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Partner Yoga: Flying Whale

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:27:32 -0700

If you tried Forward Flying with a partner and loved it, then give this a try. It's a version of backwards flying called Flying Whale. The key is to move slowly to help the person on top stay balanced.

To learn how to do this partner yoga pose,

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Plow

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0700

If you're looking to increase flexibility in your spine and get an amazing neck stretch, Plow pose is just the thing. Sometimes doing it on your own can be a little too intense, so if you do this pose with a friend, you can help support the weight of each other's legs. There will also be less pressure on your neck so you can spend more time in this restorative position.

To find out how to do Double Plow,

Partner Yoga Pose: Forward Flying

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Soothing partner yoga poses such as Dog Hero, Massage Table, and Double Gate are great for connecting with someone or for a good stretch, but sometimes I'm in the mood for something a little more fun and challenging. You've probably done this flying move with your 2-year-old niece, but it's not just for kids. The reason it's so great when you're older is because the person on the top can utilize the force of gravity to feel deeper stretches, and the person on the bottom experiences an amazing lower-back release from the weight of his or her partner.

To find out how to fly with a partner

Partner Yoga Pose: Grounded Backbend

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Backbends are some of my favorite yoga poses. Since our bodies rarely have the opportunity to bend this way, not only is arching the spine a treat but it stretches the front part of your body quite nicely. Not only that, but increasing flexibility in your spine is a great way to stay healthy and avoid lower back pain. Since full backbends (Wheel pose) can be intimidating and challenging, give this variation a try. In it you use your partner's body as support, and be able to gently roll back into the pose.

For detailed instructions

Partner Yoga Pose: Shoulderstand on Bridge

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Some partner yoga poses are a little more challenging than others like this one — Shoulderstand on Bridge. It requires strength for the person on the bottom to hold the Half Wheel and it also requires balance for the person on top to hold Shoulderstand. Since this pose involves one person being upside down, it also requires trust and communication. I love that this video shows both the man and woman taking turns and switching positions. It's common to think the woman wouldn't be strong enough to be on the bottom, but she is!

For detailed instructions on how to give this pose a try

Partner Yoga Book: Contact — The Yoga of Relationship

FitSugar — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700

I find practicing yoga regularly helps keep me feeling centered, both physically and mentally. But that doesn't mean you need to do yoga solo. Partner yoga can be often be twice as fun and more enriching. The book Contact: The Yoga of Relationship ($26) is a great way to learn how to make many poses work for two people.

This book is filled with gorgeous full size black and white photos of really creative partner poses, for both the beginner and the experienced yogi alike. The book is organized around seven points of contact yoga: trust, passion, commitment, love, communication, vision, and union. As you peruse through the pages, you'll see that there are several unique postures to try that are associated with each point. Trying these poses out with a partner is sure to strengthen your connection with that person, and leave you both smiling.

To see inside this book,

Partner Yoga Pose: Back-to-Back Butterfly

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Butterfly pose is one of my favorite hip openers, and there are many Partner Yoga moves that involve this pose. There's the Butterfly Pull, Butterfly Supported Forward Bend, and Seated Butterfly Lounge is great way to stretch. If you have tight hips then you will appreciate trying Back-to-Back Butterfly with a partner since this variation deepens the stretch and it is only slightly hands-on compared to a couple of other partner poses.

To give it a try

Partner Yoga Pose: Supported Flying Arch

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

I'm all for stretches that increase flexibility in my spine, so if you're the same way, grab a friend and give this pose a try. Not only will you feel like you're weightless, but your partner on the floor will feel a nice release in her lower back.

If you want to know how to get into it

Partner Yoga Pose: Seated Butterfly Lounge

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Keeping your hips flexible helps prevent injury, and here's a great hip stretch you can do with a partner. It's similar to the Seated Straddle Lounge, but for this one, the person on the bottom is in Butterfly pose with her feet together and her knees out wide.

Get Flash to see this player.

