10 Exciting Couples Yoga Poses To Try With Your Partner

Practicing yoga with your partner is a great way to enhance intimacy, build trust, and improve overall well-being. Couples yoga combines the physical and emotional aspects of a relationship and fosters a deeper connection through synchronized breath and movement. Whether you and your partner are both seasoned yogis or complete beginners, doing couples yoga together can bring a new sense of harmony and joy to your relationship.

What Is Couples Yoga?

Couples yoga, also known as partner yoga, is a practice in which two individuals perform yoga poses together. Whether their goal is to enhance their physical, emotional, and spiritual connection or just to have fun, couples yoga offers a unique way to deepen the bond between partners while reaping the benefits of traditional yoga.

Unlike traditional solo yoga, partner yoga focuses on shared movements, balance, and trust, letting participants rely on each other for support and coordination. This practice involves performing various yoga postures (asanas) together with the partner—may it be a romantic partner, friend, or family member.

Fun & Helpful Partner Yoga Poses For You & Your Partner

One of the best things about performing couples yoga is that the practice becomes more fun, playful, and rewarding—just like playing a game. In contrast to traditional yoga, which is often more serious and formal, couples yoga encourages a more light-hearted approach. This allows participants to relax, laugh, and enjoy the experience without taking themselves too seriously. 

Practice these partner yoga poses under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor to ensure proper form and safety.

Here are 10 of the best couples yoga poses we can recommend:

1. Partner Seated Forward Fold

The seated forward fold is a gentle yet effective stretch that targets the hamstrings and the lower back. Performing this pose with a partner makes it more supportive and less strenuous because couples hold hands while helping each other go deeper into the pose. 

Benefits of seated forward fold with a partner:

• Increases flexibility in the hamstrings and lower back
• Encourages deep breathing and relaxation
• Enhances communication through synchronized movement
• Promotes trust by relying on each other for support

How to perform seated forward fold with a partner:

1. Sit facing each other with your legs extended straight and the soles of the feet touching.
2. Hold each other’s hands or wrists.
3. One partner gently leans forward, pulling the other into a deeper stretch.
4. Hold for 30 seconds while breathing deeply, then switch roles.

Tip: Before pulling your partner deeper into the stretch, ask if the intensity is comfortable. Don’t stretch too much beyond their limits, as it can cause them pain.

Partner seated forward fold modifications:

• For beginners: Slightly bend the knees to reduce tension in the hamstrings.
• For a deeper stretch: You can hold your partner’s forearms instead of wrists (only if he/she is flexible enough), so you can help stretch him/her deeper.

2. Twin Trees Pose

Twin tree is a tree pose done simultaneously with a partner. This classic leg-balancing pose helps develop leg and core strength, stability, and focus. When done with a partner, it improves coordination, communication, and trust, as you mirror each other’s movements.

Benefits of twin tree pose:

• Improves balance and focus
• Strengthens legs and core
• Encourages support and partner synchronization

How to perform the twin tree pose:

1. Stand close beside each other.
2. Wrap your inner arms around each other’s waist for support.
3. Lift your outer foot, bend the knee, and point it to the side. Then, place your foot on the inner thigh or calf of the standing leg.
4. Join your outer palms in prayer either overhead or in front of your chests.
5. Hold for 30 seconds while maintaining steady breathing.

Tip: If you or your partner wobble and lose balance, help steady each other by firmly holding the partner’s waist.

Twin tree pose modifications:

• For those struggling with balance: If both you and your partner are really struggling with balance despite supporting and stabilizing each other, move closer to a wall for additional support.
• To make it more challenging: Close your eyes to challenge your balance and encourage more focus.

3. Partner Boat Pose

Boat pose is a core-strengthening yoga pose that promotes stability and endurance. To do this successfully with a partner, you must work together to maintain balance while engaging your abdominal muscles. Partner boat pose is an effective way to strengthen your core while improving coordination with your partner.

Benefits of partner boat pose:

• Improves core strength and endurance
• Enhances stability and balance
• Promotes teamwork, coordination, communication, and fun

How to perform the partner boat pose:

1. Sit facing each other; knees bent, feet one to two hands away from your sit bones, and pressed firmly flat on the floor.
2. Hold each other’s hands or wrists for support, with your forearms outside your knees.
3. Press the soles of your feet together, engage your core, and lift one foot at a time, starting with bent knees first.
4. Press your inner thighs together, and slowly extend the legs to a V-shape, as straight as your bodies allow.
5. Maintain balance by engaging the core and keeping the spine tall—do not slouch.
6. Support each other by not letting go of your partner’s hands or wrists.
7. Hold for 30 seconds while breathing deeply.

