Fun and Challenging Yoga Poses for 3 People
Yoga is usually considered an individual practice. But doing yoga with a partner or two can be a fun way to deepen poses, build trust, and bond with others. Certain yoga poses naturally lend themselves to being done with two or three people. Here are some of the best paired and group yoga poses to try with friends, partners, or family.
Benefits of Partner Yoga
Incorporating partners into yoga poses has many benefits:
- Builds trust and connection
- Allows deeper stretching with support
- Makes poses more stable and balanced
- Boosts fun and enjoyment
- Encourages teamwork and communication
Having the support of a partner allows you to safely move deeper into stretches and poses. It also brings a fun, social aspect to a normally solo practice.
Safety Tips for Partner Yoga
To prevent injury, keep these safety tips in mind when doing yoga with others:
- Talk first and agree on a pose
- Move slowly and communicate throughout
- Don't force a stretch
- Support each other's bodies with care
- Listen to any discomfort and immediately adjust
Stay present with your partner(s) and have clear communication. A spotter can help prevent risky alignments.
8 Fun and Easy Yoga Poses for 3 People
Here are some beginner-friendly yoga poses to try with two partners or in a small group:
1. Double Downward Dog
Facing each other in down dog, with hands stacked, gently press palms together and lift hips towards ceiling. Hold for 5-10 breaths.
2. Partner Forward Fold
Sit back to back with legs out. Hold hands and gently pull, folding forward together over legs. Relax neck and breathe.
3. Row Boat
In boat pose, face each other, lift legs and link feet together. Reach forward and hold hands. Engage core and balance as a team.
4. Triangle pose with "High Five"
In triangle pose, reach top arm up towards partner's top arm for a high five. Press palms together lightly and breathe deeply.
5. Double Tree Pose
Stand side by side in tree pose, holding inside hands. Shift weight to standing leg, breathe and focus on a point to find balance together.
6. Partner Camel
Kneel back to back, link elbows. One partner leaning back into camel, using the other for support. Switch and repeat.
7. Double Warrior III
Stand side-by-side, facing the same direction in Warrior III pose. Reach arms back towards each other, hands stacked. Find your balance.
8. Tripod Headstand
Have two partners hold either leg, spotting the third partner who slowly lifts hips up into supported headstand. Keep aligned and engaged.
These poses build trust, connection and community. Get creative and come up with your own partner poses!
Yoga Poses for Two People
The following yoga poses involve two partners working together. They require cooperation, communication and a deep sense of trust.
Low Lunge Back-to-Back Stretch
Facing away in low lunge, hold hands and lean back, stretching front hips and shoulders. Breathe and lean further into partner's support.
Double Down Dog with Leg Lift
Press hands together in down dog. Take turns carefully lifting one leg up, using partner for balance and support. Switch sides.
Chair Pose With Twist
Standing back-to-back in chair pose, link elbows. Twist from hips to stack knees and gaze over shoulders. Deepen with breath.
Seated Forward Fold with Strap
Sitting facing each other with legs wide, hold a strap and extend forward together over the middle. Allow straps to gently deepen forward fold.
Back-to-Back Squat
Stand with backs pressed together, feet hip-width apart. Link arms and squat down in sync, pressing into each other for balance. Power up to stand.
Inverted Staff Pose
Lie on backs with soles of feet pressed together, knees out wide. Hold hands tightly and lift hips up to invert the body together. Engage core.
Two partners allows for deeper stretching, increased balance and fun inversions. Build trust and have presence throughout.
Partner Yoga Poses for Beginners
If you're new to partner yoga, start with these beginner-friendly poses:
Back-to-Back Seated Twist
Sit back-to-back with legs crossed. Link arms and gently twist torso and gaze over opposite shoulders. Breathe deeply.
Legs Up the Wall with Strap
Lay on back with legs up wall, holding strap between feet. Partner holds other end of strap, gently stretching legs straight.
Supported Fish Pose
Lay on back with legs stretched long. Partner lifts hips to slide bolster or block underneath for support. Relax fully.
Sphinx Pose with Palm Press
In sphinx pose, press palms together with partner and sink chest forward. Use partner's resistance to deepen the stretch.
Seated Twist Assist
Sit facing partner, knees bent. Hold opposite hands and use partner's leverage to gently twist further. Switch sides.
These gentler poses foster trust between partners. Ease into the stretches using your partner's support.
Yoga Poses for 3 People
Doing yoga with 3 people allows you get creative with fun group poses. Here are some good ones to try:
Double Down Dog With Plank In Middle
Two partners in down dog with hands stacked, third partner planking through the middle. Change positions and repeat.
Warrior III With High Five
In warrior III pose, partners stand in triangle and reach arms back for partner high fives. Balance off each other.
Group Forward Fold
Sit in a triangle facing in, holding hands. Gently pull and lean forward into a group forward fold. Breathe deeply.
Triangle Around Tree Pose
Stand in a triangle around a partner in tree pose. Hold hands for balance and stability in the shape.
Triple Thread The Needle
Come into down dog, taking turns carefully threading right arm through under left arms of partners. Repeat other side.
Be creative and come up with your own yoga poses to do with 3 people. Have fun with it!
Tips for a Successful Partner Yoga Practice
To get the most out of your partner yoga sessions, keep these tips in mind:
- Find partners or groups of similar ability level
- Agree on poses beforehand and set any boundaries
- Move slowly with control and synchronized breath
- Maintain eye contact and constant communication
- Be patient and respectful throughout the process
Remain focused on your breath and the connection with your partners. Allow enough time to ease in and out of poses safely.
Setting Up the Space
Make sure you have enough open space for the poses you want to do. Clear the area of any objects or furniture that could get in the way.
Modifications and Variations
Certain standing balances may be difficult depending on your partners' heights and abilities. Feel free to modify with other leg grips or handholds. Get creative!
Coming Out of Poses
Many partner yoga poses involve weight bearing positions. Communicate clearly when ready to come out of a pose to do it safely.
The beauty of partner yoga is working in unison while supporting each other mentally and physically. Keep it lighthearted and have fun bonding!
FAQs
What are some yoga poses I can do with my kids?
Great partner yoga poses to do with kids include Row Boat, Partner Forward Fold, Double Tree Pose, Back-to-Back Squat, and Legs Up the Wall with a strap. Go at their pace and make it fun.
How can I modify poses to make partner yoga more accessible?
Use props like blocks and straps to ease into stretches gently. Avoid putting full body weight on your partner. Do seated or lying down poses instead of standing if needed.
What are some yoga poses I can do with my partner in bed?
Try simple seated or lying poses in bed like Partner Forward Fold, Supported Fish Pose, Legs Up the Wall, Partner Camel, and Inverted Staff Pose. Go slowly and communicate.
Is acro yoga safe for beginners?
It's best for beginners to start with simpler poses first to build trust and skills. Make sure you have an experienced spotter before attempting advanced acro yoga poses involving lifting or inverting.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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