Combining the skill of acrobatics and the poses of yoga results in acroyoga, a practice taught by Yogabatics since November 2012.
Grant Shipman practiced both disciplines for years before strong demand from locals convinced him to open a space dedicated to acroyoga, he said.
Yoga and acroyoga are different, Shipman said, because one is more interactive and fun.
“The biggest difference is yoga is a solo activity, although you might do it with others in the same room, it’s really about connecting with yourself,” Shipman said. “Where acroyoga is a two- or three-plus person activity, so you continue to accomplish and grow within yourself because you’re relating to others and you’re helping them.”
Grant Shipman introduced acroyoga to South Austin in late 2012 when he opened his first studio, Yogabatics.[/caption]
Most everyone wants to try acroyoga once they see partners lifting and spinning each other through the air, Shipman said. However, many people think they need to be of a certain fitness level or are worried about burdening a partner. Shipman said those concerns become a non-issue during class.
“It’s not about pulling off this pose or this skill, it’s about connecting with your partner,” Shipman said. “So, if you’re awful at first but you’re someone who enjoys having fun, then you’re going to be the person who people most want to do acroyoga with.”
Shipman and his instructors are constantly training to learn new techniques and better their practice, he said. The Yogabatics team teaches students how to be safe during class—because falls will happen, but falling does not have to result in an injury, he said.
“If [our] rules are followed, then falls are just an attempt that didn’t quite happen,” Shipman said. “In acroyoga, because the majority of it is partner work that’s slow and controlled, the injuries are a lot more infrequent.”
Shipman said acroyoga can offer something for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
“People who like yoga like acroyoga. People who don’t like yoga still like acroyoga,” Shipman said.
Half bow, second-steps pose
Yogabatics owner Grant Shipman said one of the most enjoyable parts of his job is showing larger or heavier people they can be lifted in the air through acroyoga, even by a person smaller than themselves.[/caption]
Yogabatics owner Grant Shipman said one of the most enjoyable parts of his job is showing larger or heavier people they can be lifted in the air through acroyoga, even by a person smaller than themselves. The person is the air is commonly referred to as the “flyer” in Yogabatics classes. Courtney Cantu lifted Shipman and he settled into a Half Bow pose. The pose is a second-steps pose, which is a level practiced beginners are able to achieve.
Star, fourth-steps pose
Courtney Cantu holds the Star pose as Shipman holds her in the air.[/caption]
Cantu holds the Star pose as Shipman holds her in the air. This pose is a fourth-steps pose, which is most suitable for an intermediate practicer of acroyoga. Although the pose is still safe with the proper spotting and guidelines, the pose is more difficult because the flyer is upside down, Shipman said.
Croc, or mayurasana, eighth-steps pose
The Croc pose, also known as mayurasana, is an eighth-steps pose.[/caption]
The Croc pose, also known as mayurasana, is an eighth-steps pose. Shipman said this is a really difficult pose, but should be a basic pose for those with at least two years of experience in acroyoga. Difficulty is added by Cantu—who serves as the flyer—holding the pose using one arm and balancing on only one of Shipman’s legs.
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Yogabatics owner Grant Shipman said one of the most enjoyable parts of his job is showing larger or heavier people they can be lifted in the air through acroyoga, even by a person smaller than themselves.[/caption]
Yogabatics owner Grant Shipman said one of the most enjoyable parts of his job is showing larger or heavier people they can be lifted in the air through acroyoga, even by a person smaller than themselves. The person is the air is commonly referred to as the “flyer” in Yogabatics classes. Courtney Cantu lifted Shipman and he settled into a Half Bow pose. The pose is a second-steps pose, which is a level practiced beginners are able to achieve.
Courtney Cantu holds the Star pose as Shipman holds her in the air.[/caption]
Cantu holds the Star pose as Shipman holds her in the air. This pose is a fourth-steps pose, which is most suitable for an intermediate practicer of acroyoga. Although the pose is still safe with the proper spotting and guidelines, the pose is more difficult because the flyer is upside down, Shipman said.
The Croc pose, also known as mayurasana, is an eighth-steps pose.[/caption]
The Croc pose, also known as mayurasana, is an eighth-steps pose. Shipman said this is a really difficult pose, but should be a basic pose for those with at least two years of experience in acroyoga. Difficulty is added by Cantu—who serves as the flyer—holding the pose using one arm and balancing on only one of Shipman’s legs.