Tip: If one partner has longer legs than the other, that partner needs to sit a bit farther to have more leg space.

Modifications for partner boat pose:

• For beginners: Keep the knees bent instead of extending the legs (half boat).
• For added difficulty: Release one hand and reach toward the sky.

4. Double Downward-Facing Dog

The double downward dog is a dynamic yoga pose that enhances upper body strength, flexibility, and trust between partners. It combines a regular downward dog pose and an L-shape handstand while stretching the spine, shoulders, and calves. This partner yoga pose promotes arm and core strength and encourages inversion.

Benefits of double downward dog pose:

• Improves flexibility in the spine and hamstrings
• Promotes strength and balance
• Encourages trust between partners

How to perform double downward dog:

1. Partner A starts in a traditional downward dog position.
2. Partner B places their hands on the ground a few feet in front of Partner A.
3. Partner B then walks their feet up onto Partner A’s sacrum area, forming an L-shape.
4. Hold for 30 seconds or five cycles of breaths, then switch position.

Tip: Make sure to place the feet on the upper hips/sacrum area, as it is strong and can support weight better than the middle or lower spine.

Modifications for double downward dog pose:

• For beginners: Partner B can place their feet on Partner A’s hamstrings instead of lower back.
• For advanced yoga students: Partner B can extend one leg for an added challenge.

5. Stacking Plank Pose

Stacking plank pose is a strength-building exercise in which one partner holds a plank position while the other balances on top, also doing the plank while facing the opposite direction. This couples yoga pose is great for core engagement, upper body strength, and stability while promoting balance, coordination, and support.

Benefits of stacking plank pose:

• Strengthens the core, arms, and shoulders
• Enhances coordination and balance
• Encourages teamwork and endurance between partners

How to perform a stacking plank:

1. Partner A gets into a traditional plank pose on their hands.
2. Partner B places their hands on Partner A’s ankles and carefully steps their feet onto Partner A’s shoulders, forming another plan facing the other direction
3. Hold the pose for 30 seconds or five cycles of breaths.

Tip: For safety and stability, make sure to place the feet on the scapulae (shoulder blades) and not on the spine. 

Modifications for stacking plank pose:

• For beginners: Try a stacked plank with Partner B keeping their knees on Partner A’s sacrum instead of straight legs.
• For added difficulty: Lift one arm or one leg to increase the challenge.

6. Two Supporting Chairs

This partner yoga pose involves couples facing each other with knees bent in a chair pose and arms extended in front while holding each other’s hands or forearms for support and balance. Two supporting chairs pose builds lower-body strength while improving teamwork and coordination with your partner.

Benefits of two supporting chairs:

• Strengthens leg and core muscles
• Improves balance and coordination
• Enhances trust and teamwork

How to perform two supporting chairs:

1. Start by standing facing your partner. Extend your arms in front of you—that should be the distance between each other.
2. Keep your feet hip-width apart.
3. Extend your arms and hold each other’s forearms.
4. Engage your core and bend the knees, lowering your sit bones behind you while tucking your tailbone. Make sure the knees stay aligned with the ankles.
5. Hold the pose for 30 seconds or more, toning your legs and core.

Tip: To add intimacy and challenge your balance, keep your eyes locked on each other while holding the pose.

Modifications for two supporting chairs:

• For beginners: Hold the pose for a shorter duration and keep your feet slightly closer together.
• For an added challenge: Try lifting one foot off the ground while maintaining balance.

7. Flying Bow Pose

Flying Bow Pose is an advanced acro-yoga posture that combines backbending, strength, and trust. One partner acts as the base, while the other is in a deep bow stretch while being lifted on the base partner’s feet.

