When most people think of yoga, they tend to think of it as a solitary practice. They envision lots of individuals on their mats in a yoga class setting. There is a misconception that yoga is a stand-alone or solo practice. The reality is much different. You may be interested in finding some yoga poses you can do as a couple, either with a partner, friend, or significant other. Here are a few of the poses you can start with now and others you can work your way up to with time.

Supported Lotus

The supported lotus pose is one of the easiest to achieve in a partner stance. This pose is simple enough. Both participants sit in the lotus position with their backs touching. This pose allows them to have the benefits of the meditative lotus pose while keeping each other in a straight or posture-positive position. It is a great place to start or end a daily yoga routine and can help both people with meditation and energy flow.

Forward and Back Bend

You perform the forward and back bend in the lotus position. This pose can help you quickly flow from the lotus position into the next pose if you prefer no breaks and reduced movement during poses. Stay in the lotus position and begin the forward back bend by having one of you lean forward while the other rests back to back and performs a back bend. You can do this standing as well for a deeper stretch.

Buddy Boat Pose

The buddy boat pose is a bit more advanced, but it can be fun and work the leg muscles. Participants sit a bit apart and face each other. They put their feet together sole to sole with their partners. Then raise the feet, so the legs make a triangle with the feet at the top. Angle back on the rear and hold hands on either side of the legs. This creates a boat and sail look. Participants can then begin rocking slowly to help stretch their legs or raise their legs and arms to create the stretch.

If these partner yoga poses are of interest, practitioners can expand their knowledge and routine poses by attending partner classes. Many yoga studios offer them, though they may be less frequently offered than solitary or traditional yoga practice classes.