Madeline Harrington, senior in agricultural business and economics, is teaching a new class at the Rec Center: Partner Yoga.
Partner Yoga is a class open to all students on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m., according to Harrington.
“Basically, the concept of the class is that we are trying to allow people the opportunity to get closer with a friend or with a significant other, really whoever they decide to bring,” Harrington said. “Yoga is generally considered a class where you are supposed to be quiet and keep to yourself, not laugh or talk and we want to change that view.”
Harrington said partner yoga has a format she hasn’t seen anywhere else.
“I’ve been to several different yoga studios around Alabama, and this is the first one I’ve seen like it,” Harrington said.
Harrington said she suggests students bring a friend they’d like to become closer with and laughter is welcomed and encouraged.
“It’s important for our students to laugh and giggle and to understand that this opportunity may be awkward, but that’s okay," Harrington said. "You’re getting to another level of friendship or intimacy depending on who you bring."
This class defies the stereotypes that you must keep quiet during yoga, Harrington said.
"The whole idea is to get closer to your partner and break the idea of having to be quiet and keep to yourself,” Harrington said.
Communication between partners is one of the most important aspects of the class, according to Harrington.
“It’s so simple and fun with a friend," Harrington said. "You’re giggling the whole time, and you’re having to communicate because if you don’t, things might feel weird and awkward."
Harrington said communication is key to safety and enjoyment in this class.
"You have to communicate with your partner and say if it hurts or if the stretch feels good,” Harrington said.
She teaches the class with her friend, Holly Clark, pre-pharmacy junior, Harrington said.
“I’ve always heard about partner yoga, so I mentioned it to Holly over the summer and she loved it,” Harrington said.
According to Harrington, she and Clark worked together on the format of the class and modified basic yoga poses into partner poses over the summer.
According to Harrington, after she and Clark finished creating the format they presented the idea to their advisors, Lisa Padgett and Dani Dean, and prepared a demo class for them.
“They immediately fell in love with it and it turned out to be such a huge success," Harrington said. "They were laughing the whole time and just loving it."
Harrington said she loves the creative freedom she has over the class she and Clark have created.
“I love partner yoga because Holly and I can really shape this into what we want it to be," Harrington said. "Several friends who have watched me think this process out joke that it’s my baby."
No past experience is needed, according to Harrington.
She suggests bringing your own yoga mat and wearing something that's both comfortable and non-restrictive, Harrington said.
“One of my goals in yoga practice is to make sure anyone can participate, whether or not you think you’re not flexible, or maybe you’ve done yoga before and didn’t like it," Harrington said. "It’s on a level that is very simple and basic, so if it doesn’t work we have modifications and options."
Harrington said she hopes people give the new class a chance.
“It gives you an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone,” Harrington added.Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
