This is part of our Yoga Style Guide series, exploring diverse practices and the teachers who bring them to life. Whether you're deepening your current practice or discovering something new, these guides are here to inform and inspire. This edition features Acroyoga teacher Ashley Accad.
Acroyoga is a dynamic practice where trust, communication, and movement come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Born from the fusion of yoga, acrobatics, and Thai massage, Acroyoga invites practitioners to explore balance and connection with a partner. It’s a practice of playful collaboration, where two bodies become one cohesive system, moving through space with shared intention and mutual support.
To understand how this practice lives in modern movement culture, we spoke with Ashley Accad, an Acroyoga teacher and movement educator based in San Diego. With a background in cheerleading, yoga, and a deep curiosity for varied movement, Ashley brings an accessible, empowering approach to the practice.
The Art of Moving Together
Acroyoga is often described as the perfect blend of trust, play, and flow. Unlike traditional yoga, which is primarily an individual practice, Acroyoga requires connection with a partner to create movement and balance as one. What makes it special is the communication it demands, not just with someone else, but with yourself.
“Every pose is a conversation in body language, constant calibration, and shared awareness,” Ashley explains. “When two people find that balance, when the base and flyer are fully tuned in to each other, it creates this beautiful flow state. You drop into this shared state of focus and freedom where everything feels light, effortless, playful, and fun.”
In Acroyoga, practitioners take on different roles: the base supports from the ground, and the flyer moves through poses in the air. These roles rotate, but the heart of the practice stays the same: creating something together that wouldn't be possible alone.
For many practitioners, Acroyoga becomes a gateway to deeper self-awareness and interpersonal connection. The practice offers physical benefits like improved strength, balance, and flexibility, but its true power lies in what it teaches about communication, vulnerability, and trust.
The Practice: What to Expect
A typical Acroyoga session begins with partner warm-ups designed to build physical and mental connection. These exercises, like leaning on each other and supporting one another’s weight, help establish trust and body awareness in a playful, low-stakes way.
From there, practitioners move into foundational poses, learning proper alignment and communication cues. Simple verbal signals like “no” and “down” become essential tools for maintaining safety and honoring each partner’s boundaries. Many sessions conclude with partner therapeutics, gentle stretches and support that allow partners to give back to each other, reinforcing the trust and connection built during practice.
Building Trust
Trust is the foundation of Acroyoga, and Ashley approaches it in layers: before, during, and after practice.
“Before we start, I like to establish simple communication cues, making sure everyone feels safe and heard. Honoring each other's words is the first step in building trust,” she says. “Once we’re on the mat, partner warm-ups help us connect physically and mentally. After an Acroyoga practice, I love incorporating partner therapeutics. It’s a simple yet powerful way to end the session with gratitude, reinforcing the trust and connection we built together.”
Acroyoga asks practitioners to work within their own limitations and stay present. It requires honest communication, patience, and the willingness to navigate differences—skills that translate far beyond the mat.
“Every stumble or miscommunication becomes an opportunity to connect, recalibrate, and deepen trust, on and off the mat,” Ashley notes.
Breaking Down the Myths
One of the biggest misconceptions about Acroyoga is that you need a male base to practice safely. This belief holds many people back, especially women, from trying the practice.
“The truth is, Acroyoga is about trust, communication, and body awareness, not gender,” Ashley emphasizes. “Anyone can be a base or a flyer, and learning to move together is what makes it fun, empowering, and accessible for everyone.”
Where to Begin
For those curious about trying Acroyoga for the first time, Ashley’s advice is simple: be playful.
“Think of it like being a kid on the playground, exploring, experimenting, and having fun without worrying about getting it ‘perfect.’ Approach it with curiosity, laugh at the falls, celebrate the small wins, and let yourself enjoy the process,” she says. “The more you embrace play, the more you’ll connect with your partner and your body, and that’s where the magic of Acroyoga really happens.”
Finding a supportive community or experienced teacher can make all the difference, especially for beginners. Look for intro classes, workshops, or meet-ups designed for newcomers. These spaces often emphasize safety, clear communication, and a welcoming environment where questions are encouraged.
Meet the Teacher
Ashley Accad is a movement educator and Acroyoga teacher based in San Diego, California. Her teaching style blends Acroyoga, partner acrobatics, yoga, and therapeutic movement practices with a focus on creating happiness, building community, and helping others reconnect with their bodies in pain-free, intuitive ways.
Ashley leads beginner-friendly Acroyoga meet-ups in San Diego and offers retreats that combine Acroyoga with surfing, aerial yoga, and other movement practices. Her approach centers on building community, celebrating connection, and creating space for women to explore strength and playfulness in supportive environments.
You can learn more at ashleyacroyoga.com or follow Ashley on Instagram at @ashleyacroyoga.
Photography: Brianah Narag (@brianahmae_photography) and Haley Gates (@wildercollective)
