Yoga Poses with a Partner
We’ve been spending the better half of the past year indoors, and now that the weather is getting warmer and the sun is out longer, we’re all looking for new things to do together. Whether you want to get together with a friend or you are looking for something new to do with your significant other, one option is Yoga!
Yoga has been practiced by duos for years as a way to better connect with your partner on a more spiritual level. Yoga is a very calming and relaxing practice for many, so why not spread the love with a loved one! We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common yoga poses you can try with a partner.
Partner Forward Pull
Starting with something simple, the partner forward pull consists of you and your partner sitting on the ground facing each other with your legs getting as close to a split as you can with your bottom still on the ground. Some like to place the soles of their feet against their partner’s, but if that’s not comfortable, it’s not mandatory.
Next, one person will bend forward slightly with their arms outstretched to their partner, trying to hunch their back as little as possible. Their partner will hold onto their hands or wrists, and with a straight back, lean backward, bringing your partner with them. This pose is designed to stretch out the limbs, primarily the hamstrings, so you don’t want to push it too far if you’re not extremely flexible.
Chair Pose
A little more difficult, but you may remember this pose from elementary school that you tried during recess. Sitting on the floor with your backs to one another, link arms, with neither of you pulling too much or letting your arms fall. With your feet planted firmly on the ground, take a deep breath, and on the count of three, you and your partner should press on each other’s backs, lifting each other, and making sure not to lean too forward or backward - finding the perfect balance.
When you’ve lifted yourselves enough to where your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle, hold this pose for thirty seconds before taking a step back until you’re standing up straight, and only then should you release your locked arms.
Buddy Boat
This funny-sounding pose starts with you and your partner sitting and facing one another, keeping some distance between you two. Hold onto your partner's hands, keeping your legs inside and arms straight. From there, bend your knees and place the soles of your feet against one another, lifting your legs into the air making an inverted V shape. As your legs get higher you should lean back a little, remembering to keep your hands held tightly. Remember to engage your core and keep your legs as straight as possible!