Benefits of flying bow pose:

• Improves spinal flexibility and back strength
• Enhances trust and communication
• Strengthens the legs and core

How to perform the flying bow pose:

1. To begin, the base partner lies flat on the mat with their knees bent to the chest.
2. The flying partner stands before the base partner, facing away from the base partner’s legs.
3. The base partner places his/her feet on the flying partner’s glutes or sacrum while placing the hands on the latter’s shoulders for support.
4. The base partner starts to straighten the legs and feet facing towards the sky, as the flying partner begins to lift off the ground and into the air.
5. Once the base partner’s legs are fully straight, the flying partner opens his/her chest into a backbend with knees bent, then grabs the ankles with his/her hands, just like an upward bow.
6. If possible, the flying partner drops the head back to open the throat. 
7. Hold the pose for 30 seconds or a few breaths.
8. To release from the pose, the flying partner lets go of his/her own feet first, then the base partner gently bends his/her knees to lower the top partner back on the ground. 
9. Switch positions and repeat.

Tip: As this partner yoga asana is not easy, it’s important to have your yoga teacher act as a spotter while you execute the pose. Also, make sure that your pose partner is flexible enough to do the full bow in the air, and the other one is flexible and strong enough to hold the legs straight with weight.

Modifications for flying bow pose:

• For beginners: Do not grab the legs into a full bow pose—you can just let your legs dangle down for a softer backbend while flying.
• For advanced practitioners: Try extending one leg at a time for an added balance challenge.

8. Downward Dog + Scorpion Pose

Another challenging couple yoga pose is the downward dog and scorpion pose. To do this pose, one partner holds a steady downward-facing dog position, while the other performs a scorpion pose while leaning the belly on their partner’s back for support. This pose, like most other couples yoga poses, combines strength, flexibility, and trust.

Benefits of downward dog + scorpion pose:

• Enhances back flexibility and spinal mobility
• Builds strength in the shoulders, arms, and core
• Encourages deep trust and communication

How to perform the dog + scorpion pose:

1. Partner A assumes a strong Downward Dog position, ensuring stability with feet hip-width apart and hands shoulder-width apart.
2. Partner B stands behind and places his/her hands on the ground a few feet in front of Partner A.
3. Partner B carefully lifts one leg into a Scorpion Pose, bending the knee and extending the foot toward their head.
4. Partner B engages their core and arms while pressing his/her belly into Partner A’s back for support.
5. Hold for 30 seconds with deep, mindful breathing.
6. Partner B slowly slides the legs down before Partner A releases the downward dog.
7. Change positions and repeat the process.

Tip: This couple yoga pose is fun and playful—there is no fancy way to get into it. It’s best to have the yoga teacher spot you while the partner goes into a scorpion pose. Also, make sure not to hit your partner’s head while kicking the legs off the ground and bringing them back down.

Modifications for downward dog + scorpion pose:

• For beginners: Partner B can keep both feet on the ground and practice lifting one leg slightly to build strength.
• For advanced practitioners: Partner B can deepen the backbend by making their feet touch the head.

9. Supported Backbend

The supported backbend pose is a deep stretching pose that allows both partners to lean back into a gentle, heart-opening position while holding each other’s forearms, supporting one another. This pose is an excellent way to open the chest, improve flexibility, and build trust between partners. As this is a heart-opening pose, it also promotes emotional intimacy and love between partners.

Benefits of supported backbend:

• Opens the chest and shoulders, improving posture
• Improves spine flexibility and mobility
• Encourages relaxation, deep breathing, and emotional connection
• Strengthens trust and communication between partners

How to perform supported backbend:

1. Start by standing in front of each other with the tip of your toes softly grazing the other’s.
2. Grab each other’s wrists or forearms firmly.
3. Inhale and lean back, opening the chest towards the sky.
4. If possible, lean the head backward to open the throat.
5. Stay for at least five cycles of breaths.
6. To get out of the pose, gently tuck your chin to your chest, engage the core, and lift back up to stand.

Tip: To protect the neck, engage the shoulder blades, and do not lean the head too deep back if you feel any discomfort. Also, when you lift back up to a standing position, keep your gaze steady or on the tip of your nose to prevent yourself from feeling dizzy.

Modifications for supported backbend:

• For beginners: Let one partner do the backbend first while the other is holding them steady, then switch roles.
• For advanced practitioners: Lean back more and go as deep as possible.

10. Throne Pose

The throne pose is an acro yoga pose where one partner balances the other in a seated position on their feet using the legs as support. This pose strengthens muscles and enhances stability and trust.

