Yoga for couples – how to exercise and relax together?
Yoga brings relief, balance, and peace to both body and mind. For this reason, more and more people are deciding to try their hand at yoga on the mat. A journey into self-discovery doesn't have to be individual.
Yoga also works well as a couple and can be a great way not only to diversify your daily routine but also to deepen the bond between you. Learn how to prepare for a shared practice, step by step!
Introduction to Yoga for Couples
Yoga for couples requires trust, communication, and cooperation. Regardless of your level of experience, the practice brings both physical and mental benefits, helping to reduce stress and improve mood . Partners learn to rely on each other in this way.
It is worth adding that couple yoga can also be practiced by people who are not in an intimate relationship, but also by friends or acquaintances from classes .
What is acroyoga?
Acroyoga combines hatha yoga with acrobatics and Thai massage, making it a relatively dynamic practice. It offers many possibilities – individual asanas, thanks to appropriate modifications, are performed in the air . One person serves as the base and lies on their back, holding and lifting their partner with their arms and legs. The other (the flyer) simultaneously performs individual poses, resting on their partner's body.
The proper conduct of acroyoga is supervised by a spotter, who is responsible for the safety of the participants, providing them with help and support if necessary.
Benefits of yoga for couples
The positive impact of yoga on health is confirmed by numerous studies, which indicate, among other things, that it increases serotonin levels, reduces pain in people suffering from arthritis, and thins the blood, thus reducing the risk of a heart attack (see C. Woodyard Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life ).
Couples yoga allows you to reap benefits from the practice, such as:
- increasing muscle flexibility,
- eliminating back pain,
- learning mindfulness,
- a state of deep relaxation and relief,
- improving range of motion, including in joints.
Pushing boundaries and trusting your yoga practice
Many poses require partners to support and rely on each other. Pushing physical and mental boundaries during shared practice allows for the development of a deeper bond, based on trust . In this way, yoga for couples strengthens relationships, proving to be a tool for elevating communication to a new level.
Emotional and Mental Benefits of Couples Yoga Practice
Couples yoga isn't just about physical training. Practicing together also has a profound impact on reducing stress, improving mood, and overall well-being . Practicing with a partner helps achieve emotional harmony.
How to start practicing yoga for two?
When embarking on a couples yoga adventure, it's important to approach it with an open mind and patience. Initially, choose simple poses that don't require significant flexibility or strength. Regular practice and gradually increasing the level of difficulty will not only help you achieve inner balance but also derive satisfaction from your practice.
Yoga for two can be practiced both independently and as part of professional classes – then you will receive support from an instructor, as well as the necessary tips.
A yoga mat will also be useful – preferably a non-slip one (we recommend our FLOW Coated mats ) , which will provide stability and comfort during exercise. A well-chosen mat will increase safety and facilitate even the simplest duet poses.
Support and communication during the internship
Communication plays a significant role during practice. Partners must express their needs and boundaries, as well as listen and respond to each other's signals.
It's important to remember mutual respect and patience, especially since skill development is individual. Communication can also be nonverbal, so practicing together fosters sensitivity to touch, breathing, and gaze .
Yoga Poses for Couples – For Beginners
Those just beginning their yoga journey should begin with safe poses, adapted to the current level and physical abilities of both partners. To avoid injury and fully enjoy the workout, it's important to ensure proper technique.
For this reason, it's essential to master the basics. Learn the perfect yoga asanas for beginners !
Sukhasana
Sit back to back and feel your partner's support. Focus, close your eyes, and take deep, unhurried breaths.
Upavistha konasana
Begin by sitting opposite each other with your legs straight and spread out as wide as possible. Then, holding hands, one person gently pulls the other toward them, creating a deeper stretch in the inner thighs and back.
Ardha Matsyendrasana
Sitting back to back, twist in opposite directions, holding each other's knees. Your spine should be straight. Hold the position for a few deep breaths.
Yoga Poses for 2 People – Advanced
For those at a more advanced level, there are more complex configurations that, with experience, can be modified to suit your preferences. Find out which asanas are worth incorporating into your practice!
Anuvittasana
Anuvittasana, or standing backbend, stands facing each other at arm's length. Grasp each other's forearms and then slowly lean back, keeping your legs straight.
Navasana
Join hands and sit facing each other. Then, in sync, move backwards, simultaneously lifting your legs so that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet are pointing towards each other.
Partner yoga can be a nurturing experience, but it's important to remember to gradually increase the level of difficulty . To maintain safety, each sequence should be performed carefully and mindfully, observing your needs, capabilities, and limitations.