Music: "Shiva Shambho" by Namaste

To see a detailed description of how to do this hip-opening partner pose

Partner Yoga Pose: Massage Table

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -0700

If your back is feeling sore or tight, you need to find someone to lean on and I mean that literally. Find a willing partner and give this double yoga pose a try. To be honest, when I first saw this pose, I thought it looked boring, but trust me – it feels amazing. Your spine and the muscles in your back will thank you.

There's much more to this pose than you think so for the details

Partner Yoga: Poses That Work Your Back

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:30:00 -0700

If you're suffering from back pain or just general tightness, this series of partner yoga poses is sure to leave your spine feeling long and flexible.

Partner Yoga Pose: Flying Split

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Get ready for Cirque du Soleil people, because this partner yoga pose will have you defying gravity. I know this move looks like it requires Hulk-like strength, but it's about how you and your partner distribute the weight. Once you've got that down, you'll be able to do this tricky pose with grace, and you'll get a killer hamstring stretch as an added bonus.

If you're excited to make your splits fly with a partner, then

Partner Yoga Pose: Child's Pose Pull

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:30:00 -0700

Doesn't this pose look like it feels so good? Well it does! The person folded on the right feels the stretch in his hips, lower back, and shoulders, while the person on the left feels a great stretch in her quads and upper back. Plus it requires almost no effort since gravity is doing most of the work.

To see a detailed explanation of how to do this partner yoga pose just

Partner Yoga Pose: Rising Cobra

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:30:00 -0700

If you love poses that increase flexibility in your spine and stretch through your abs and chest then you're going to love Rising Cobra. It's similar to Cobra Hero, but allows the person on the bottom to get even deeper into the pose. The sensation is similar to the backbend in the double pose The Fountain.

Want to know how to do this pose with a partner? Then

Partner Yoga Pose: Mirrored Hero Pose

FitSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:30:00 -0700

Looking for a way to stretch your quads and get an intense upper-back stretch? Then give Mirrored Hero a try. It's really easy to do and feels so good, especially if you hold the pose for a while.

For a detailed explanation of how to do this partner yoga pose

Partner Yoga Pose: Child Cobra

FitSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:30:00 -0700

If you're looking for a way to increase flexibility in your spine and also get an amazing stretch in your lower back, then grab a friend and try Child Cobra. The person on the bottom is the one benefiting the most from this partner pose, since the person on top is pressing all her weight into his hips and back.

For a detailed explanation of how to get into this

Partner Yoga Pose: Butterfly Supported Forward Bend

FitSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 11:00:00 -0700

One reason I love partner yoga poses that allow you to relax and slowly get deeper into poses. This pose Butterfly Supported Forward Bend, will also bring you a little bit closer to your yoga partner; it is definitely intimate, but it allows for a deep stretch in the hips, lower back, and shoulders from the Butterfly, as well as relaxing hamstrings stretch from Seated Forward Bend. Why not take this opportunity to get to know someone a little bit better while you stretch your hips?

Want to give it a try? Then

Partner Yoga Pose: Supported Shoulderstand Child's Pose

FitSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:00:00 -0700

I love partner yoga poses that allow you to use your partner's body to help you relax and Supported Shoulderstand Child's Pose is one of those poses. It's similar to Double Child, but I like this one better because partners alternate between doing an energetic inversion and a lower-back stretch.

Want to know how to do this pose? Then

Partner Yoga Pose: Flying Bow

FitSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:30:00 -0700

When you do Bow pose on your own while lying on your belly, it's really difficult to get a good stretch in your spine because gravity is working against you. Flipping the pose over with help from a partner and trying it upside down feels amazing. The person on top will get an unbelievable stretch in her torso, chest, and shoulders, and the person on the bottom will greatly appreciate the pressure and support on his lower back.

I know this pose looks like a really advanced move, but if you learn how to do it a step at a time, you'll be flying in no time. To find out how to get into this safely

Partner Yoga Book: The Joy of Partner Yoga

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:30:00 -0700

It's no secret that I enjoy partner yoga poses. I find The Joy of Partner Yoga ($12.21) by Mishabae truly inspirational. She also made a great Partner Yoga DVD, too. She really knows her stuff.

