(besides lots of fun and laughter)
Seek out our “Acro Jambassadors” as they help facilitate the event by introducing everyone and maintain a certain level of Acro Yoga. Before you start climbing and playing, here are some important things you must know about our Acro Yoga Jams. Just like any exercise program, you want to make sure to keep yourself and others safe from injury and pain. Do not attempt any poses if you are uncomfortable or not sure. Always consult your physician if it is OK to do so.
Acro Yoga is a participation exercise where you will be working hands-on and mostly FEET-ON – and in close proximity with others. You are going to meet different people at different skill levels working on different levels of poses, flows, and movements. There will always be beginner-level people and also some more advanced people.
The FLYER is the person who is on top of the feet, hands, or shoulders doing the strength and balance movements.
The BASE is the person who is responsible for keeping the Flyer supported laying down on their back in a “L-Base” or standing up in a “Lift”.
The SPOTTER is the person that helps guide or catch the Flyer if they lose balance or to help guide them into more advanced positions.
It is the 100% responsibility of ALL THREE to make sure everyone is safe.
Always ask for consent whether you are the Base, Flyer, or Spotter. This includes touch, conversation, proximity, and participation.
We encourage people to give a “HELL-YEAH” response if someone wants to play, spot, hold, fly, or base. If you get a “mehhhhh” response, then that equals a “HELL-NO”. This prevents injury by forcing someone to do something they are not physically or mentally ready to attempt. If someone says “no”, please respect the answer and move on as they may be tired, working on something, or have specific goals in mind for the Jam. Do not keep asking.
Accurate Self-Assessment is imperative. Only you know your own limitations. Do not risk injury to yourself or others just because you want to try the coolest pose you found on your feed. Do not expect to be able to perform all the Poses on your first day. Egos heal faster than broken bones.
If you are not sure what you are about to do, SAY SO. Just ask for more clarification, because your safety and the safety of others is always priority. Always seek qualified instruction and use a spotter.
Some people are there to play, try all sorts of poses with everyone, and meet new friends. Some are there to train hard, sweat, and practice. Please be aware of their intentions and respect them at the Jam. This will help prevent any “hurt feelings”.
Some people are there to have fun and practice their skills with several others with different skill levels. Let our Acro Ambassadors know your level and expectations at the Jam. They will direct you to the correct people. Do not be afraid to ask to learn a pose from someone, learn how to spot, or just learn terminology.
Some people may be there to work hard on getting certain movements or flows towards perfection. They may work with, and ONLY with, their own partner(s) to finesse their moves towards a final goal. Be understanding and don’t take it personally if they are there to train hard and are focused on their practice and can’t find a way to include others.
We encourage you to always learn something whether you are a Base, or a Flyer. If you are not actively the Base or a Flyer, then ask to learn how to become a better Spotter and keep everyone safe. Or watch. Or work on handstands…always work on handstands.
Acro Yoga is a safe place to play and enjoy life. If you ever feel uncomfortable in someone’s actions, touch, words, or comments, please remove yourself from the situation and inform the Acro Ambassador immediately. We do not tolerate any sexist, racist, or any -ist type of comments, physical touch – even as a joke. We are here to have fun and learn some acro.
For Acro Events & Workshops all over the country & worldwide, check out Acropedia.org
Still Have Questions? Please contact us at ” acrocatvb at acroyoga757 . com “
ACRO YOGA 757 community is the integration of Yoga, Acro Yoga, Acrobatic Yoga, Acropeutics, Healing Arts, Dance, and Circus Arts. We practice in the Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and surrounding Hampton Roads area of Virginia in the area code of 757 (hence the name).