How do you make yoga doubly fun? Do partner yoga poses, of course! Here are 5 awesome postures you can do, grouped together in one great tutorial.

Can we make yoga even more fun? That’s one of the questions I always ask every time I plan my class. I want it to be pleasing, memorable, and great to make sure students come back and stick to the practice. The answer is a resounding yes! And do you know what else I learned? You can double the fun and creativity when you do partner yoga poses.

5 Fun Partner Yoga Poses Tutorial

Cool Yoga Postures Best Shared With Someone

This is a short partner yoga poses tutorial from Barry Ennis. All these asanas are definitely something you can do as long as you have excellent concentration to improve your flexibility and core strength. Yet if you fail the first, second, or nth time, it doesn’t matter. Our goal here is to have fun! (It’s a bonus we get to see Dubai’s pride too. How cool is that?)

Shall we begin? We shall!

1. Wide-Legged Straddle Pose

The Wide-Legged Straddle is a nice stretch for the back and hamstrings. You’ll use these muscles extensively as we proceed with the partner yoga poses tutorial.

Directions: Sit in opposite directions with your legs wide open. Hold each other’s arms while your partner places his feet a little above your ankles to give your hamstrings great resistance. As you lean forward, your partner pulls you as he/she leans backward. Hold for about 15 seconds and switch.

2. Yoga Box Pose

This partner yoga pose is called the Box or the Jedi Plank. This requires a strong core of the base and balance of the flyer as the base rises up and gets into an L or sit-up position. It’s challenging, yes, but it’s a good way to test and enhance focus, balance, and strength altogether.

Directions: The base lies down comfortably and flat. The flyer gets into a plank position using the base’s legs for support. The base then holds the legs of the flyer and tries to lift herself up, changing the flyer’s position into a pike. Hold the sitting position for 10 seconds.

To see this lift in action, check this out!

3. Double Downward-Facing Dog Pose

Don’t be intimidated by this pose. Even teens and children can do it! Not to mention, it’s really fun. I get plenty of giggles when we do this in my yoga class for kids.

Directions: Get into a Downward-Facing Dog position by standing straight then slowly bending your body until your hands touch the surface. With your knees slightly bent, straighten your legs to get a nice soothing feeling on your hamstring and back. Engage your core. Your partner then does the same, placing his feet on your hip bone for support. Hold for 20 seconds. Then from this position, your partner can perform the . . .

Handstand!

4. Back Leaf Pose

We’re almost done! Of course, a partner yoga poses tutorial won’t be complete without some acro yoga. This is the Back Leaf, and while it appears difficult, it’s a common posture. It needs strong legs, an engaged core, and a lot of trust.

Directions: Your partner lies comfortably and flat while you stand with your back on him. Slowly you move closer until he can reach for your hands and guides you toward his feet. He places his feet on your hip bone and gently lifts you up. To make the most of it, let go of his hand and enjoy the freedom and balance. Hold for 10 seconds.

5. L-Sit Hang Pose

Whew! That was intense, right? Good thing we’ve come to the last pose. This one is called the L Hang. It is still an acro yoga pose that demands strong arms, legs, back, and abdomen. Yup, that’s a lot, but again, don’t worry about it yet. As you practice yoga, you will gain strength.

Directions: The base lies comfortably and flat while the flyer stands on the lower part of the base. The base then raises his legs while the flyer leans and places her arms on the feet. The base lifts his legs and the flyer. Using the base’s legs as a strong support, the flyer extends her legs to the front, engaging the muscles of her thighs. Hold for 10 seconds. If you can, switch positions.

Want to see how these fun partner yoga poses look like? Watch this video:

How was the experience? Did you have fits of laughter? I told you so! And while the video was shot at the beach, you can do these anywhere, including your own backyard. Add these partner yoga poses to your list of outdoor activities with friends and family.

Do you know crazy partner yoga poses? Let me know in the Comments section. I’d love to include them here. To give you more reasons to try these, here’s a tip. 

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Featured image via kadrikurgunyoga