This book is perfect for newbies and yogis alike. Each page is filled with beautiful photographs and step-by-step instructions of the poses. Mishabae has created sequences of partner poses, so you can flow from one into another. It feels like you are dancing. If you're not into the spiritual aspect of yoga, skip over the introductory pages of each chapter.

Partner yoga isn't just for you and your lover. Any two people can benefit from it, no matter what their relationship. So grab your daughter, your best friend, or your sister and check it out. I guarantee that after doing some partner yoga poses, you'll both be smiling and laughing.

To look at some of the pages click the images below.

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Partner Yoga Pose: Seated Bow

FitSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:00:00 -0700

One of my favorite backbends in yoga is Bow pose. If you have a hard time holding your ankles with your hands, then you won't even be able to feel the amazing stretch in your chest and shoulders. So that's why doing this pose with a friend is so great. This is actually a move your therapist might do with you if you had a Thai massage.

Want to know how to do this pose with a partner? Then

Partner Yoga Pose: Handstand Help

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Doing a handstand against a wall is a great way to work on your upper body strength without having to concentrate on your balance. If you have a hard time kicking your feet up into it, though, grab a friend and give this a try.

Get Flash to see this player.

Music: "Devabandha" by Bill Laswell

I know it seems like the person helping is just flinging her partner into a handstand, but there's more to it then that. Want to know the trick? Then

Partner Yoga Pose: Cobra Hero

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:30:00 -0700

Backbends can be really challenging for some people, so getting a little help from a partner can make a world of difference. This partner yoga pose called Cobra Hero will open one person's spine, chest, and shoudlers, and the other person will get a nice quad and shin stretch.

If you want to know how to do this pose with a partner then

Partner Yoga Pose: Triple Hill

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:05:00 -0700

I love when I can find ways to stretch my shoulders, chest, and back since swimming and working at a desk all day can make them so tight. This partner yoga pose called Triple Hill gets its name from the two humps your bums make and the tall "hill" bump your arms make. It's a great total-body stretch like Downward Facing Dog, but since you're standing up and leaning against a partner, you'll get more of an intense stretch in your upper back, shoulders, and hamstrings.

To find out how to get into this partner yoga pose

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Gate

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:30:00 -0800

If you love opening your hips and hamstrings, then you must love Gate pose. You can get an even deeper stretch in your spine and the sides of your body when you do it with a partner though.

Want to know how to get into this pose? Then

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Straddle

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:00:00 -0800

Some partner yoga poses involve both people feeling a stretch at the same time, as in Double Standing Forward Bend. Then there are ones where you take turns helping each other get deeper into the stretch like this one called Double Straddle. This pose will give you an amazing stretch in your hips, lower back, and hamstrings.

Want to know how to get into this with a partner? Then

Partner Yoga Pose: The Fountain

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:45:00 -0800

Many of the Partner Yoga poses I've posted recently focus on opening up the hamstrings and hips, so let's try one that increases flexibility in your spine. This pose called The Fountain will also challenge your ability to trust your partner.

Get Flash to see this player.

Music: "Silence" by Delerium

I know this pose doesn't look like much, but once you give it a try, your back will be loving it. To see a detailed description of how to get into this pose with a partner,

Double Your Pleasure: Partner Yoga Poses

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 04:00:00 -0800

Looking for a healthy way to celebrate Valentine's Day? Try these partner yoga poses with your friend or lover. As I like to tell my husband, "Open hamstrings, open heart."

Partner Yoga Pose: Seated Facing Twist

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 04:00:00 -0800

Here's another partner yoga pose that helps you get an amazing stretch in your spine, chest, and shoulders. Spinal twists are usually pretty relaxing poses when you do them on your own, but when you can pull against your partner, it makes this pose really intense and you get an incredibly deep stretch.

