Partner Yoga: Grab a friend and get stronger together

Being self-motivated is difficult at times, and making time for fitness can be tough, too.

But there’s a fun way around it…

Getting a fitness buddy is a great way to both get and stay motivated, but you also have someone to keep you on track and help you work out.

In today’s video, Wendy Krauss Talis and Kellie Bach will show you partner yoga seated straddle variations for legs and low back. These partner exercises can show you the great strengthening benefits you can achieve, even with limited flexibility.

Partner Yoga: Front-facing straddle stretch

Site on the floor facing your partner.

You will open your legs in a straddle.

Your partner will put the flats of their feet on the inside of your legs, as far apart as comfortable.

Reach forward and grasp your partner’s arms.

Inhale, and then exhale as you lean back, pulling your partner into a forward straddle stretch. You will remain tall in the spine to engage your core strength and strengthen your shoulders while awaiting feedback from your partner on how far ‘is enough’ to go.

Hold for 10-20 seconds and your partner will end the stretch by pulling backward to bring you both back to vertical position.

Your will continue seamlessly by switching roles, wherein your partner will lean back as far as they can go and you are pulled forward into the straddle stretch.

Note: As you will see on the video, you and your partner may be at very different flexibility levels. This is unimportant, as the benefit to both is available in this exercise.

Partner Yoga: Back-facing straddle stretch

In this variation of the straddle stretch you and your partner will turn away from one another and sit in straddle position with your backs touching.

You will inhale and raise arms above your head.

Exhale as you lean backward, the force of your body weight pressing your partner forward into the straddle stretch.

Your partner will reach arms forward for balance and to reach into the stretch while you get a nice stretch in your back.

Hold the stretch for 10-20 seconds and then inhale again.

Exhale as your partner raises up and leans back, to lower you into the straddle stretch.

Grab a partner and include both of these variations on the straddle stretch as part of your stretching routine and see how fun and also strengthening it can be!