CREDIT: SERGIO_KUMER
Acro Yoga is a unique and interesting way to move your body and have fun at the same time. This kind of exercise is coming to Fanshawe on Oct. 22.

When I was a kid, my sister used to lie on the ground, legs extended up with me perched on top in some kind of pose. She would have me sit while she did leg presses, or lie on my belly, barely touching my hands to practise my best flying pose. My brother would take it a step further and he would grab one hand and one foot and then shoulder press me overhead and I would extend my other limbs to the sky. We kept practising and when we were old enough, we dug out these moves for some fun party tricks.

Tricks aside, I realized much later on that this is an actual form of training and has a name. I was first re-introduced to this a few years or more ago when I kept seeing more and more acts on America's Got Talent. They didn't really fit the mould as some of the other similar performers. There were the big acts that were similar to Cirque du Soleil and then some smaller acts that focused solely on hand balancing. Then came along more pairs and groups that really showed what their bodies were made of by getting into various poses that made you think if you trained hard enough, it seemed a bit more achievable.

I found myself really watching the way they built up to certain moves and how they had to have absolute trust in their partner and their own body awareness. While there was definitely performance value and artistry, sometimes I thought it belonged more on a sports channel as an athletic competition versus the biggest talent show in the world. What some of these people were capable of doing with their physical and mental strength was amazing, inspiring and yet I knew with the right training, it was possible for me and many others.

Earlier this year, I was introduced to Chloe Braun. We work at the YMCA in St. Thomas together, but had not crossed paths. She applied to become an instructor here and she has been bringing her cool vibes to our Yoga practice ever since. Chloe made a huge lifestyle change years ago from being a smoker and little to no physical activity to learning to love her body and later becoming a Yoga and fitness Instructor. She and I attended a training program for instructors together back in March of this year and it was then that she told me all about Acro Yoga.

Together with her partner Rob Johnston, Chloe runs Anahata Acro, a program that is delivered all around London and St. Thomas area and has been featured at various Yoga, fitness and performance festivals. In the past year, they have really built up a following with their inspiring videos and pictures on social media.

They have been very busy, bringing their workshops to studios, breweries and the beach, spreading the word on how Acro Yoga is a great training for your mind, body and soul.

I've watched them online and in person and it's mesmerizing how they connect and have so much trust, but also lots of silly fun. It really reminded me of the fun I had with my siblings.

I have not had the opportunity (or I just haven't pushed myself to actually go) to try Acro out with them yet, so we decided to bring the workshop to Fanshawe.

I'm so excited to have Chloe and Rob here and show the members at the Student Wellness Centre a new style of training that will improve not only the physical components of balance, stability, and strength, but also other aspects of their overall wellness such as communication, trust, friendship and joy.

The workshops are on Monday, October 22. Register for one or the other at 1p.m. or 6 p.m. via our Fanshawe Student Wellness Centre App or on studentwellnesscentre.ca. You do not need a partner. Chloe and Rob will help you work within your own comfort level, or if you just want to register to watch, that's okay too.

Chloe and Rob can be found on Instagram @anahata_acro, @acrorob and @chochini_yogini or Facebook: Anahata Acro. I'll also be posting some live pics from the event and you can follow me on Instagram @empowermentnutrition or Facebook at Empowerment Nutrition, Fitness & Lifestyle Coaching.