Yoga BLOG

The benefits of practicing yoga in a group or with a partner Those who practice yoga want to get the most out of it. The physical exercises don't necessarily have to be performed alone. There are numerous options where the asanas are practiced in pairs or in groups. In this article, you'll learn about the positive effects you can reap in this setting. 1. Why practice yoga in groups or partnerships? First of all, we'd like to explain what yoga in partnership or in a group is all about. This form of yoga involves practicing various yoga postures with your partner or a larger group, such as your friends, family, or acquaintances. As you probably know, yoga strengthens holistic health. Body, mind, and soul are brought into harmony, and you and all the other participating yogis benefit from profound harmony within your own body system. Those who want to strengthen the bond between several people or within a partnership can choose shared activities. These include meetings in restaurants, bars, in nature, or on the mat at home or in a studio. 2. Benefits for health and well-being Movement is good for the entire system, and you'll benefit even more if you practice with others. It doesn't matter whether you do the exercises in pairs, five, or six—the atmosphere you create is something you'll hardly be able to achieve alone. On the other hand, you can also have wonderful experiences with yoga alone: This is especially true if you want to sink deep into yourself and invite peace into your body, mind, and soul. In the following section, we explain the positive effects of practicing yoga together: a. Physical benefits of group yoga classes The different types of yoga have various effects on physical health – including partner or group yoga. First and foremost, it's about continually pushing your own physical limits. For many people, this is much easier when practicing together. Motivation and encouragement are usually higher in a group setting. Otherwise, regular practice has the following effects on the body: Strengthening tendons and ligaments The muscles are stretched and mobilized Pain can be reduced by practicing the right yoga exercises The limits of one’s own body are expanded The awareness of one’s own body increases and the inner body voice becomes louder – this can improve well-being Of course, the physical effects depend on the style of yoga. For example, practicing Kundalini Yoga strengthens the energy distribution within your body, unlike Yin Yoga, where you primarily achieve flexibility in the various muscle groups. Hatha Yoga is another type of yoga that can be practiced in pairs or with several yogis. b. Mental and emotional benefits of partner or group yoga In addition to the physical effects mentioned above, regular yoga practice will bring you many other positive effects – you will see that the relationship between you and your partner, your friends, your family, or your acquaintances changes. The following advantages can be experienced: Trust builds. If, for example, your relationship isn't working well or there's a lack of trust, practicing yoga together can be a great way to strengthen that trust. You learn to communicate your needs and express your boundaries. This has a direct impact on your interpersonal relationships in everyday life—whether with your partner, friends, or acquaintances. You can perceive your needs more sensitively and at the same time have more understanding for the needs of others. The interpersonal relationship can be deepened and a whole new level can be reached. Of course, through regular yoga, you get to know your partner on a deeper, more emotional level. Shared activities such as yoga, meditation or other activities strengthen cohesion. Those who meditate together on the cushion experience a deeper connection. Who can practice partner yoga? Theoretically, there are no restrictions. Anyone interested can practice this type of yoga. Age and fitness levels are also not exclusion criteria. In principle, almost any style of yoga can be practiced in pairs. However, fascia yoga, for example, is not suitable for this. It's important that both yogis have a similar fitness level, so they can perform the same flows. Otherwise, they can, of course, adapt and find common exercises. Those with children can include them. Important: Yoga is never about performance, but about joy, depth, strength and willpower. If you are unsure, a class in the studio could help you overcome your initial fears and enjoy professional guidance through various exercises in pairs or with others. What else should be considered? If you want to practice partner yoga, you should set a fixed time each day to practice. This ensures you don't forget. If you don't have time every day, you can of course practice it just two or three times a week. The place where yoga is practiced should be comfortable and offer sufficient space. Water, tea, comfortable clothing, a sturdy yoga mat, a cushion, and other props may be provided. The yoga sequence should conclude with a shared meditation, sitting close to your partner. Deep breathing can also be helpful to sink even deeper into calm. Which exercises are suitable for beginners? There are many asanas that can be practiced in pairs or with others. We'll show you two particularly great ones that you can incorporate right away. a) the tree Here, you stand next to your partner, hip to hip. Then, hug your partner with your inner arm. At the same time, lift your outer leg and try to maintain balance. b) Seated forward bend (straddle) For this exercise, sit on the floor and spread your legs. Once both of you have done this, you can touch your heels. Now try to lower your upper body as far as possible. Have you ever practiced yoga with a partner? If so, what was the experience like for you?