Want to know how to get into it? Then

Partner Yoga Pose: Butterfly Pull

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:30:00 -0800

Most of us can always use some lower back stretches, and this one called Butterfly Pull stretches your entire spine and opens your hips as well.

Partner #1 (blue shirt) sits in Butterfly pose with his heels together and knees out wide.
Partner #2 (no shirt) sits with his legs straight facing Partner #1, and places his feet on Partner #1's shins.
Both partners hold each other's hands or wrists. Partner #1 folds forward over his feet as Partner #2 leans back, pulling him deeper into the stretch.
They hold for five or so deep breaths, making minor adjustments if necessary. Then both partners slowly sit back up and they switch roles.

Source

Flying Partner Yoga Routine

FitSugar — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 04:00:00 -0800

You know I'm a huge fan of partner yoga poses. They allow you to support and be supported while stretching so you can deepen your practice both physically and emotionally. Just about all the yoga poses you do on your own can be done with a partner, but this routine can only be done as a pair. It's based on the airplane game you've probably played as a child, but it's much more involved. I know it looks difficult, but with practice and constant communication with your partner, you can do this fluid routine and it feels amazing.

Looking to do some easier poses? Check out these Partner Yoga poses.

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Child

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:45:00 -0800

While it's true that many Partner Yoga poses can help you get a deeper stretch, another benefit is the emotional support you share. Energy can be passed and received between you, so doing a pose with someone can instill a sense of joy and serenity. This one, called Double Child, will help to relieve stress and calm the mind.

Partner one (blue shirt) and partner two (tan shirt) kneel down on a mat with their feet touching.
Both partners come into Child's Pose and hold hands.
They remain here for at least five breaths, allowing the lower back, hips, and shoulders to release.
After they've had enough, both partners slowly sit up.

I know this pose doesn't look like much, but it's one of those things that you just have to try. Once both partners allow themselves to relax completely, they'll feel the amazing effects.

Source

Partner Yoga Pose: Seated Straddle Lounge

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:00:00 -0800

Doing Seated Straddle on your own definitely gives you a great stretch in your hamstrings and lower back, but it feels so much better when someone can add a little weight to your torso. That's why I love the partner yoga pose called Seated Straddle Lounge. Not only does the person on the bottom get an unbelievable stretch, but when the person on top lounges back, she also gets a great relaxing stretch in her spine. Check out this video to see how to get into it.

Get Flash to see this player.

Music: "Quiet 8" by Sheila Chandra

Want more detailed instructions? Then

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Warrior 2

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:30:00 -0800

Doing yoga poses with a friend is not only fun and a great way to encourage each other to be healthy, but it helps you get a deeper stretch than you could ever get on your own. This partner yoga pose called Double Warrior 2 doesn't look like much in the picture, but give it a try it to see how amazing it feels.

Want to see how to get into it? Then

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Standing Forward Bend

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:30:00 -0800

Doing forward bends on your own aren't nearly as deep and satisfying as doing them with a partner. You can pull on each other to stretch your hamstrings and lower back even further and it feels amazing. Give this one a try. It's called Double Standing Forward Bend.

To see how to get into this pose

Partner Yoga Pose: Backpack

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 09:30:00 -0800

Got a tight back? Here's a fun way to open your spine and stretch your hamstrings too. I call this Backpack.

Get Flash to see this player.

Music: "Lazy Days" by Enya

Stand back to back with your partner. Lock elbows and Partner #1 bends her knees and places her bum under Partner #2's bum.
Then Partner #1 slowly folds forward, lifting Partner #2 off the ground and onto her back. Stay like this until either partner is ready to come down. To release, Partner #1 slowly stands back up and then you can switch roles.
After you both have a turn, take a step apart and fold forward. Reach for each other's hands or legs and hang here for a few deep breaths, releasing your lower back and stretching through the backs of the legs. Stand up when you're ready.

