FourStep is one of the most well-known acroyoga washing machines, with many variations. This version is the “original” sequence.
Being able to complete this flow marks a level-up between beginner and intermediate levels. If you can do it, you’re no longer a beginner!
Four steps: Starting from Star, the flyer moves through four steps:
- Ankle
- Knee pit
- Sacrum
- Shoulder
This final step brings the flyer back to Star.
acro adventure
A text explanation accompanies the video to aid understanding, and the transitions are slowed down to make the movements easier to see.
4 step tutorial video with Feel the flow
In this version the movement begins from the ground. While the first step still lands on the shin, it does so from the floor rather than from Star. Another difference is the timing of the hand regrip—instead of switching after the third step, it happens later, after the fourth step. Additionally, the flyer keeps their body straight throughout the movement, rather than arching back as seen in other videos. This means the base doesn’t need to lower their foot as much to reach the flyer’s shoulders.
Training video with Daniel Scott
If we complete one round of this sequence, the base steps in with the other leg as well, placing it on the flyer’s shoulder, and they finish in Star pose. If multiple rounds are performed, the base does not step in or stop the flow but instead brings the free leg forward for the first step, continuing the sequence without interruption.
Partner Acrobatics
Here the base steps in with the other leg, placing it on the flyer’s shoulder, and they finish in Star pose
acroyoga moves
Used Poses
Star with hand holds
Shoulderstand on feet, but we just call it “star” for short, so it’s shorter and more compact. This is the basic position, it can have …
Reverse one-legged Shin2Foot
This pose is typically a transitional one; it is not usually held on its own but rather passed through between two poses. It can be …
Cake with Candle
The full name of the yoga pose is: One-Legged Reverse Table. However, the name “Cake with Candle” sounds much more elegant, so we prefer to …
Back bird with upper hand grip
Several transitions require an upper hand grip, which is why it was necessary to include the back bird with an upper hand grip as a …
Used Transitions
From Star to Reverse One-legged Shin-2-Foot
Three things are happening here at once. 1. Flyer approaches the ground with one leg bent. 2. Base takes one leg out from under the …
From Reverse One-legged Shin-2-foot to Cake with Candle
This transition happens between two rarely used poses. However, the flow that includes this transition is one of the most well-known and beloved washing machines, …
From Cake with Candle to Back Bird
The flyer lifts their hips as the base steps into the flyer’s sacrum and removes their foot from the flyer’s knee pit. The flyer arches …
From Back bird to Star
This is a popular and common transition found in many flows and sequences. One of the most well-known washing machines that includes this transition is …
Try it in reverse way
Four Step in Reverse direction
Four Step : Same poses, same steps, just in reverse. An interesting challenge! The flyer moves forward instead of backward. …
Referenced videos
Acro Overload Pre-Requisites (AcroYoga Skills feat. Lauren Matters & Daniel Scott Yoga)
Daniel Scott, in this video, presents a selection of foundational poses and movements.As always, he demonstrates them clearly, highlighting the …
