Whale with the flyer lifted higher for extra pizzazz in the backbend. Looks great for photos!
25. Free Star – An advanced Star without the flyer’s hands touching the base. It’s all about balance and trust.
26. Back Plank – The flyer lies in plank position on the base’s hands. It’s a classic for building strength.
27. Tuck Sit – The flyer sits in a tucked position on the base’s feet, giving them a compact feel in the air.
28. Ninja Star – A Side Star with some dynamic spins. It’s as cool as it sounds!
29. Counterbalance – Balancing each other’s weight, making everything feel magically lighter.
30. Front Plank – The flyer is face-down, supported by the base’s feet, and it’s a great strength-builder for both.
There you have it—your very own acroyoga dictionary!
Now you’ll know exactly what’s happening when your partner suggests a “Ninja Star” or when someone mentions a “High Flying Whale” in the middle of class. Not only will these terms help you navigate the practice, but they also highlight the playful, sometimes whimsical, spirit of acroyoga.
So go out there, talk the talk, and let these terms guide you into deeper trust, flow, and a whole lot of upside-down fun!
And remember, it’s all about lifting each other up—literally and figuratively.
