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There are quite a few poses such as
the Headstand, Viparita Karani, Shoulder Stand,
Paschimottanasana, even Ushtrasana, Janu Sirshasana,
Parivritta Trikonasana, to name a few in which
practitioners could do with a bit of assistance.
When you team up with another yogi, keep in mind that
everyone has a different level of skill and
flexibility. There may also be some underlying
conditions, such as back injuries, problems with
carpal tunnel, and other maladies that prohibit
individuals from performing the same postures.
Take the time to review some basic asanas with one
another, such as the foundational ones found in Hatha
yoga. After practicing poses familiar to the both of
you, move on to poses that are more challenging to do
with someone by your side.
Always respect the body’s limitations, and never force
a pose. Remember, the overall goal of performing yoga
together is the improved mental, physical, and
emotional wellbeing of everyone involved.
Another benefit of doing Partner Yoga poses is that
you are actually able to gauge your progress. True a
Yoga teacher or instructor will be able to help. But
in a class, oftentimes it becomes difficult –
sometimes even impossible, in large classes – to
monitor the progress of students. This is where doing
Partner Yoga poses helps. In fact, it would be a far
better idea to latch on to a long-term, if not a
permanent partner.
Partner Yoga poses don’t have to be restricted to
asanas (poses) alone. You can assist each other in
breathing exercises (Pranayama) and take turns in
observing and telling whether the other is breathing
abdominally, as prescribed in Yoga or not. |