Partner yoga poses to try this Valentine’s Day

In honor of Valentine’s Day week, let’s explore some partner poses you can do with a loved one or friend to add a little fun and spice to your yoga practice.

Partner yoga involves two individuals performing poses together, fostering trust, communication, and mutual support. This practice not only enhances physical strength and flexibility but also nurtures emotional closeness and understanding.

Benefits of Partner Yoga for Intimacy and Connection

• Enhanced Communication: Partner yoga encourages non-verbal communication, allowing partners to attune to each other's needs and responses.

• Trust Building: Supporting each other in poses cultivates trust and reliance, essential components of a strong relationship.

• Shared Experience: Engaging in a joint activity like yoga creates shared memories and experiences, reinforcing the bond between partners.

PARTNER YOGA POSES

1. Seated Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana):

   • How to Practice: Sit back-to-back with your partner, legs crossed. As one partner inhales, arch the back and look up (Cow Pose), while the other exhales, rounding the spine and tucking the chin (Cat Pose). Alternate movements, synchronizing breath and motion.

   • Benefit: This pose promotes spinal flexibility and encourages synchronized breathing, enhancing connection.

2. Double Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana):

   • How to Practice: One partner assumes Downward Dog, while the other places their hands on the first partner's shoulders and walks their feet up to form a second Downward Dog on top.

   • Benefit: This inversion requires trust and coordination, deepening the physical and emotional connection between partners.

3. Partner Tree Pose (Vrikshasana):

   • How to Practice: Stand facing each other, holding hands. Place one foot on the inner thigh or calf of the opposite leg, avoiding the knee. Balance together, focusing on a shared point ahead.

   • Benefit: This balancing pose enhances stability and mutual support, symbolizing the strength of your partnership.

4. Back-to-Back Chair Pose (Utkatasana):

   • How to Practice: Sit back-to-back with your partner, feet hip-width apart. Press your backs together as you both bend your knees, lowering into a squat. Hold hands or place them on each other's shoulders.

   • Benefit: This pose builds strength and endurance, requiring partners to rely on each other for support.

5. Partner Forward Fold (Uttanasana):

   • How to Practice: Stand facing each other, feet hip-width apart. Hold each other's wrists or forearms. As one partner folds forward, the other follows, creating a mirrored movement.

   • Benefit: This stretch promotes flexibility and encourages a sense of unity and shared experience.

Tips for a Meaningful Partner Yoga Practice

• Communicate Openly: Discuss any physical limitations or discomforts before starting.

• Maintain Eye Contact: This fosters connection and trust.

• Synchronize Breathing: Aligning breath can deepen the sense of unity.

• Practice Patience: Allow each other space to grow and explore within the practice.

Sending you love and light this February!

Namaste