Move, Connect, Play: The Art and Science of AcroYoga

by Jason Nemer

Move, Connect, Play is a book detailing the core principles of AcroYoga, a practice that melds the spectacle of circus arts with the healing power of massage and the breathwork of yoga.

Get ready to learn how to fly.

AcroYoga is a movement practice that combines the balance and connection of yoga with the fitness and intensity of acrobatics, as well as the holistic healing power of physical therapy. People come to it for all kinds of reasons--they may have chronic pain and are looking for a long-term solution to manage it, they may want to lose weight, gain muscle or increase their mobility, or maybe they just want to experience it with their friends or partners to deepen their relationships. Some even just want to have some fun together.

In Move, Connect, Play, founder of AcroYoga International Jason Nemer shares the core principles of AcroYoga for athletic performance and for life, as well as 10 key areas of training (strength, flexibility, technique, balance, breath, gravity, relationships, mental, emotional, and sustainability). He also offers specific exercises and routines for how to train safely and effectively in each area.

This is a book that millions of AcroYogis around the world have long been waiting for, and one that is an essential read for high-performance athletes, weekend health warriors, and spiritual seekers alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

336 pages, Paperback

Published April 19, 2022

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly loved this book. It is well laid out, thorough in explaining how to do things(including pictures for what it should look like) and easy to use. My husband and I had a great time trying different combinations. Want to reconnect with your spouse/bf/gf/ friends? Get this book and start playing.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a highly technical book explaining the origins of AcroYoga. This combines the movements used in acrobatics, therapeutics, and, of course, yoga. It is community based, the smallest number of those involved is three. The two performing the techniques like "flying a person." This goes back to when you were a child and a parent would fly (holding onto hands), or for me, it was my stomach, and you "fly" over the individual. With adults, there is a spotter to assist in this process for safety reasons.

Because I was hoping AcroYoga was something you could do with a partner as an exercise, my interest dropped off. I thought it was a form of exercise that would benefit us both emotionally and physically. But due to the level of technical difficulty of the different poses, a spotter is imperative to prevent injuries. Anyone, even paraplegics, have been "flown" by the author (co-founder of AcroYoga) and found it both physically therapeutic and emotionally satisfying. The intensity of the movements releases endorphins and can loosen up your spine, which is therapeutic.

I had a difficult time reading this book because it read like a textbook, explaining the origins, the growth of this movement, etc. Personally, my "community" is small. Knowing my husband and I couldn't do these exercises without the assistance of a spotter was disappointing.

However, if your social circle is bigger, and all are invested in AcroYoga there are many benefits of investing time and energy into this endeavor. The emotional dialogue and sense of community among the three individuals alone is therapeutic.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from St. Martin's Press - St. Martin's Essentials in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I learned a lot from this book not only for the physical aspect of acro yoga but, for the mental aspect of acro yoga. I loved the photos taken and for us visual learners, this would be a dream to learn. My husband and I are looking for more exercises to do together and from the positions demonstrated by Jason and how to correctly perform the techniques, it will take some time but, it's still definitely something I would like to learn. I know there are a handful of people who study or potentially study yoga, meditation, health and wellness and they will most definitely appreciate what this book has to offer.

We will consider adding this title to our R Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive book about partner or acroyoga. While I barely practice individual yoga, I’m very familiar with it, and I wanted to see what this yoga style was all about, and see if there were any poses I could adapt for improving my balance.

The book is terrific. It starts with a strong introduction to the various types of yoga and then provides a solid introduction to acroyoga. One thing that stands out is that “flying yoga” is FUN. I found myself wishing I were younger, stronger, and had a partner with whom I could explore these interesting and new postures. The poses are described step by step in easy to follow detail and are accompanied by excellent photos.

This book is a must have for anyone exploring this style of yoga, and even this non-practitioner can recommend it without hesitation.

I received this book as an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley.

[Leanetta Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting and well put together book. I liked how we we’re introduced to the various yoga/stretch positions. They really help to lengthen and strengthen your body for the next phase. If you’re serious you can with some practice learn handstands and other intricate poses. There’s lots of guidance in this book that will lead you to wherever you want to be or take your yoga practice. The prompts are easy to follow and there are a lot of pictures for guidance. I feel like if your goal is acrobatic yoga then this is definitely the book for you.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really intriguing! It introduces AcroYoga with many pictures and detailed instructions on technique and form. I liked that they showed both correct and incorrect form to help the reader recognize proper technique. There are many step by step pictures throughout!

[Terrie Case · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot about movement when reading this book. I am in my 60s so some of the fun things were not available to me. Not that Jason Nemer couldn't have flown me but I don't have access to someone who is able to be the base. I did enjoy the flexibility exercises and the meditation. The only negative I can see is the first couple of pages in which I learn about the author's political views and his social activism. While I may admire his undertakings, I don't feel making insults and broad political statements are appropriate here. If I wanted to read about politics, I would have bought a political novel.


I received an ARC of this book from St. Martin's Essentials and Jason Nemer through Goodreads. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was interested in the book for flexibility exercises. I have done basic yoga in classes at the gym and am not personally interested in partner yoga. However, for those who are interested in this discipline, this is a very thorough book. The author invests maybe half of the text in philosophy, which is part of yoga as a practice. Some of this is interesting. However, I was not expecting so much of it. The illustrations are useful. Quotes from multiple sources are enjoyable and inspiring. The general training principles are applicable to other sports and disciples.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move, Connect, Play: The Art and Science of AcroYoga by Jason Nemer. Found this book very helpful and insightful.. I have learned allot just has I had hoped I would. Will be looking for more from this author.

[Chantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a neat and informative book. The writing was easy to read, and the pictures where a great addition. There is many couple exercises(or with a friend), but there are also exercises to do on your own. A great book for those that are interested in AcroYoga, acrobatics and yoga.

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good read.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not what I was looking for or wanting. So I have to pass on it. I found it not to my liking more technical and not inspirational as I thought it would be.

[Karol Gaida · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more about mindfullness and history of AcroYoga, but you can find some tips about AcroYoga training by the end.