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Boat

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:30:00 -0800

When you practice yoga on your own, it can be very internal and meditative, which is one of the reasons people love yoga so much. Yoga also stretches, strengthens, and tones your muscles, and if you do yoga poses with another person, the physical and emotional benefits are amazing. Not only can you get deeper into poses, but you can also deepen your connection.

Here's a fun partner yoga pose to try. I call it Double Boat, and you can find it in the book Yoga for Partners. When you do Boat pose on your own, it totally works your abs, but when you do it with a partner, it changes the stretch and works your hamstrings.

To find out how to do Double Boat

Partner Yoga Book: Yoga for Partners

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 12:30:00 -0700

I love the idea of going to a Partner Yoga Workshop with my hubby, but he shudders at the idea. He does like to do yoga, but isn't really into going to classes. Why? He doesn't like that instructors tell you what to do, and you don't really have the freedom to do what your body feels like doing. I see his point, so we compromise and do yoga together at home.

When you have no instructor showing you what to do, a Partner Yoga book is really helpful. I just picked up a new one called Yoga for Partners by Jessie Chapman ($10.17 through Amazon).

It has over 75 black and white photos of postures you can do with someone - a lover, friend, or child. Each picture is accompanied by an explanation of how to get into the pose, health benefits, helpful positioning tips, and breathing advice. This book is really easy to use. Just pick a posture and go for it.

Partner Yoga is all about exploring your relationship with another in a creative and playful way. It's sure to deepen your connection, make your body feel open, and bring out some laughs as well.

Partner Yoga Pose: Triple Down Dog

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Downward Facing Dog is a total body workout. It stretches your hamstrings and strengthens your upper body. If you do the Partner Yoga pose Double Dog, the person on the bottom gets even more of a deep stretch, and the person on the top gets a killer upper body and core workout.

What happens if you do Triple Dog with three people? It feels amazing to be physically connected to two other people like this. It takes even more strength and communication to get into this pose (and stay in it), but when you do, it's an amazing feeling.

To find out how to get into it,

Partner Yoga Pose: Seated Straddle Lounge

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Some of my favorite activities, like running and biking, really make my hamstrings and the muscles of my lower back tight, so I love doing forward bends to stretch them out. Sometimes, I need a little help in order to get a really deep stretch.

Here is one of my favorite partner yoga poses that really provides a serious stretch for the back of my body. Partner #1 gets the hamstring and lower back stretch first, while Partner #2 gets to lounge back and open their chest - which also feels great after a long bike ride!

Want to hear how to get into this? Then

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Sandwich

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Seated forward bends feel amazing on your hamstrings and lower back. Doing this pose with a partner, called Double Sandwich, can add some some weight to your torso and help you elongate your spine even further. It also gives you an even deeper stretch than you could ever do on your own.

Want to see how to do it? Then

Partner Yoga Pose: Dog Hero

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Partner Yoga poses are all about supporting one another and helping to bring your partner into a deeper, more fulfilling pose. This is one of my favorites that I call Dog Hero.

Hero pose is all about stretching through your quads, but if this pose is easy for you, when you lie on your back, you won't really feel much of a stretch. That's where your partner can help. By adding just a little weight to your thighs, and helping you stretch through your arms, this pose becomes much more intense (in a good way). Plus the person on top doing Downward Facing Dog also gets a wonderful stretch through their upper back and the backs of their legs. By joining these poses together, both of you will feel the benefits.

Here's how to get into it.

Talk to your partner and figure out who will be Partner #1 and who will be Partner #2.
Partner #1 lies down on the ground and gets into Hero pose with their arm extended over their head.
Partner #2 stands above Partner #1's head. Partner #1 grabs onto Partner #2's ankles. Then Partner #2 bends down and places their hands on Partner #1's thighs in a Downward Facing Dog position.
Make sure you talk to your partner and say things like "Is this okay? Should I move my hands? Tell me when to stop. Press harder, etc." Stay for as long as you both decide, and then switch positions so Partner #2 starts in Hero pose.

