The body floats in the air, held securely by the partner. Yoga with a partner is a wonderful way to deepen your relationship, build trust, and spend time together in meditation. The exercises are varied and range from relaxing stretches to strenuous asanas.
There are exercises for yoga beginners as well as for experienced yogis. So don't be afraid.
and just try weightless yoga!
Discover the positive effects of partner yoga
Have you ever watched two people practicing partner yoga? There's something graceful and acrobatic about the two of them practicing various exercises with complete confidence. Doing yoga together will have several positive effects. Many yoga exercises require a good amount of trust. After all, your partner often has to bear your entire weight. This strengthens the foundation of trust, and you merge into one.
Even if you feel like you can't hold an asana for much longer, your partner can motivate you to hold on a little longer.
Mutual motivation creates feelings of happiness that benefit the relationship.
By the way: When you think of partner yoga, do you immediately think of a couple in love? Of course, that's possible, but it doesn't have to be! Partner yoga is also ideal for friends or close friends.
Positive effects of yoga with a partner:
• trust is strengthened
• Exercises can be intensified
• You get to know your body in a new way
• mutual motivation
• varied asanas
• You learn to engage with the other person
• you create shared experiences
• You merge with your partner into one unit
Yoga with a partner: the basics of Acroyoga
Yoga with partner
Have you ever come across the term Acroyoga? This relatively new yoga style was developed in the USA and combines yoga with elements of acrobatics and the lightness of flying. Acroyoga can only be practiced by two people together, as it always requires a "base" and a "flyer." The base is the part that lies on the ground and supports itself. The flyer benefits from the
Lightness, because it is held in the air by the base.
Play it safe at the beginning: Assistance from a third person
As a beginner, a third person (the "spotter") should be present for support. Especially at the beginning, you need to learn to correctly assess your strength and maintain your balance. A specially trained yoga instructor can support you until you feel confident enough. However, these classes are often offered under the general term "partner yoga," as acroyoga is a protected term that only certified yoga instructors may use.
What is important in partner yoga?
Whether you're a beginner or advanced, partnered yoga requires the same prerequisites. Many exercises will likely be easier for you if you already have yoga experience or your body is flexible. But even as a beginner, the world of partner yoga is open to you. Just approach the yoga exercises slowly and find what works for both of you and is enjoyable.
What you should bring for partner yoga:
• no fear of contact
• tight yoga clothing with good freedom of movement
• a person who can keep your weight stable
• a little courage for the exercises in the air
• a non-slip yoga mat
3 yoga exercises for two people
We've compiled three yoga poses for you that you, as a beginner or advanced yogi, can easily practice with a trusted partner. Stay in the pose only for as long as is comfortable for both of you. To get started and as a gentle warm-up, you can practice the sun salutation a few times at your own pace.
Yoga Exercise 1: The Acroyoga Basic Pose
In this yoga exercise, it's very important that you actively balance yourself. The exercise only works when both of you are in balance. If the basic posture is easy for you, you can make the exercise more challenging by extending both of your hands out to the sides of your body.
One person lies on their back on the yoga mat and raises their legs to their partner's hip height. The feet are now placed diagonally on the pelvic bones. Before the "flyer" takes off, you support yourself with your hands. Now the "base" carefully brings the partner up
Above. The legs should not be fully extended to protect the knees. The "flyer" requires very good body tension to maintain balance.
This is how the basic posture works: training balance, strengthening the whole body
Yoga Exercise 2: The Joint Handstand
Both people move into downward dog. The second person stands with their legs to the left of the first person's shoulders. The shoulders are as relaxed as possible. Now the second person lifts their right foot and places it on the right pelvic bone of person 1. Then the left foot is placed on the left pelvic bone. The legs are now straight. Once a good balance is found,
Once you've done that, you can alternately stretch your legs straight up in the air for 30 seconds each. Don't forget to breathe!
This is how the handstand works: Training balance, strengthening arms and legs
Yoga Exercise 3: The Windmill
Last but not least, we'll introduce you to a somewhat more acrobatic exercise. Here, it's important that the person carrying the person has enough strength to support the person flying. Good body tension is also required.
A yogi stands with his legs wide apart on the yoga mat. A secure stance is very important here. He then bends forward with a straight back, and his partner lies on top. You are now back to back. Once both have found a good balance, stretch your arms out to the sides. The shoulders are relaxed and the palms touching. The flying person now lifts their legs off the floor and stretches them in a V.
of themselves.
This is how the windmill works: Training balance, strengthening back and legs
At the end of the yoga session, you can meditate together or enter Shavasana and breathe deeply and consciously for 5 minutes at your own pace. Feel how your body feels together and share the experiences you've just had.
Have you ever tried partner yoga? What positive effects do you notice? And what's your favorite exercise? Feel free to leave us a comment!
