Having a yoga buddy, either a friend or family member, makes it more enjoyable to practice yoga. It helps to encourage each other through your poses, while having an extra set of eyes to guide and correct your form as you go.
Standing Forward Fold
To do Standing Forward Fold, begin in a standing position with your first and second toes touching. Then, fold your upper body over towards your feet as your arms hang towards the ground. Relax your head and neck as you hold this position, breathing in and out. If you are unable to touch your toes, simply bend as far as is comfortable for you.
Sun Salutation
The Sun Salutation is a classic yoga combination used to honor the sun, often done at the start of a practice. Start by standing in Mountain Pose. Transition into a standing forward fold. Then, jump or step back into Plank Pose. Lower down into Chaturanga. Transition into Upward Facing Dog. Then, press up into Downward Facing Dog. Step or jump to the front of the mat and back to Mountain Pose. Keep your breath steady, hold the poses for three to five breaths each, and enjoy the movements!
Warriors I, II and III
The Warriors are some of the most beloved standing poses in yoga. Begin standing in Mountain Pose. Step your right foot back into a lunge, with your heel reaching back, left toes facing forward and your torso tall. Then, press your fingertips into your left thigh and tilt your left thigh back, coming into Warrior I. Lift your arms up, shoulders away from your ears, and lift through your chest, transitioning into Warrior II. Lift your back arm up, straightening your arm and externally rotate your left hip towards the back of your mat. To move into Warrior III, bring your weight onto your standing leg and slowly lift the left leg up and back, transfers your weight onto your fingertips.
Reclined Pigeon
Reclined Pigeon is a gentle hip opener that can be done with a partner. Start by lying on your back with your legs in a tabletop position. Cross your left ankle over your right knee, and have your partner gently press into your right flat across your right thigh. Find a comfortable spot to stay in this mild hip opener. Press evenly into your partner’s hold, resisting into the hands to activate your glutes, while relaxing into the partner’s hold to create a deeper hip opening sensation. Gently guide your partner to hold pressure into your right thigh, or press into the thigh as you feel comfortable. Hold this pose for five breaths or more.
Having a yoga buddy can make your practice more enjoyable, so why not give these poses a try. Feel free to switch up the order, or find a friend, family member, or partner to practice these poses with.
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