Couples yoga became so popular in the past few years.
And there’s a damn good reason why – IT’S SO MUCH FUN!
So, today we are going through every single detail you need to know to start couples yoga as a beginner.
It’s may look challenging and a bit scary at first, but once you get going, you’ll never want to stop.
Without further ado, let’s jump right into it.
*** If you are looking for a meal plan to spice up your yoga classes and lose weight at the same time, head on to check out my 28-day meal plan.
Beginners Guide To Couples Yoga
*What You Should Know Before You Start*
You Are A Beginner
For starters, just make sure to approach it as a beginner.
Practicing yoga with a partner is not as fun as it looks if you are starting off with the wrong poses.
Even if you are not a beginner in yoga, you’ll still have to start as a beginner when you are approaching the couples yoga.
This is mainly because it’s a totally different experience, with a whole lot of new skills you are going to grow during your practice.
It’s all about teamwork.
Just start slow, with the first few easy yoga poses, before moving onto advanced.
We’ll get to them in a minute.
Learn To Get Comfortable
There will be contact and a lot of touching with your yoga partner.
It’s easier if you do it with your bestie or with your significant other.
However, if you decide to start attending yoga classes, be prepared to get in contact with someone you don’t know that well.
The faster you get comfortable, the easier it would be.
So, loosen up your boundaries and train yourself to get comfortable when touching a complete stranger.
Communication Is Key
Verbal communication is key when trying out yoga for two.
If something feels good and is working for you, make sure to let your partner know.
Also, do it the other way around too.
If they don’t speak up, ask them how is it working for them.
This will help you improve and make the partners yoga a much better experience in general.
Learn To Trust And Let Go
You have to put trust in your yoga partner, so don’t be afraid to do so.
Trust that your partner is here for you. If you fall down, both of you will fall down and will get right back up.
To be honest, this is something I struggled with the most when I was trying out couples yoga.
Those moments when it was hard for me to determine where am I in space (being upside down for example) were pretty scary for me.
I was so tight and couldn’t let go, mainly because I have a fear of heights, but also because I wasn’t trusting my partner and myself completely.
Once you learn to trust and let go, all of that unknown will allow you to explore your body from a completely different perspective.
The trust you allow yourself to feel while being suspended in the air by someone, or pulling away, takes a lot of courage, and a little bit of trust in yourself as well.
So, learn to trust in yourself first, and in your partner, so you could really learn to let go.
Partners Yoga For Beginners
Beginners Easy Yoga Poses For Two People
Partners yoga can be pretty challenging, but, we’re starting with some basic and easy yoga poses for two people, before moving on to some advanced moves
These first few poses are great for beginners, and you don’t really need to be a yoga expert to get through them.
They are the ones you should begin, since they’ll make sure to get in the mood and prepare you for what’s coming next.
Just keep in mind to always listen to your body, have fun and don’t do anything that hurts.
Let’s get started!
#1 Seated Breathing Pose
I know what you’re probably thinking right now :)
But, please don’t skip this one, because believe it or not, it’s the perfect warm-up pose.
So, simply get into a sitting pose with your backs against each other, and just breathe.
Try to synchronize your breathing patterns and relax.
#2 Seated Twist Pose
Now, from the breathing pose, start going into a twist.
Twist your torso, while touching your right knee with your left arm, and your partner’s left knee with your right arm.
Stay in this pose for 10 breaths, before moving on to the other side.
*Important Note: Don’t forget to keep your smile on, throughout the whole movement :)
#3 Temple Pose
You’ll have to stand up for this next pose.
Start by facing each other in a standing position.
Your feet should be under your hips while you extend your arms overhead, and begin to hinge them forward until you meet hands with your partner.
Start going into a forward fold, bringing your elbows, forearms, and hands to rest against your partners.
Release your chest and belly toward the floor, making sure to rest equal weight against each other.
#4 Standing Forward Fold
Another ‘basic’ one is the standing forward fold.
Start by standing back to back with your partner.
Raise your arms up to touch, and start hinging into a forward fold.
Usually, you’ll touch your feet or the ground in front of you, however, when doing it with your partner you can hold hands or elbows.
Don’t forget to exchange a smile :)
#5 Twin Tree Pose
Now, this is where it gets a bit more challenging on the balance and steadiness.
Start by standing next to each other, shoulder to shoulder, with your feet around hip-width apart.
Your inside leg should be on the floor, holding your weight and making sure you keep your balance, while you slowly lift your other leg, bending it at the knee and placing the sole of your foot against the inside of your thigh.
