Practicing yoga with a partner can deepen your practice, enhance your connection, and provide mutual support and encouragement.
Here are some couple yoga positions that are suitable for both beginners and more experienced practitioners:
1. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana) with Partner
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How to Perform:
- Sit facing each other with your legs extended.
- Press the soles of your feet against each other’s and hold hands or wrists.
- One partner leans forward while the other leans back, providing support.
- Alternate after a few breaths.
2. Double Downward Dog
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How to Perform:
- Partner 1 comes into Downward-Facing Dog.
- Partner 2 stands facing away from Partner 1’s hands and places their hands on the ground.
- Partner 2 steps their feet onto Partner 1’s lower back or hips, coming into their own Downward Dog.
- Communicate and adjust as needed for comfort and balance.
3. Partner Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
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How to Perform:
- Stand side by side and place your inside arms around each other’s waist or shoulders.
- Lift your outside foot and place it on your inner thigh or calf (avoid the knee).
- Bring your outside hands together at your heart or raise them above your heads.
- Balance and breathe together, then switch sides.
4. Back-to-Back Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
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How to Perform:
- Stand back to back with your partner, feet hip-width apart.
- Interlace your arms at the elbows.
- Slowly lower down into a squat, bending your knees and pressing your backs into each other for support.
- Hold the pose and breathe deeply, then slowly rise back up together.
5. Partner Boat Pose (Navasana)
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How to Perform:
- Sit facing each other with knees bent and toes touching.
- Hold each other’s wrists or hands.
- Lift your feet off the ground and press the soles of your feet together.
- Extend your legs to form a V-shape with your partner, balancing on your sit bones.
- Hold and breathe, then release and lower your feet.
6. Double Plank Pose
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How to Perform:
- Partner 1 comes into a high plank position.
- Partner 2 places their hands on Partner 1’s ankles or lower legs and steps their feet onto Partner 1’s shoulders or upper back, coming into their own high plank.
- Communicate and adjust for balance and comfort.
- Hold the pose and breathe, then carefully dismount.
Tips for Practicing Couple Yoga
- Communication: Communicate with your partner throughout the practice to ensure comfort and safety.
- Warm-Up: Start with individual warm-up exercises to prepare your muscles and joints.
- Support and Trust: Build trust and provide support for each other in every pose.
- Have Fun: Enjoy the practice and embrace the connection and playfulness that come with partner yoga.
Benefits of Couple Yoga
- Improves Communication: Enhances verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
- Builds Trust: Strengthens trust and mutual support.
- Increases Connection: Deepens the emotional and physical connection between partners.
- Enhances Flexibility and Strength: Provides a full-body workout and increases flexibility and strength through assisted stretches and poses.
- Encourages Mindfulness: Promotes mindfulness and presence, both individually and together.
Couple yoga is a wonderful way to connect with a partner, build trust, and enhance your yoga practice together. Always practice with care and mindfulness to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both partners.
