| Yoga is a form of physical and mental exercise that | | | | same pose at the same time, the two partners |
| is ever increasing in popularity. There are a wide | | | | intertwining to create one pose, or one partner |
| variety of types of yoga, all designed to balance the | | | | supporting the other in their pose. They focus on |
| mind, body and spirit. The most popular in the | | | | building trust and sensitivity to your partner's needs. |
| western world is hatha yoga, which concentrates on | | | | Most of the asanas used in partner yoga are |
| physical poses or asanas, and breathing control or | | | | traditional poses with some adaptations to make |
| pranayana. | | | | them suitable for two people. Performing asanas with |
| Asanas are individual poses designed to increase your | | | | a partner can create more of a challenge than |
| flexibility, strengthen your muscles, and often have | | | | performing them alone, as the partners may differ in |
| the welcome effect of limiting the build up of fat. | | | | ability, flexibility, weight, height and experience. A |
| Each asana focuses on a particular area of the body | | | | certain amount of creativity and exploration may be |
| by increasing blood flow to that area and improving | | | | necessary to make the asana work. |
| function of certain organs. Each individual requires a | | | | On the other hand, the support provided by their |
| specific program of asanas to address their own | | | | partner can help people to tackle more complex and |
| personal needs. | | | | demanding asanas. This can enhance the effects of |
| In addition to the physical benefits of yoga asanas, | | | | the asana, increasing blood flow and energy into the |
| they can bring psychological rewards. They are | | | | targeted body area. |
| designed to promote relaxation, and to reduce stress | | | | Partner yoga has some other advantages over |
| levels. They teach concentration without tension and | | | | traditional individual yoga in that it promotes fun, |
| calmness of mind. | | | | laughter and creativity as well as relaxation, |
| Although most people think of yoga as a solitary | | | | concentration and balance. It can be very rewarding |
| activity, many yoga schools now offer classes for | | | | to share your yoga experience with another person, |
| partner yoga. Generally your partner will be someone | | | | particularly if that person is your partner in life as well |
| you already know such as your spouse or friend. | | | | as yoga. |
| Partner yoga can help to deepen your relationship | | | | Depending on the asanas used, partner yoga can be |
| with this person and create new levels of intimacy. | | | | very intimate and loving and is ideal for couple trying |
| However, many people prefer go to partner yoga | | | | to reconnect and regain closeness in their relationship. |
| classes alone and meet up with a new partner each | | | | A partner yoga workshop makes a great romantic |
| time. | | | | gift for a birthday or anniversary, or can just be a |
| During a partner yoga class a number of asanas are | | | | fun alternative to the usual night in front of the |
| performed. These can involve both people doing the | | | | television. |