Something I am looking forward to this semester is teaching partner yoga classes. I instructed a partner yoga class earlier this year, and it was a different experience from the normal yoga classes I teach. From this class I noticed a number of benefits of adding partner yoga into your own personal yoga practice.

1. You go physically deeper- Partner yoga is a great way to expand your personal yoga practice because you have someone assisting you with physical adjustments. If anyone has ever experienced adjustments from a well-trained yoga instructor, you understand just how amazing it feels to be gently guided deeper into a posture. With partner yoga, the instructor directs your partner how to safely and effectively help you deepen many of your poses. It is almost like having a private instructor!
2. You build trust and communication- These two qualities are inevitable in a partner yoga class. When you’re depending on your partner to help you maintain or adjust a specific posture, you have to trust and communicate with him or her. As you work together you’re simultaneously strengthening the relationship between you and your partner. Developing these qualities is something that you can carry with you off the mat into your relationship outside of class.
3.  You exercise while spending time with a friend or loved one- Sometimes it is difficult to set aside time to both exercise and spend time with someone. I know there are certain times throughout my semester when I am so busy with schoolwork I find myself having to chose between physically exercising or hanging out with a friend. Not only can I do both with partner yoga, but I am also accountable to show up for class because you can’t do partner yoga without a partner! Oftentimes it is when we find ourselves feeling so overwhelmed from the busyness of life that we need partner yoga to take a mental break.
4. It is FUN to do yoga with a partner- Partner yoga isn’t meant to be overly structured; it is meant to be lively and fun! It is entertaining to explore various postures with your partner. Balancing in a posture with someone else is often more challenging than balancing in a posture on your own, but this adds a different and playful aspect to your yoga practice. You might fall out of a pose, but you’re not alone. With partner yoga there is room for experimenting and laughing.

Partner yoga isn’t just for romantic couples; this practice is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy time with a friend while challenging themselves physically and mentally. I will be teaching two partner yoga classes this semester, Monday and Wednesday from 8:45-9:45 am. Come try this wonderful practice with me and my co-teacher, Hannah!