Connect with 7 Popular Couples Poses

By: “AJ” Amy Jo Crowell, Publisher of Dallas Yoga Magazine & Co-Founder Cosmic Yogi Movement

Try it with your friend, buddy, husband, wife, or lover. These poses are always fun and worth trying. Pay attention to their verbal and nonverbal body communication. Be encouraging and if needed, modify the poses so they fit your style and level. Couples practicing yoga are found to have increased communication, trust levels and intimacy. Yoga uses your body, mind and soul and when practicing with a partner will bring positive energy to the relationship.

The following are 7 Popular Partner Poses for you to try.

Double Tree Pose

Tree pose is one of the first poses most of us learn in yoga, even though it may seem basic to some, the art of doing it with a partner can be beautiful. It takes leg strength to hold this pose. I like the pose when the couple faces each other with your hands touching forming a heart at your heart center. No leaning on each other….hold yourself steady. I know…it’s cheezy, but it’s Valentine’s Day so go with the flow for the ladies!

Heart Opener

What’s more important in couple’s yoga than to open your heart up to the universe and each other? This pose is designed to do just that and more. Kneel facing each other and then bend backwards. You can touch and use both of your thighs for support to get back as far as you can. Push your chest up and out to open your heart chakra. You can modify this pose by standing up, facing each other and leaning back. Again, shoulders back and chest out to share your heart with the world.

Alternate Breathing

Rest your back gently on your partners, sit up straight and relax your shoulders. Start by taking deep breaths in unison. Do this until you are ready to start alternate breathing, meaning you take a breath and then your partner takes a breath. Repeat this for as long as you desire keeping in mind this is a relaxation exercise to increase your inner connection with each other.

Double Downward Dog

This pose looks much more intimidating than it actually is, but it does require balance and strength. One person starts off in a downward dog position and when they are ready and relaxed, the next person starts their downward dog pose in front of them and slowly places one foot at a time on the top angle of their partner’s butt and positions themselves, so their upper body is vertical, and their legs are horizontal with the floor.

Play Like a Table

It’s a partner table top pose and it results in an incredible stretch. Stand several feet apart with your legs open and face each other. Bend over and intertwine arms with each other.  Place one person’s arms on the inside and one on the outside while continuing to face down. This is a wonderful stretch for the back of

your legs and lower back. Hold the pose for as long as you desire and then slowly return upright. Practice this a few times and focus on the energy flowing between you’re and your partner.

SAIL AWAY

Let’s do the Boat Pose! This takes core muscles and is a wonderful way to build more core strength. Sitting up, with your legs together bring them up as far as you can off the mat and find your partners feet. Put both pairs of your feet together while clasping hands on the outside of your legs. Look at each other in the eyes and hold the position. Don’t forget to smile and make it a happy moment.

Partner Twist

You will get the most out of your side stretches when you use a partner. It’s so much easier to twist further when you have your partners leg to rely on. Begin by sitting back to back. Place your right hand on your left knee and while rotating toward your partner. Take your left hand and place it on your partner’s right knee and twist. Together you will be twisting in a 360-degree circle. Then reverse sides and twist again. I love this twist…especially with a partner!