Yoga Poses For 2

Given that the word "yoga" literally means "union," it's only natural that the practice has evolved to include a number of poses that couples can do together. If you already have a hatha yoga practice, incorporating couples yoga with your significant other can take things to a whole new level, allowing you to connect on a deeper level.

If you haven't done yoga before, starting with a partner can help you get and stay motivated, while also working through some of the inhibitions that newcomers may experience. Best of all, it has the potential to significantly deepen and improve your relationship.

"Doing poses together builds trust, strength, and intimacy—all the components of a relationship," says Patti Asad, a yoga instructor and teacher trainer at Yogaworks in Los Angeles. "As you and your partner begin to move together and synchronize your breath," she continues, "it creates a very intimate flow that enhances the sexual energy between the two of you."

Here is a list of yoga poses for two, arranged from easiest to most difficult, that can improve the state of your relationship. Begin your practice session by sitting across from each other in a comfortable cross-legged position with your knees touching. Place one hand on your heart, then reach across and place your other hand on your partner's heart-shaped hand. Begin breathing in and out together, synchronizing your inhalations and exhalations. You can close your eyes or try some eye gazing—or a little of both. You can begin to move into the poses once you feel centered and connected.

Reach out and grab each other's forearms while sitting cross-legged and facing each other with your knees touching. Inhale and rock back and forth for a few moments to find a comfortable balance. Both partners then arch their backs, raising their hearts to the sky. If it's more comfortable for you, you can tilt your head back. Exhaling, both partners draw their chins to their chests, rounding their backs and gazing at the navel. Repeat for several minutes, paying attention to your breathing and feeling your neck, shoulder, and back muscles flex and relax.

Begin in the same seated position as before. Each partner crosses his or her arms and grabs the hands or wrists of the other. One partner twists to the right, pulling the other into an opposite-direction twist. The opposing motion will draw each partner deeper into his or her twist. Move with the breath and focus on establishing a give-and-take balance that is comfortable for both of you.

Begin by sitting back-to-back on the floor or a comfortable mat for this one. One partner bends forward, keeping the back straight and the knees bent, hands grasping the feet with arms outside the legs (easy), inside the legs (slightly more difficult), or threaded outside the thighs but inside the calves (harder still, for maximum stretch). The other partner leans against the back of the person who is bending forward, chest expanded, arms spread out, knees bent, feet together, and thighs apart. Breathe together for a few breaths in this pose, then switch positions.

This is a nonsexual, but still sensual, variation on a posture seen frequently in Tantric art and iconography. In Tibetan, the name yab yum literally means "mother father." The more powerful partner sits cross-legged on the floor or a comfortable mat. The strongest foundation will be provided if this partner can get into full lotus posture, with both feet resting on the knees, but any cross-legged posture will work. The other partner then sits on top of the first partner's thighs, her or his ankles crossed behind the seated partner's back. Both partners should keep their spines straight and their foreheads (the spiritual "third eye") should be touching. Breathe together, with your eyes closed or closed, or with your gaze fixed on something.

Begin by facing each other in a seated position. Each partner grasps the wrists of the other. Each partner bends his or her knees and presses the soles of his or her feet against the soles of their partner's feet. Both partners then attempt to straighten and move their legs upward. If everything is working properly, the two should form the shape of a W. (As seen in the image at the top.)