Whatever you do with your partner should feel good, and remember that the least flexible person is in charge. If you are new to yoga this probably isn't the best partner pose to try. The most important thing is to listen to each other's needs and suggestions, have an open mind, and have fun. If you loved doing this Partner Yoga pose, give Standing Straddle, Double Dog, and Double Tree a try.

Partner Yoga Pose: Facing Fence

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 11:45:00 -0700

If the new yoga challenge, Standing Hand to Big Toe A, is too hard to do on your own, then get a friend to help.

If you face someone doing this pose, your partner can help you stay balanced and stretch out your hamstring even deeper than you could on your own.

Here's how to get into it:

Stand facing your partner, about 3 feet apart. Partner 1 lifts their right leg up and Partner 2 grabs onto it with both hands.
Then Partner 2 lifts their right leg up and Partner 1 holds onto it.
Communicate with your partner - say "Stay right there," or "Not so high," or "You can lift higher."
Try to work on standing straight, keeping your torso in line with your standing leg. Stay here for 5 breaths or more and then gently lower your partner's leg down to the ground. Now do the other side.

That's all there is to it. Feel free to share pictures of you doing this pose alone or with a partner in the YOGA CHALLENGE group. Post your pictures here. If you're not sure how, then read this explanation.

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Sandwich

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 08:45:00 -0700

I just told you how to do Seated Forward Bend on your own, so now you can try it with a partner. It feels amazing since you can have your partner gently pull you into a deeper stretch for your hamstrings and lower back.

It's so important to communicate when doing Partner Yoga. Be sure to speak up and say "pull harder," or "that's too much," or "stay there," or "I've had enough."

This pose is called Double Sandwich, named by my girls, because when we do Kids Yoga, a Seated Forward Bend is called "Sandwich." Here's how to get into it:

Begin sitting on the ground with your legs straight out in front of you. Place the soles of your feet against your partner's feet.
Both partners bend forward at the hips, reaching for your partner's hands. If you can't reach, hold onto one end of a small towel or strap, and have your partner hold the other end.
Gently pull each other closer. As you get deeper into the stretch, you can move your hands closer to each other. Relax your shoulders away from your ears, and let your forehead release down to your legs.
Stay here for at least 5 deep breaths, or as long as you want.

Fit's Tips: Looking for more Partner Yoga poses to try? Double Tree and Standing Straddle are great poses to try.

Source

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Tree

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Doing yoga with a partner (your sister, brother, friend, mother, child, or "partner") is an amazing experience, especially with balancing poses. It can be hard to stay up on your own, but when you do it with a partner, you can both support each other. Awwww....

Tree pose is what most people think of when they think of yoga, and it can be kind of tricky. Doing Double Tree allows you to stay up by holding onto your partner, keeping balanced for a while you can really feel the benefits of the pose.

Double Tree is great for working on your posture, balance (obviously) and it also opens your hips. Want to know how to get into it? Then

Move it at Home: Together - The Art of Partnered Yoga

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 08:45:00 -0700

I love doing yoga alone, but there is something amazing and profound about practicing with someone else. Partner Yoga is an equal exchange of giving and receiving, using the healing power of touch. It's about making a connection with yourself, with another, and with the world around you using the breath and the body. As you move in harmony with another, you share physical and emotional support, respect, encouragement, laughter, and joy.

If you're interested in learning more about Partner Yoga, you must check out this DVD called Together: The Art of Partnered Yoga by Mishabae ($17.99 through Amazon). Her explanations are easy to understand and follow, with modifications for beginners included.

In the four "Energy Sequences," she and a partner demonstrate the flow of poses with only music, so you can get a sense of the movements. If you want to hear the explanation of those four sequences (which is really helpful), there is also a segment called "Instructional Sequences," so you can better understand how to get into the poses.

The sequences are creative and inspirational, filled with compassion and serenity. Just watching these two people move together with dance-like grace to the peaceful music is extremely calming - just imagine what it will feel like when you do it.