If you are not comfortable with your balance, place it on the inside of your lower leg.
However, avoid placing it against the inside of your knee, so either up or down from your knee.
Hold each other together with your arms in front, and with the touching arms facing above your head.
#6 Twisty Side Stretch
The next one is the twisty side stretch.
You’re basically going into a wide leg forward fold, but instead of placing your hands in front of you, twist to touch your left foot with your right palm.
Your partner goes the opposite way, touching the right foot with the left arm.
Extend your other arm up, trying to meet your partner’s palm.
Stay for 5-6 breaths, before moving on to the other side.
* This feels amazing on your back and hammies :)
#7 Double Boat Pose
Here’s another beginner pose that’s a bit challenging for the hammies and the core.
What you should do is sit facing one another.
Bend your knees, press soles of feet together, and grasp each other’s hands.
Keep your feet together as you slowly start leaning back, lengthening your legs and reaching your feet upward into a boat pose.
If this feels like too much, try this moderation for beginners:
* Photo credit: Om & The City
Are You Killin’ It?!
Do you feel these 7 easy yoga poses for two people are too easy for you?
No worries! We’re just getting ready for the fun ones :)
These next few easy yoga poses for two people are a bit more challenging but are still great for beginners.
Just remember to stay confident, believe in yourself, and take it slow.
#8 Double Dancer Pose
Of course, the dancer’s pose!
You’d be working on stretching your leg muscles, core and glutes, while keeping it balanced at the same time.
Start by standing, facing your partner with about 2 feet between you.
Start raising your right arm overhead, at the same time, bringing your palms to meet in the middle.
This will help both of you with balance.
Grab your left ankle, at the same time with your partner, and start bringing your foot to your bottom.
Begin to bend at the waist toward each other, pressing into your hands and guiding your foot up toward the sky.
Take a deep breath, calm your mind, find your balance and keep it like this for up to 10 breaths
#9 Supported Child Pose
Now here comes the fun part!
The next pose on my list of easy yoga poses for two people is the supported child pose.
Here’s how to do it…
Go into a child pose, placing your buttocks on your heels, knees spread, laying your torso down between your legs.
Extending your arms out in front of you and breathe.
Your partner slowly leans backward, sits on your lower back, and laying on top of you from the head to the hips and lower back.
Your partner’s weight will allow you to sink much deeper into the stretch.
Take a few deep breaths, before changing positions the other way around.
#10 Double Bridge Pose
Your partner is getting ready for a bridge pose, but with the back still flat on the floor and the hands reaching for the heels.
You also prepare to take a bridge pose with the shins outside your partners.
Extend the arms to take hold of your partner’s hands.
Then, press the triceps down, lifting your hips slowly. They should take place the soles of the feet on top of your partner’s thighs, directly above the knees.
As you press them and keep them in place, your partner should start lifting up to bridge pose.
Stay in this pose for about 5-10 breaths, before changing positions with your partner.
#11 Double Down Dog
The double down dog is where things are starting to get a bit spicier.
Here’s how to do it:
Your partner begins in a downward dog pose and stays in this pose for the rest of the movement.
You start by approaching from the side, facing the same direction as your partner.
Place your hands just in front of your partner’s, and start slowly lifting up your legs, stepping your feet onto the lower back of your partner.
Straighten the legs to create the down dog shape.
Stay in this pose for 5-7 breaths.
* This pose works amazingly in lengthening the spine and the hamstrings while allowing you to gain focus.
#12 Square Pose
This Instagram-worthy pose will not only look amazing, but it promotes flexibility and strength.
You are basically upside down, forming a ‘square’ shape with the help of your friend.
There are a few ways to dive into this pose, but I find this one to be the easiest.
Since this is a pretty tricky one to perform, make sure to check out the video before trying it out.
Also, a tip, I find it easier if my hands are on the floor instead of keeping them on my partner’s ankles.
Now it’s your turn!!!
Head on to try out these easy yoga poses for two people right now!
If you don’t have a partner that is into yoga, make sure to share these poses with your besties, and challenge them to try them out with you.
Working out and breaking a sweat is much more fun when you do it with some company.
Don’t forget to let me know which is your favorite one of the yoga poses for two people, and what’s your overall experience in couples yoga in the comment section below.
Till next time, babes!
xo
Monica
The practice of Yoga is necessary for everyone. In this article, you have described every position with two people is too good. Thanks for sharing an important article with us. Please keep it up.