Partner yoga is a practice that uses a partnering system. The pairs work together and support each other in the poses. Partner yoga uses asanas that have been modified to perform with a partner, which are different than the asanas you are used to practicing.
In addition to yoga asana, elements of martial arts are integrated into the classes. Pranayama breathing techniques are combined with movement to enhance the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of the practice.
Partner yoga offers many of the same benefits of traditional yoga class, including improvements in strength, flexibility, focus and the many physical and emotional benefits of yoga. The relaxation, stress relief and calming benefits are the same, whether you practice alone or with a partner.
However, partner yoga has additional benefits as well. Working with a partner in the asanas helps with proper alignment. Working together helps maintain focus and balance in the asanas.
Touch and reliance on your partner are central to this practice. For couples, this is effective for staying connected and increasing intimacy. However, for this type of yoga is not necessary for partners to be romantic partners. The partners can be friends or a parent and child, as well as couples.
Partner yoga brings additional emotional benefits to the students. Working with a partner allows each person to experience a range of healthy emotions, such as nurturing, love and acceptance. Working together on the mat forges bonds and builds trust.
A variety of asanas and sequences are used in partner yoga classes. Both people work together to perform the asanas and offer assistance with balance for challenging asanas. In this way, the partners rely on each other, rather than props to move into and out of various poses.
Contact the yoga studios in your area to find partner yoga classes near you. If there are no classes available and you want to practice with a friend or your life partner, look online for DVD practices to use at home.