Yoga means “union”—to yoke together. And so the full expression of yoga may be “partner yoga”—which you can practice with a friend, roommate, loved one or stranger in a yoga class.

Partner yoga is about connection—the idea that by getting to know your friend, you will better understand yourself. It also helps you feel a pose in a new way. Through the assistance of your partner, you might experience an opening that you weren’t able to reach on your own.

With each of these postures, make sure each partner has the opportunity to practice both roles. Remember to have fun—do the poses with a willingness to be present (however you feel).

The models:

>> Dave Farmar, a Certified Baptiste Power Yoga Teacher, assists Baron Baptiste and Seane Corn and produces a top-rated iTunes’ yoga podcast.

>> Inspired by Mind Body Solutions, Crystal Hinton studies yoga as an integrative approach to medicine. Co-founder of The Chanda Plan, Crystal teaches in Denver at Samadhi Yoga.

>> Scott Rodwin, co-producer of this shoot, co-teaches Partner Yoga in the Park in Boulder. A longtime Contact Improv dancer and martial artist, he’s a green architect  by day. 

The props: