Acro Yoga started in Manila in November 2013 with a few members for a class.  Today, the jam happens every Wednesdays 8pm and Sundays 5pm in Ayala Triangle.  Several enthusiasts gather for this fun yoga activity at the park.  The vibe is relax, fun and active at the same time.

You need 3 yogis to do one pose.  You need the base, flyer and a spotter.  The base, basically, is the yogi carrying the flyer.  While the spotter guides and spot the flyer to prevent from a bad fall.  Falling should not be taken as a failure but a funny learning curve.

There is no gender bias in acro yoga.  A woman can also be the base and carry a man.  It is not your strength but the technique on how to do it.  Also, not just women join this activity but also men.

The great part about this jam is that you do not have to be an expert to join this activity.  Beginners can do something great!  Bird pose is one of the basic poses that a beginner can do.

How to do the basic Bird Pose?

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Step 1:

Smile!

Step 2:

You help your partner/base to lye down on the map as this forms trust between the two, especially the first time.

Step 3:

The flyer leans on the base’s feet while the base does leg presses using the flyer as weights.  The base works on its quad and the flyer uses core for balance.

Step 4:

The flyer let goes of his/her feet off the ground and trust the base to carry him/her.  The base lifts up the flyer.

Step 5:

The base supports the flyers hands for balance.  The spotter starts to watch and guide for proper form.

Step 6:

Flyer finds balance and let goes of his/her one hand.  Base continues to be strong and supports the flyer.  Spotter in total watch mode.

Final 7:

Flyer both hands are on air.  Base is strong.  Spotter checks posture.  Bird pose check!

For more info you can contact the Facebook Acro Yoga Manila group.  Namaste!