Sarah Freeman

If you’re a fitness buff, you’ve probably been to a yoga class or two. You might even know the names of a few asanas - but have you ever tried acroyoga? Hannah Jones and Scott Forbush, two of the founding members of Arkansas Acro, told us a little bit about acroyoga and its benefits.

“Acroyoga is a form of partner acrobatics that has its base in yoga. It’s considerably more acrobatic than most yoga practices,” Jones says. “Acroyoga is always done in partnerships or [with] more than one person.”

Since acroyoga requires more than one person, there is a lot more contact and weight involved in the practice of acro than the practice of regular yoga.

“The stretching and muscle building you gain from acro are similar to those in yoga,” Jones says.

Forbush says the benefits of acroyoga go beyond the workout.

“One of the main health benefits of acroyoga is that it brings you a smile,” he says.

He went on to explain how practicing acroyoga can stimulate the production of serotonin. As well as exercise, Forbush says acro gives you community and people you can trust.

“So many people look at acro and think ‘There’s no way I could do that,’” she says. “But most people [who] come have no prior experience.”

Jones and Forbush did caution that pregnant women and injured people should take care when deciding whether or not to begin practicing acro, as they should when considering any new exercise regimen. Also, people who are uncomfortable with touch might consider solitary yoga, as acro requires you to be in constant contact with others.

Forbush says the best way to experience acroyoga is in person.

“I guarantee if you come to a class, you will smile and laugh at least once,” he says.

Arkansas Acro holds classes every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Sonshine Academy in Conway. The first class is free. For more information about Arkansas Acro and acroyoga, check out their website.