Benefits of throne pose:

• Enhances balance and coordination
• Strengthens leg and core muscles
• Straightens the spine
• Builds confidence and trust

How to perform the throne pose:

1. Partner A lies on their back with their legs lifted and knees bent.
2. Partner B carefully sits on Partner A’s heels and assumes a squat-like position.
3. Partner A carefully hooks the front of his/her feet inside Partner B’s inner thighs.
4. Partner B also hooks his/her feet inside and around Partner A’s ankles or the lower part of the calves.
5. Partner A then gently straightens the legs to a 90-degree angle.
6. Partner B keeps his/her torse straight with her hands in prayer in front of the chest and assumes a posture of confidence—like royalty.
7. Stay for a few cycles of breaths, then switch roles.

Tip: Partner A can keep his/her arms extended, ready to support Partner B in case he/she becomes unsteady or wobbles.

Modifications for throne pose:

• For beginners: Start doing the pose near the wall (Partner B’s back is facing against the wall) for extra safety and balance.
• For an added challenge: The partner sitting on the “throne” can perform some torso twists to make the pose more dynamic rather than static.

Benefits of Couples Yoga to Your Relationship

Couples yoga offers a wide range of physical, emotional, and mental benefits that enhance both individual well-being and the strength of a relationship. If you’re looking for a new activity to try — practicing yoga together with a partner helps build a deeper connection, trust, and mindfulness. 

(Plus, it can be more fun and engaging too!)

In fact, here are some key benefits of performing couples yoga:

• Improves Communication: Partner yoga fosters both verbal and non-verbal communication, and this helps partners express their needs and listen more effectively.
• Builds Trust and Teamwork: Couples yoga strengthens mutual reliance and reinforces emotional and physical trust through synchronized movement and support.
• Deepens Emotional and Physical Connection: Moving in harmony and breathing together fosters a deeper bond, encourages mindfulness, and keeps you present with your partner.
• Boosts Physical Strength and Flexibility: Practicing yoga with a partner provides instant assistance—partner-assisted stretches improve mobility, while resistance-based poses enhance muscle strength.
• Promotes Relaxation and Mindfulness: The shared experience of yoga encourages mindfulness—this is a great way to stay present, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of calm together.
• Encourages more fun: Fall together, laugh together, stand together. Partner yoga turns the practice into a playful and engaging activity, making workouts feel less like exercise and more like an enjoyable shared experience.

Summary

Couples yoga is a fantastic way to build trust, improve flexibility, and strengthen the emotional and physical connection with your partner. 

By practicing together, you improve your fitness and create shared experiences that bring joy and intimacy to your relationship. For example, whether you’re practicing simple poses like the seated forward fold or attempting advanced acro-yoga poses like the throne pose, each of these poses teaches teamwork, coordination, and communication that promotes fun.

To make the experience more enjoyable for both you and your partner, it’s best to view this as a playful game to enhance or rekindle your connection rather than a serious, traditional yoga practice.

Additionally, partner yoga is a great way to break away from routine workouts and bring a sense of enthusiasm to your fitness journey. The mutual encouragement that comes with practicing together reinforces the bond between partners, helping to ease stress and boost confidence. As you progress in your yoga journey, you’ll discover a newfound appreciation for the power of movement and connection.

As with any yoga practice, make sure to learn under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor to ensure safety and proper alignment. Keep in mind that some of the partner yoga poses recommended above are challenging, especially acro ones. It’s best to have an experienced yoga instructor guide you—after all, a professional yoga instructor can provide personalized adjustments and modifications to ensure both partners benefit fully from each pose without injury.

Are you ready to start your couples yoga journey? Grab a partner, find a place that offers partner yoga classes, and begin exploring these couple yoga poses together with a trusted yoga teacher. Enjoy the journey and deepen your bond through movement!

FAQs

Do I need to be experienced in yoga to practice couples yoga?

No, couples yoga is for all levels! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yoga student, there are poses that can be modified to suit your skill level. The key is to communicate and support each other. In addition, make sure to find a certified yoga teacher who has sufficient experience in handling a partner yoga class.

What should we wear for couples yoga?

Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing that allows for a full range of motion. Avoid baggy clothing that might get in the way or slippery fabrics that may make balancing poses difficult. Always prioritize comfort over fashion when deciding what to wear to a yoga class.

How can yoga stretches promote trust and support if the couple is going through something?

Couples yoga exercises encourage communication, mindfulness, and physical connection, which can help rebuild trust during difficult times. By relying on each other for support in balancing and deep stretching poses, couples can reinforce emotional stability and strengthen their bond.