I love Valentine’s Day. Sure, it can be a little commercial, but I love the idea of doing something sweet for yourself and your sweethearts. Flowers always brighten a day! Or you can take time for a fun activity! One of my favorite new traditions is celebrating Galentine’s Day, on February 13th.

Galentine’s Day isn’t an official holiday. It was made popular on the TV show Parks and Rec as a day to “celebrate lady friends.” It’s the perfect excuse to Zoom with your gal pals! I love having a reason to celebrate female friendships and the wonderful women in my life.

I usually celebrate Galentine’s Day by practicing partner yoga. A few years ago, I was able to get together with my sister Emily to celebrate, take pictures, and stretch it out. It was a good workout and a good laugh! Emily and I aren’t able to practice partner yoga together this year, but we both plan to introduce a partner pose or two to a member of our own quarantine households.

When you google Partner Yoga, some pretty wild acrobatics pop up. There should be a warning of a few of them!

Definitely not my speed…

Disclaimer: Do not try. (At home or otherwise)

I always want to make sure that partner yoga poses are accessible for everyone and fun to do, too! There are many variations, but I like the classics best. Even simple yoga poses are beneficial and working with a partner shifts your awareness in the pose. It’s a great way to practice giving and receiving as you stretch and also help your friend find their edge.

Another key component of partner yoga is communication. You have to check in with your person and make sure you’re both on the same page. Awareness, give and take, communication… the keystones of any great partnership!

Emily and I are excited to introduce this beneficial yoga practice to the people that we live with this year, and are planning to practice with each other when it is safe to do so. Check out our favorite poses from last year that are safe to try with a galentine or valentine in your own home! Just be mindful of your partner and remember… this is supposed to be fun.

Double Warrior

Start with your best foot forward!

Half Moon

We started calling this Big Sis Little Sis

Lotus Twist

More commonly known as the Twisted Sisters.

Double Dancer

Fun > Form

(Fess Parker) DoubleTree

Namastay standing tall!

Enjoy your Galentine’s Day this year! Use the holiday to spread love and kindness!

Written by Lauren Parsons, Certified Let It Go Yoga teacher.

 

Want to know more about Let It Go Yoga? Start here with our Diaphragmatic Breathing Video!