More than 36 million Americans are saying “om” to yoga each year, and for good reason: The calming, toning practice can be a wonderful escape from the stressors of daily life, while increasing your flexibility and strength to boot.
And the benefits extend far beyond just chiseled arms and strong glutes. Studies show that the practice can help with everything from treating insomnia to preventing diseases like diabetes .
Traditionally, yoga is an individual practice. It’s an opportunity to stretch, breathe, and focus on your mat in the present moment. However, jointly practicing yoga with another person, whether that be a friend, partner, or significant other, can have its own unique benefits.
Known as couples yoga or partner yoga, this practice allows two people to relate to one another through assisted poses. From stretching your levels of trust to strengthening your communication, couples yoga can have a positive effect on your relationship that extends far beyond the physical.
Julia Lehrman, a licensed psychotherapist and certified yoga instructor who teaches in New York City and San Francisco, says that “A couples yoga experience can serve as a kind of mini ‘retreat’ or ‘workshop’ to strengthen a relationship. Rather than just going to a class and practicing next to each other, couples yoga requires couples to really pay attention to each other in the moment and work together toward common goals.” The practice is mutually beneficial for both participants, and studies show couples yoga has far-reaching benefits, from reduced anxiety to a better sex life.
1. Increased relationship satisfaction
Just the act of trying out a couples yoga class with your partner can help you to feel more satisfied with your relationship.
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