Yoga means ‘unification’ and what better way to practice the art than, by embracing each other through breath, play and movement with easy yoga poses for two people. Partner yoga builds intimacy and stronger connection in any type of relationship – family relationship, friendship, or romantic relationships.
The yoga postures when practiced between two souls result in strengthened communication, increased trust and a sense of light-heartedness.
If you wish to improve your yoga practice as well as strengthen your bond with someone, then partner yoga or couple yoga is certainly your best bet.
Here’s a look at some of the benefits derived from practicing couple yoga or yoga with another person:
• The minutes of playfulness spent together results in the creation of memories that lasts forever.
• Partner yoga allows you to let go of the past and enjoy the moment in the present. It leads to the discovery of a new sense of fun that further strengthens the relationship.
• Practicing yoga with a partner depends a lot on trust. Thus, daily practice leads to a greater sense of trust between each other.
• Couple yoga creates a different body sensation where you explore your own body from a different point of view.
Now, that you are aware of the benefits of yoga positions for two people, here’s a look at the seven poses you can practice with your partner.
1. Seated Forward and Backbends (Paschimottanasana)
• Sit in a cross-legged position with your backs resting against each other.
• Inhale, raise your arms and while exhaling, fold forward slowly.
• Tell your partner to lie down on your back, letting the arms drop on the side.
• This way the chest opens up.
• Stay in the position for a minute and swap.
2. Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana)
• You and your partner should be in mountain pose with your backs against each other.
• Ensure that a gap of a few inches is there between you two.
• Both of you inhale at the same time and raise your arms upward.
• While exhaling, bend from the hips such that your chests rest on the thighs.
• Try and grab the elbow of your partner and your partner should also do the same.
• Stay in the position for a minute or so and release by bending at the hips.
3. L-Shaped Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana)
• The yoga positions for two in this pose resemble the shape of ‘L’.
• Sit in Dandasana or Staff Pose (one of you).
• Now, hold the legs of your partner while he/she engages in headstand.
• It is important to make sure that your cores are engaged and the shoulders are away from the ears.
• While coming out of the pose, lower the legs slowly and rest in Balasana (Child’s Pose) for a few seconds.
4. Boat Pose (Paripurna Navasana)
• Sit on your knees by facing each other. Your toe should touch your partner’s toe.
• Reach out for your partner’s wrist.
• Hold each other and try and draw your knees towards your chest.
• Keep the chest open and the spine straight and slowly start to straighten your legs.
• Hold the position for a few breaths and come out of it slowly.
5. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
• You and your partner should be in downward facing dog position in front of the other.
• Now, the one in front needs to move back till he/she is able to place his/her feet on the back of the other person’s hip and maintain a stable position.
• Stay in the position for a minute and release.
• While coming out, the one at the back should wait till the person in the front gently steps off his/her back.
• Perform Balasana for a few breaths after the pose.
6. Seated Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
• Both you and your partner should sit in a cross-legged position with your backs against each other.
• Inhale, take your arms upward and while twisting to the right, exhale.
• While you are twisting, bring your right-hand to the left knee of your partner and the left hand to your right knee.
• Let your partner mirror you.
• Stay in the position for a few breaths and repeat the same by twisting on the other side as well.
7. Hollowback
• While facing away from each other, one of you has to come up into the headstand pose gently.
• Now, both of you need to create a hollow back shape with the help of your backs.
• The one who is standing should grab the leg of the one in headstand pose.
• Communication is one of the key factors of this pose.
Spread the goodness of yoga with these easy yoga poses for two people and live life in harmony and love. Namaste!!!
