Blog The Secrets of Yoga

Contact Yoga

If yoga interests you, but you are uncomfortable with an impersonal group setting, “contact yoga” may be just the type of yoga for you.  Contact yoga is a new concept, and is done with a partner.  Rather than a teacher instructing you on how to pose and breathe correctly, a person you are comfortable with can assist you with your yoga needs.  You may have an experienced friend coach you through the movements, or a teacher who will work with you one on one. Continue

It is essential to perform yoga correctly or the benefits of this practice may not be as great.  Instead of strengthening your body, you may be injuring your muscles and tissue.  Meditation is a beneficial portion of yoga, but many find it difficult to maintain concentration without guidance. 

Positions held during a yoga session are often derived from original poses (Warrior I and II, and Triangle), although some are created by other yogi.  These poses strengthen the body, and gradually allow it to become more flexible.  There are calming stretches, difficult stretches, and stretches that test the trust a person has for their partner in contact yoga. 

Suspended front traction requires a person to have a partner.  During this pose, one person will lie on the floor with his/her feet in the air, so the second partner can ride the air with his/her thighs on the first person’s feet.  If this position is difficult to imagine, just think back to your youth when “airplane” was played in this same position.  It takes a great deal of trust to allow another person to lift you from the ground in suspended front traction.  Once the person in the air relaxes, a bond of trust is formed.          

Contact yoga is great for friends, lovers, and families to take part in.  This 18 year old practice of hands-on yoga brings people closer together.  Yoga does indeed count for quality time, and what better way to relax with someone you love.