Practice still unknown in France, we tried acro yoga with the Parisian Amazons. A discipline that is practiced by several people and that combines Yoga postures and acrobatics. In a way, a mixture of strength, softness, balance and team spirit.
Acro Yoga in a few words
- Flyer : it is the person who is carried, balance and grace are the essential qualities of a good flyer
- Base : as its name suggests, it is the solid base that carries the flyer. Strength and tonicity are required
- The spotter : the precious help of the first flights, a reassuring presence in charge of catching up with the flyer for a smooth landing even in case of turbulence!
- Cohesion: an essential element. For the magic to happen: a relationship of trust must be established between the base and the flyer. Acro Yoga is a moment of sharing, a work in harmony.
An idyllic setting
Go to an exceptional loft in the heart of Paris. Even before starting the course, you already feel more relaxed in this space: plants, a soothing decoration coupled with beautiful ceiling height that reveals the sky. Tradition of the Parisian Amazons, we are welcomed with delicious smoothies. 
The delicious Sol Semilla smoothies
Start of the practice: warm-up, physical preparation and confidence building
The practice begins with Yoga postures: to warm up, soften and strengthen. Whether you are flyer or basic, sheathing is essential! The postures are not easy but necessary. Important work is done on breathing. The first exercises already invite contact: little by little,the links are forged within the group, it is also the moment of the first laughter! 
Defying the laws of gravity
It's time to take flight! Demonstration of the sequence by our chief amazons Ola Jas and Caroline Nagel. First adrenaline rush, the positions seem graceful but: very unstable for the flyer, and intense for the base -who carries the flyer with the only strength of his legs-. At this moment, as a neophyte we say that it is almost unachievable! And yet, after some apprehensions and somewhat shaky positions; We manage to perform the first tricks quite quickly, and it's even very pleasant! A real connection links the base, the flyer and the spotter. On the flyer side, we let go completely, some positions totally free the spine and it's a real pleasure. On the base side: we realize that we are stronger than we think. For the 2 parts, we come out extremely satisfied with the impression of having surpassed ourselves!
Return to calm and Thai massages
The session ends with massages. Particularity: they are performed in pairs in acrobatic postures. It is a moment of total letting go and absolute relaxation. At the end of a session, you feel like surrounded by a cocoon of sweetness and readyto face the Parisian jungle in all serenity. Another appreciable element: a real positive energy emerges from the group, the activity creates a connection within the group, the participants find it difficult to leave each other when they did not know each other a few hours before. 
Pressure inspired by Thai massage at the end of the session
The benefits of acro yoga
The benefits of acro yoga are felt on the body and mind. For the flyer flexibility, balance and tone are worked. For the base, it is a real muscle strengthening work. For all, an improvement in concentration, self-confidence – we perform postures that we did not think feasible at the beginning – and confidence in others. And of course, long-lasting relaxation. Thank you to the Parisian Amazons for this beautiful moment! Photo credit Antony Gomes