Fit's Tips: Partner Yoga isn't just for "lovers." Any two people can benefit from practicing yoga together as a way to stretch your muscles and deepen your relationship. It's for mother and daughter, sister and brother, or two close friends. Through your combined yoga practice, together you achieve what wouldn't be possible on your own.

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Standing Straddle

FitSugar — Thu, 31 May 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Doing yoga with a partner can be so much fun, not to mention you can each get deeper into poses than you could on your own.

This partner yoga pose called Double Standing Straddle is great for opening the backs of your hamstrings, stretching out your lower back and neck, and lengthening the spine. Since your head is below your heart, this pose is great for relieving headaches, sinus pressure, and boredom.

Remember that with all partner poses, the less flexible person is the one in charge. Talk to each other while you're in the pose, communicating if something hurts, or you want them to pull harder.

Stand back to back preparing for Wide-Legged Forward Bend, with your feet about 3 ft apart, and about 6-8 inches between you and your partner's heels (you need room for your tushes once you fold forward).
Both partners bring their hands to their hips. Take a deep inhale and then lengthen through the spine, tucking the tailbone under. As you exhale, fold forward at the hips, extending the crown of your head down towards the ground.
Reach your arms through your legs and grab onto your partner's wrists. Stay here for as long as you both want, and as you get deeper into the pose, you can reach further up towards your partner's forearms and triceps.
Release the pose when you're both ready by placing your hands on your hips, and rising up to stand as you inhale.

Fit's Tips: You can also do this pose with your tushes touching, but that can be a little too uncomfortably close for some people. If you know your partner pretty well, try it and see which variation you like better.

Source

Get Physical: Partner Yoga for the Bride and Groom

FitSugar — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Since wedding planning can be really hectic, why not relieve some stress by trying something new with your fiancé? When yoga poses are done with another, especially someone you care about, they can relax your mind, open your heart and deepen your connection. Yoga is great on your own, but when you practice Partner Yoga, you can achieve what you never could alone.

Interested? Check out the yoga studios in your area to see if they offer special Partner Yoga classes or workshops. It's a great way to learn partner poses from an actual instructor so you can ask questions and get help with alignment. Plus, with the two of you in the class, when you're at home practicing together, you can help each other remember how to do the poses (two memories are better than one!).

Can't find a class? Then

Lovers' Yoga

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 03:00:00 -0800

Yoga can benefit everyone's body and soul, but it can also strengthen relationships. Now that Valentine's Day is coming up, surprise your favorite person with something besides chocolate and flowers. Give the gift of an experience that you two can share, that will deepen your bond and open your hearts.

Check out this partner yoga book called Lovers' Yoga: Soothing Stretches for Two. The charming little illustrations make the poses look easy to do, so you can start right away to indulge in nurturing, soothing partner exercises to relax, rejuvenate, and bring you both a deeper loving relationship.

You can purchase this book for only $9.95 from Amazon.com. This little handbook outlines 60 surprisingly simple stretches organized into 5 chapters — Playful, Powerful, Peaceful, Patient, and Passionate. The exercises build on one another, so couples can do one stretch, a chapter sequence, or the entire book from beginning to end. Whether time allows for a few minutes or a few hours, Lovers' Yoga aims to renew your connection and reignite the passion.

Get Physical: Double Dog Pose

FitSugar — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 12:00:00 -0800

Give this Partner Yoga Pose a try the next time you're practicing with a friend.

Double Dog

Partner #1 gets into Down Dog position, while Partner #2 stands on the left side of Partner #1.
Partner #2 places their hands about 8 to 12 inches in front of Partner #2's hands.
Partner #2 lifts their right leg and places their foot directly below Partner #1's right hip bone. Then they bring their left foot up and place it below Partner #2's left hip, cupping each side of Partner #1's hips with their feet. Partner #2 is basically doing Down Dog on top of their partner. Hence the name - Double Dog.
To dismount, Partner #2 slowly shifts their weight off and places one leg down to the ground, and then the other.
Switch roles so you each get a turn to do both.

Fit's Tip: To learn more, see if any studios in your area offer Partner Yoga classes or workshops.