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Feel the Love with Yoga Poses

Give your body a little love and try some of these poses

In yoga, the term “heart opener” refers to a pose that opens up the chest and expands the rib cage. If you think about the typical posture that we sit in during the day (think rounded shoulders, head forward, back rounded) then you can see why something that will expand the chest and rib cage would be beneficial for most people!

When our shoulders are back, our mid-back is flexible and our rib cage is expanded we are able to breathe deeper and our posture is more upright which can be beneficial for anyone who has struggled with neck, back, shoulder, or hip pain. The ability to take deep breaths and carry yourself with a more upright posture is not only beneficial physically, but it can also make us feel more energized and calm throughout the day.

Yogis even say that heart-opening yoga poses open us up to be more compassionate and present in our lives.

So why not show your mind and body some love today and give these heart-opening yoga poses a try?

Restorative Heart Opener

Lie on your back with your arms reaching overhead. You can use a pillow or rolled up towel under your upper back and shoulder blades to further open the chest wall. Your legs can be straight, bent, or in a butterfly or goddess position. Let your arms relax overhead and take deep breaths, feeling your chest open and melting into the mat.

Sphinx Pose

Lie on your stomach and come up onto your elbows. Inhale as you roll your shoulders back and down your rib cage. Push your forearms into the floor to get more of a backbend through your thoracic spine (upper back).

Bridge Pose

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet walked close to your hips. Exhale as you lift your hips up so that your weight is through your shoulders. For even more heart opening, you can clasp your hands underneath of you. Stay here for 30-60 seconds, focusing on your breath.

Warrior Pose

Facing forward, walk your feet away from each other so they are further than shoulder width apart. Raise your arms to shoulder height with palms down. Point your right toes outward, turn your body so that you are facing to the right, then bend your right knee. Hold this pose 30-60 seconds, focusing on maintaining an even breathing pattern, then repeat in the other direction.