Alongside the original Catherine’s Wheel, we’ve already explored two different ways to change the sequence. In the Backward Catherine’s Wheel, the same sequence is performed in the opposite direction. In the reverse-facing variation, the direction remains the same as in the original, but the flyer’s orientation is reversed, starting from Back Bird instead of Bird.
So what happens when we combine the two?
The flyer starts in Back Bird, just as in the reverse-facing variation, but this time the washing machine travels in the opposite direction as well. Combining the reversed orientation with the backward pathway creates the Reverse Back Catherine’s Wheel.
First, Let’s Look at the Two Variations Separately
Catherine’s Wheel Backwards
The classic Catherine’s Wheel, reimagined in reverse. The same poses, the same transitions—just the opposite direction. It’s a great way to revisit a familiar AcroYoga …
Reverse Catherine’s Wheel
This Catherine’s Wheel variation follows the same direction of rotation as the original washing machine, but with one important difference: the flyer is facing the …
Now Let’s Put the Two Together!
This washing machine is performed as one continuous flow, with the individual poses appearing only briefly between transitions rather than being held as distinct positions. Some of them may therefore be difficult to recognize in the video.
Used Poses
Back bird
Back bird “doe-legged”, i.e. the flyer draws in one leg bent and the other leg extended Flyer lets go of his hands and feet and …
Low Foot-2-hand
Low foot-to-hand: The base’s elbow is on the ground, closely next to their body, with the forearm vertical. The flyer keeps their body straight and …
Reverse Bird
The flyer’s upper body turns towards the ground, her head is on the opposite side of the base’s head. If we do it without hands, …
Reverse Shoulderstand with Forearm hold
We rarely hold this pose by itself, it is usually used as a transition in sequences. The base can hold the hand in two ways, …
Used Transitions
From Back Bird to Low Foot2Hand
Flyer goes from a horizontal position to a vertical position, her body is straight all the way, theoretically. In practice, the bird has a backward …
From Low Foot-2-Hand to Reverse Bird
The flyer tilts from vertical to horizontal. Her body is straight throughout. The base places his toes under the flyer’s hip, near the upper part …
From Reverse Bird to Reverse Shoulderstand
This is a less common and somewhat challenging AcroYoga transition from Reverse Bird to Reverse Shoulder Stand. Along the way, the flyer briefly passes through …
From Reverse Shoulderstand to Back Bird
This transition is essentially a controlled tilting motion. The flyer keeps her body straight and engaged while the base guides her from the vertical Reverse …
Catherine's Wheel and Variations
The Bowcycle Washing Machine
This is another beautiful Catherine’s Wheel variation, following the same direction and overall pathway as the original. What makes it …
Foot-to-Foot Catherine’s Wheel
A highly advanced Catherine’s Wheel variation, replacing Reverse Back Bird and Foot-to-Hand with Foot-to-Foot. A true challenge for experienced AcroYoga …
Reverse Back Catherine’s Wheel
Alongside the original Catherine’s Wheel, we’ve already explored two different ways to change the sequence. In the Backward Catherine’s Wheel, …
Reverse Catherine’s Wheel
This Catherine’s Wheel variation follows the same direction of rotation as the original washing machine, but with one important difference: …
Catherine’s Wheel – Advanced & Extreme Variations
The classic Catherine’s Wheel is one of those AcroYoga washing machines that seems to invite endless creativity. Beyond the original …
Maha Cahterine’s Wheel
At first glance, this AcroYoga washing machine looks very similar to the classic Catherine’s Wheel. However, this variation follows a …
Needle Catherine’s Wheel
At first glance, Needle Catherine’s Wheel looks almost identical to the classic version. The sequence, transitions, and overall flow remain …
Catherine’s Wheel Backwards
The classic Catherine’s Wheel, reimagined in reverse. The same poses, the same transitions—just the opposite direction. It’s a great way …
Catherine’s Wheel
It requires flexibility on the part of the base, it is a technical but nice and well-known sequence. Washing machine, …
