“Partner yoga is not only for couples, but it’s a fantastic practice where couples can build intimacy and connection, both verbal and non-verbal,” says seasoned yoga teacher Marc Bauchet.
A strong proponent of the benefits of performing yoga with a partner, Marc is a vivacious and forthcoming instructor, who will be conducting a partner yoga class at OmShiva Yoga this Valentine’s Day.
“The practice to partner yoga is both playful and serious. Serious because touch is precious. Partner yoga works best if you slow down and open yourself to listening with your whole body and heart. Playful because you are free to explore the endless possibilities of connected movement. It can evolve into a dance, a creative power drill or an intuitive massage. It is yoga in the sense that it opens a new dimension to self-inquiry, through the direct feedback of interacting with the other, may it be a loved one or a stranger. Working with breath becomes communicating with breath. Working with alignment extends beyond your own body, exploring and extending your range of motion. Your power is increased by partnership.”
When done well, partner yoga poses are likened by Marc to the healing touch of Thai deep tissue massages. They can also lead to the achievement of AcroYoga, which helps build two people built an uncanny level of trust. “One partner becomes the base, the other the flier. The level of communication and connection takes new heights, as higher level of training is involved as well as more adrenaline!”
Partner Paschimottanasana
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With your hands above your head, elongate your torso and bend forward. Better than reaching forward a la conventional Paschimottanasana, reaching for your partner increases the benefits of this pose. Depending on your ability, hold for 30 seconds to three minutes while relaxing all other muscles.
Partner UpDog
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“I love to be the base for this one because of the extra challenge of having someone’s weight. This added weight reaps additional benefits to the usual and is both grounding and empowering,” Marc shares. “While my back is covered by another warm back, my efforts are rewarded by feeling the other partner’s relaxation and wellbeing.”
The bottom partner has to first come to all fours. The top partner sits on the edge of his or her tailbone, then lays down on the base partner’s back, spine to spine. The base partner then flows forward into updog, while allowing the top person’s head to fit between the base person’s shoulder blades. For a gentler version of the pose, the person beneath can base on his or her forearms instead.
Partner Child Pose
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“This is one of my favourites, as the back-to-back connection helps both partners to stretch their backs while supported by another. A natural living heating pad! Creatively explore ways to take each other’s wrists for extra stretches, and massage each other’s heads,” Marc comments. A simple pose that needs no complicated instructions to follow, Marc elaborates that the bottom partner receives extra grounding and a deeper compression, as well as gentle and warm back massage through breathing. The top partner receives the benefits of a passive backbend, fully supported by the warm back of the bottom partner.
Partner Shoulderstand
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“The partner shoulderstand is precarious and will have you rolling on the floor, laughing like kids,” Marc warns. The partner shoulderstand has no hard and fast steps to achieving its final pose and balance, and allows the free play of different creative variations. “Accomplished practitioners can also work on entering the posture in unity and grace. Eventually once balance is found, the mutual support will give you a sense of ease and stillness, helping to deepen and refine the original posture.”
Ustrasana on Downdog
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After aligning spines, the bottom partner’s job is to fine tune his or her downdog position till balance is achieved. The person above may choose to drop the soles of his or her feet to the ground. “Once in position, the two backs connect and the heat and awareness in movement helps the stretch occur safely and comfortably. Benefits of both the ustrasana and downdog positions are therefore enhanced,” Marc remarks.
Partner Reverse Warrior (top photo)
Another pose that encourages creativity and expression, the partner reverse warrior is a simple pose that nonetheless encourages experienced practitioners refine their postures and balance. “Staying in this one will strengthen your legs, as well as stretch your lungs and ribcage, hence allowing more oxygen in the body,” Marc divulges. “You can also explore subtle variations and help each other reach further than you would go on your own.”
Marc Bauchet and Annie Gan’s Partner Yoga class is $55 from 7:15 — 9:15pm on Feb. 14 and will include one hour of partner yoga practise, as well as one hour on massage technique. This class is not just for couples and no yoga experience is required. OmShiva Yoga is located at 100 Turf Club Road #01-02B, Singapore 287992. To register, call Juliana at 9090-2257 or email info@omshivayoga.com.
Photos: Marc Bauchet
