No, there’s no such thing as partner yoga. Yoga is my ‘me time’ – too precious to share it with someone else.
That’s what I used to think until one day, my friend dragged me to a partner yoga session. I was so not into it, imagining awkward poses, mismatched energy, and invasion of my personal space.
But I gave it a shot for her, and oh boy, did it change my perception!
While I still believe in traditional solo yoga, that session opened my eyes to the benefits and joy of doing it with a loved one.
Partner yoga not only boosts your body’s balance and flexibility but also improves your emotional connection. It’s a fantastic way to connect with a loved one while getting a great workout.
In this blog post, I have gathered 6 easy-to-difficult yoga poses for 2 people. You can try them with your friend, sibling, partner, or significant other.
Benefits Of Partner Yoga Poses
We all know the pros and cons of yoga. You can improve flexibility, posture, and muscle strength. But partner yoga takes things to a whole new level. Here are a few physical and mental benefits of yoga poses for 2.
1. Builds Up Your Emotional Bond
Research suggests that couples benefit from practicing mindfulness together. It helps build a more fulfilling relationship. Couple yoga is a great mindfulness activity. It’s like “couples therapy” on the mat. It takes lots of focus, communication, and shared laughs (yeah, some poses are awkward). But they can make you understand your partner in a much better way.
2. Reduces Anxiety And Stress
If someone asks what are the best yoga gifts for humans? Less anxiety and stress would top the chart for me. Yoga is perfect for beating the stress, but doing it with your partner doubles the fun. It helps you focus on the present moment and forget the mundane tensions of life for a while.
Warm Up: How To Get Ready For Yoga Poses For 2?
Preparing your body and mind helps a lot before partner yoga poses. A good warm-up not only reduces the risk of injury but also makes the poses more enjoyable. Here are a few simple exercises you can do with your partner:
Body Stretching: Try leg swings, arm circles, and torso twists to increase your flexibility and range of motion.
Meditation: A few minutes of focused meditation helps you connect with your partner, level your breathing, and stay in the present moment.
A good warm-up puts you in good stead for the challenges that come with partner yoga. So, do not rush. Take your time and enjoy the process. While you are at it, you can also try some group yoga poses or yoga poses for 3.
Easy Yoga Poses For 2: Beginners’ Edition
If you are new to the yoga scene, fret not. These easy and fun yoga poses for two people are the perfect starting point.
1. Partner Forward Fold
Difficulty Level: 1/10
How To Do It?
- Stand back-to-back with your partner about a foot apart.
- Slowly bend forward from the hips, reaching toward the ground.
- If you can, hold your partner’s ankles or feet to make the stretch intense.
- Hold the pose for several breaths, focusing on your breath and stretching your hamstrings.
Also Read: Baby Yoga
2. Double Tree Pose
Difficulty Level: 2/10
How To Do It?
- Stand facing your partner, feet about hip-width apart.
- Extend your arms overhead and interlace your fingers.
- Lean back slightly, engage your core, and lift your feet off the ground.
- Your partner should also lift their feet off the ground and reach for your hands.
- Hold the pose for several breaths, maintaining balance and stability.
Medium-Level Yoga Poses For 2
Want to spice things up a bit? Try these medium-difficulty yoga poses with your partner.
3. Double Dancer Pose
Difficulty Level: 5/10
How To Do It?
- Start in a plank position facing your partner.
- Place your hands on your partner’s wrists, creating a strong connection.
- Lift your feet off the ground, balancing on your hands and forearms.
- Your partner should also lift their feet off the ground, creating a double plank formation.
- Hold the pose for several breaths, maintaining balance and stability.
4. Double Plank Pose
Difficulty Level: 6/10
How To Do It?
- Start in a usual plank position.
- Your partner will place their hands on your ankles.
- Then, with due care, place each foot on your shoulders. Do not step directly on the spine.
- Both of you engage your core and hold the plank for about 30 seconds to one minute.
Hard 2 Person Yoga Poses: Advanced Level
If you are an experienced yogi and want to try something more adventurous, try these difficult yoga poses for 2 people.
5. Airplane Plank
Difficulty Level: 7/10
How To Do It?
- Lay down on the floor with both your legs extended straight in the air.
- Your partner (flyer) will stand facing the legs.
- Now, bend your knees and place your feet at your partner’s hip flexors.
- Hold your partner’s hands and ask them to lean forward.
- Lift and straighten your legs so that the flyer is in the air. Ask them to keep their body in a straight line.
- Hold the pose for several breaths, maintaining balance and stability.
6. Square Pose
Difficulty Level: 8/10
How To Do It?
- Sit in an L position facing your partner.
- Your partner (flyer) will place their hands on your ankle and their ankles on your shoulders.
- Now, lift your partner’s ankle in the air while they pike their hips to create a square shape.
- Hold the pose for several breaths, maintaining balance and stability.
Tip: Keep your back straight and your core engaged. If you feel any discomfort or instability, come out of the pose.
Disclaimer: For challenging yoga poses both in terms of physical movement and spiritual energy (like Kundalini yoga), it’s better to perform them under an expert yogi’s guidance.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it! Yoga poses for 2 are not just a fun way to spend time with your loved one; it’s also a fantastic way to strengthen your bond, improve your physical health, and reduce stress.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, there’s a partner yoga pose out there for you. Give it a try and see the magic happen. Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the experience together.
About the Author: Jessica Erik
