Couple’s yoga: It’s OK to giggle your way through
We leave early in the morning and come home late at night, passing out next to our partners. The problem: We’re not always fully present, often spending more time interacting with our iPhones than each other. These yoga poses are aimed at slowing you down and bringing you closer together with your Valentine for an intense five to eight minutes of your day.
1. Calming breath
Sit back to back with your partner in a comfortable position, making sure your spine is straight. Sitting on a pillow may help lift your lower back.
Start breathing in and out together, and feel each other’s breath as you start breathing in unison.
Breathe in for two counts and out for four for a few rounds. Then, in for three and out for six; then, in for four and out for eight, gradually building up to in for five and out for ten.
This helps you create a deep feeling of relaxation. This is your chance to slow down the nervous system and connect with your partner after a busy day.
2. Downward dog
This is a classic pose and, done together, it will get the two of you laughing and feeling connected. Position your mats in a straight line (not side by side). Facing away from each other, get on your hands and knees. With your toes tucked under, lift your bum up in the air and press your thighs back to straighten the legs.
Press in your hands as you straighten the arms and press your bum up as high as possible. If you both look between your legs you should be able to see one another.
From here, you can tread gently from heel to heel or take long breaths in and deep sighs out.
This is a great pose to stretch the back and strengthen the arms and shoulders.
3. Spinal twist
Lie on your backs next to each other and stretch your arms to the side. Your left hand can hold your partner’s right wrist and vice versa.
Place your feet flat on floor, then lift your feet off the ground and bring your knees into your chest.
Lower your knees to the right. As you are both lowering your knees in same direction, take five breaths.
Lift your knees and then lower over to the left side, taking five breaths.
Place your feet back on the ground.
The spinal twist opens the chest (where the heart is) and releases tension in the lower back, shoulders and neck.
