Partner Yoga can be a good way to integrate new techniques into your own traditional routine. Try the following exercises for a little extra challenge for you and your Yoga partner.

Partner seated twist

The partner seated twist rejuvenates the spine and stimulates the abdominal organs and digestion.

  1. Sit on the floor in a comfortable position, back to back with your partner.

  2. Both of you raise your right hands and put them on your own left knees, palm down.

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  3. Both of you move your left arms out to the left as far possible, and then place that arm palm down on your partner’s right knee.

  4. Take a deep breath together and, as you exhale, twist to your left as far as you comfortably can.

  5. Stay for 4 to 5 breaths, and then repeat Steps 1 through 4 on the other side.

As you perform the partner seated twist pose, think of lengthening through the top of your head and then rotating your spine and shoulders.

Avoid this pose if it causes back pain.

Easy partner camel

The easy partner camel extends the back and stretches the abdomen, chest, and throat. It also stimulates the organs in the abdomen and neck.

  1. Sit on the floor in a comfortable posture, back to back with your partner.

  2. One partner places her hands on the floor in front of her, while the other partner places her hands on her own knees.

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  3. The partner with her hands on her knees simply leans backward while the other partner bends forward, sliding her hands forward on the floor.

  4. Communicate about how far you each want to bend, and then stay in the final posture for 4 to 5 breaths.

  5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4, switching direction and hand positions.

Avoid this pose if it causes back or neck pain.

You can make this pose more challenging by hooking bent elbows with your partner.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book authors:

Larry Payne, PhD, is the founding president of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and was named one of America’s most respected yoga teachers by the Los Angeles Times. Georg Feuerstein, PhD, was internationally respected for his contribution to Yoga research and the history of consciousness.

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