Traqade
You may be well aware of the various health benefits of yoga for you individually. But have you ever given thought to how much of an asset it can also prove to be to you and your partner? Partner poses are fun, yes, but they are also a great way to connect with your partner better. Practise some of the following poses at home and watch your relationship heat up on and off the mat!
Down Dog/Backbend: For this, one of you have to get into the Downward Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana). Then, the other partner positions their feet on either side of their partner’s hands and use their hands to lower themselves onto their partner’s back. Then, the partner on top stretches their arms overhead, letting their weight fall back onto their partner. This should feel great for both of you. Hold the pose for several breaths before trading places.
Forward Bend/Backbend: One partner, take a seated forward bend, either bound angle pose (Baddha Konasana) or, for greater intensity, seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana). Other partner, sit on your seated partner’s lower back and recline into a back bend. Then take your arms up and out into cactus position. Your seated partner can gently reach up and pull your wrists forward to add a shoulder opener. Hold for about 10 breaths before trading places.
Hand-holding Seated Twist: Both of you sit in a comfortable cross-legged seated position, (Sukhasana) facing each other. Inhale and lengthen your spine up and away from your tailbone. Then exhale and each of you twist toward your right, reaching your right arm behind your back to take hold of your partner’s left hand and your left arm out to take your partner’s right hand. Help each other deepen the twist by gently pulling on your hands.
Corpse Pose: One person start by lying in Corpse Pose (Savasana). Other partner, kneel between their legs in a stable position. While your partner begins to bring awareness to their breath, noticing whether it’s short or long, deep or shallow, press straight down on one of their upper thighs while reaching under their other hip to pull up on their lower back. After a few breaths, switch sides.
