Connect: Partner Yoga
Friday, February 5th, 2010
Consider the benefits of being in a relationship: sharing, trust, support, and communication. Now imagine experiencing those advantages in a yoga class—that’s partner yoga. Partner yoga has a long tradition, and while it’s fun for romantic couples and friends, any two people can participate in partner yoga and reap the rewards.
When you practice partner yoga, you and your buddy use each other’s bodies as aids, assists or props. For example, you and your partner may lean on each other for support during a balance pose. Or, as she relaxes against your back as she performs a backbend, your friend’s weight may push you deeper into your own forward bend. The result is the same feelings of awareness, energy and relaxation you get from a yoga class, but shared with another person.
“Certainly the best part of partner yoga is the connectedness with another human being,” says APOGEE yoga instructor Franklin Shire. As you move and shift your balance and weight, you will be communicating physically. “Support and surrender happen simultaneously,” says Franklin. “There’s a give-and-take element.”
Couples must talk to each other, but in a way that’s conscious and aware. “You must be truly present to really communicate with your partner,” says Franklin. Because awareness is one reason to practice yoga, the challenges of doing it with a partner can add to your practice. Says Franklin, “Partner yoga can take you places you can’t get to by yourself.”
Go further with your Valentine in a partner yoga class at our “Share the Love” APOGEE Awakening on February 11. Learn more here.
