Acroyoga basic nomenclature

These are some basic terms used in acroyoga to describe postures and the flow in transitions.


In this position the body is in one line from head to toe. This is the most important position in acrobatics due to its intrinsic strength. Once this position is mastered all other positions are a variation of this seed.


This is a back bend. It refers to the shape of the spine, then how that relates to the rest of the body. Arch is a common shape in many yoga asanas and also the shape of the spine for many Thai stances.


This is a shape of the spine from the hips to the head, it is most acute in the thoracic spine, ribs moving towards the spine, tailbone tucked forward. The body makes a hollow shape like inside a spoon . This is the position that takes the most training to embody. Arching is very natural , one can think of hollow as the medicine for overarching in the attempt to find straight.


This is a verb and a noun , the point of reference is the hips specifically the hinge is at the hips. To pike is to move the legs closer to the upper body. The full position is legs together and a bend at the hips.


This is the shape of standing with the legs apart a bit wider than hips, knees and toes are facing forward, this is the shape of an acrobatic handstand great for hand to hands.


This is the shape of a seated straddle with legs wide apart, knees and toes facing the sky. This is the shape of folded leaf and many other flying postures, where the legs are at go degrees to the chest.


This is a verb and a noun, the verb is to move the legs from straight to bent, the full position is knees close or touching the chest, feet close to the butt.


One leg straight one leg bent, foot of the bent leg touches the knee of the straight leg.