Q. How much time is ideal to set aside for practicing Partner Yoga?
A. If you want to do more than a couple quick stretches, set aside at least thirty minutes to practice. An hour to an hour and a half is probably more ideal. If you don't have a time limit and can allow yourself more time, spend as much time as your heart desires.

Q. What is the best time of day to practice?
A. Practicing Partner Yoga in the morning is like a strong cup of coffee without the side effects. In the morning most of us are a little stiff and groggy and a gentle stretch can get the blood flowing and jump start your day. Partner Yoga in the afternoon or evening can help relieve the tension of the day, calm the mind, and bring you back to balance for a peaceful night of sleep.

Q. How long do you recommend holding postures?
A. If you are practicing for fitness, it is best to move from posture to posture a little quicker to elevate the heart rate. If you're unwinding after a long day, or nudging your body to get up in the morning, move into postures slowly and hold them for longer (at the beginning you may only be able to hold for a few seconds, eventually you will be able to hold for thirty seconds to a minute or for some of the more relaxing postures up to three to five minutes). You don't ever want to hold a posture so long you feel dizzy or faint. Remember that moving in and out of postures with control is as important as completing the finished pose.

Q. Do I need to bring anything else besides this book to my first Partner Yoga session?
A. If you want to practice synchronized breathing or partner meditation, a small pillow to lift your buttocks off the ground is useful. Wear appropriate clothes for the weather so you won't be chilled when sitting quietly. Bring a mat or blanket depending on the space you're practicing in. Other than that, you're set. All you really need is a creative mind, courageous spirit and open heart.

Q. Do I need to find someone to practice with that has the same level of yoga experience as I do?
A. Beginners and advanced yogis can both benefit from Partner Yoga practice. Naturally two advanced yogis can explore more challenging postures. If you are more advanced and choose to practice with a beginner, you can polish up on basic alignment and have an opportunity to practice patience. Seeing yoga from a beginners' viewpoint can give you new perspectives. There is much we can learn from each other if we take the time.

Q. Do my partner and I need to be the same height and weight?
A. There are advantages and disadvantages to having a partner of similar size. It is often easier to practice with someone around the same size as you. Having a partner that is a different size than you can stimulate both of you to think of creative posture variations to accommodate for the differences. Learning to adjust your postures around these variables can be an interesting adventure.

Q. Is it best to partner with someone at the same level of flexibility and fitness as I am?
A. Varying levels of flexibility is not a major concern. You will both benefit from Partner Yoga regardless of how flexible you are. For the most part, the same is true of fitness. However, if you are practicing specifically to get in shape, it is best to find a partner who is in similar physical condition.

Q. What if one of us is not feeling well, is injured or has a specific health problem? Shall we still practice Partner Yoga?
A. Partner Yoga can be helpful when you are injured, ill or have a specific problem, as long as your approach is conscious. Once again, communication is key. Refer to Chapter Fifteen in the book for specific posture ideas (see Products page).

Q. Is Partner Yoga the same as Tantric Yoga?
A. No, the focus of Partner Yoga is not sexual. In fact contrary to popular belief, not all Tantric yoga is sexual. Partner Yoga does, however, embrace many of the same principals as Tantric Yoga. Partner Yoga can be practiced by any two people: friends, co-workers, parents and kids, or lovers. The intent of Partner Yoga is to bring people together through movement, play, breath, touch and intimacy. Partner Yoga, like Tantric Yoga, acknowledges and honors the power of two people to transcend their limitations, strengthen their relationship with themselves and with each other, and ultimately to feel a deep sense of connection to the Divine.

Q. What if my partner or I have issues around touching or intimacy? Does Partner Yoga have to be intimate?
A. Partner Yoga is what you make it. The practice can be as casual as two buddies jogging or as intimate as two souls communing. Physical contact can be explored in many different ways. Keep the channels of communication clear and move into uncomfortable territory with an open mind.

Q. I'm concerned about issues of jealousy that might arise if I practice Partner Yoga with someone other than my primary sexual partner. Any suggestions?
A. Be genuine with yourself and your partner from the beginning. If you want to practice yoga with someone other than your primary partner, be clear about your intent. Maybe you want to practice with a co-worker during lunch on Tuesday and a gym buddy after work on Thursday. Can your primary sexual partner be comfortable with that? People put expectations and limitations on each other all the time. Fear and jealousy pose challenges in many relationships. Openly addressing these feelings with courage and honesty can strengthen the relationship. One of the intentions of Partner Yoga is to widen our views of partnership and intimacy. See Chapter Twelve in the book (see Products page).