Fundamentally, yoga means union or yoke, in terms of uniting your body, spirit, and mind. So, it’s only fitting that when looking for a new way to connect with your loved one, couples yoga is the way to go.
The benefits of yoga practices are endless. But, a few of benefits, especially of this type, include:
- Deeper stretches
- Improved communication
- Increase in trust
Have we piqued your interest? Check out our list of some of our favorite couples poses:
Partner Breathing – A great way to start the practice and get in tune with your partner.
- Sit back to back, legs crossed at the shins or ankles. Place your hands on your knees or thighs.
- Take this to time to connect with your partner. Notice the breath and how it feels.
- Begin to alternate breaths. In other words, as you inhale, he or she exhales and vice versa. Do this for at least 3 minutes.
Partner Twist – Helps the body cleanse itself.
- Sit back to back, legs crossed at the shins or ankles. Place your hands on your knees or thighs
- Reach your arms overhead, inhaling as you go. Lengthen the spine.
- Exhale and twist the body to the right. The right hand should come to rest on the inside of your partner’s left knee. Your left hand should be on the outside of your right thigh or knee. Hold for at least five breaths.
- Exhale and release the body back to center. Repeat the twist on the left side.
Triple Hill – Stretches out the hamstrings and shoulders. It also increases your spine’s flexibility.
- Face one another, standing one foot apart.
- Raise your arms overhead and touch palms, keeping hands shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your hands pressed together while both of you walk backward slowly. Stop when your foreheads are touching and your hips are over your heels.
- Keeping your abs engaged, arch your spines down. Hold for five breaths.
- Lower your heads down, chins to chests. Hold for five breaths. Lift your heads back up.
- To come out the pose, slowly walk towards each other until in a standing position. Lower your hands.
Twin Trees – Encourages focus
- Stand next to your partner and face the same direction.
- Making sure you are approximately 3 feet apart, put the palms and elbows together.
- Shift your weight onto your right foot and have your partner do the same on their left foot.
- Bend the knee of the opposite leg and bring your foot to your ankle, inner thigh, or calf. Hold for at least 5 breaths.
- Turn to face the opposite direction. Repeat the pose on the opposite side.
Double Standing Forward Bend – An amazing hamstring stretch
- Stand back to back, place about one foot between your heels
- Hinge from the waist into a Standing Forward Bend. Reach your hands behind you until you are able to hold your partner’s hands. He or she should do the same.
- Keeping your legs straight, lengthen through the spine so the top of the head is reaching for the ground. Hold for five breaths.
- Let go of your partner and slowly come to a standing position.
Boat Pose – Works your abs and hamstrings
- Put about three feet between you and your partner. Face each other and sit down.
- Entwine your hands, keeping them on the outside of your legs. Lift up both of your legs and touch soles.
- Find your balance. Straighten your legs and your back, keeping the least flexible person in charge. Use your abs for added stability.
- Either look at (or towards) each other or let your heads drop back and look behind you. Hold for five breaths.
- Take your time and slowly bring your legs to the ground. Let go of your partner’s hands.
Partner Forward-fold – Relaxes the nervous system and opens up the hamstrings
- Sit down and face each other. Spread your legs out as far out as you and your partner can comfortably go. Your kneecaps should be pointed toward the sky. Touch soles with your partner.
- Reach your arms towards each other, holding each other’s opposite palm. Take a deep breath in.
- Fold forward from the hips and have your partner sit back, keeping his arms and spine straight. Relax into the pose. Hold for at least five breaths.
- When you are ready to come out of the pose, let go of your partner’s hands and slowly bring your body back to a seated position. Now, it’s your partner’s turn to come into a forward fold.
One Last Thing
Before we go, we wanted to update this post for 2019. A lot of people are asking us about yoga and CBD oil. As this is a newer technique we don’t have all the answers but wanted to say it can be a great idea but it is vital you find high quality CBD products as there are so many on the market. Additionally, we would like to discuss the importance of quality yoga wear. While couples yoga gives us a chance to reconnect with our loved ones, wearing uncomfortable clothing can ruin the experience. No one wants their shirts in their face when doing the Double Standing Forward Bend. To prevent this from happening, the ideal yoga clothes should be stretchy and comfortable.
Some of these couples poses can be a bit challenging, but they are a fun way to shake up your yoga practice and spend some quality time with one of your favorite people. Namaste.
