Feel the Love This Valentine’s Day With These 5 Heart Opening Yoga Poses

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Let's try it:

Kneel on your mat with your knees slightly wider than your hipsPress your shins and toenails into the matPlace your palms (fingers pointing down) on your lower backLean back gradually, going as far as you feel comfortable and keeping your heart lifted towards where the wall meets the ceilingIf you're ready to progress to the next level, reach back and grab your heelsStay here for three to five deep breathsTo come out of this heart opening yoga pose, place your hands on your lower back and gently lift back to center, then return to kneelingTake a moment here to breathe and reset before moving into your next poseOption to take Childs Pose as a counter stretch

2. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

Cobra Pose is the perfect backbend for beginners. When you remain in this heart opening yoga pose for several breaths, you will feel your chest expand and your heart open up. Cobra is also great for your spine and helps improve posture.

Let's try it:

Lie on your stomach with your hands planted beneath your shouldersSqueeze your elbows to your side body and press the tops of your feet and thighs into the matInhale deeply, and with your exhale, lift your chest off the matKeep your gaze forward with your elbows slightly bent and your shoulder blades squeezing togetherInhale and exhale three to five times, then slowly return to lying on your stomach

3. Reverse Plank Pose (Purvottanasana)

Along with opening the heart, this pose is a wonderful stretch for the entire front body, from the shoulders and chest all the way to your ankles! With all the physical space Reverse Plank Pose creates in the body, it also leads to a more open mind and heart.

Let's try it:

Start seated on your mat with your feet hip-distance and legs extended longPlant your palms beneath your shoulders with your fingers facing your feetPress your hips high as you straighten your legs and lift your body off the matKeep your entire body strong and engagedFor the final expression, drop your head back and send your gaze to the ceilingStay for three to five breaths, then slowly lower your seat down to the matOption to take a seated forward fold as a counter stretch

4. Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana)

Great for full-body strengthening and mobility, Wheel Pose expands your chest and stretches the intercostal muscles that we use for breathing. Wheel is one of the biggest heart opening yoga poses, so this is your opportunity to really open up and let all the love in.

Let's try it:

Lie on the floor with your knees bent and feet planted on the mat hip-width distance apartPlant your palms next to your ears with your elbows bent and your fingers pointing toward your heelsPress your feet and hands into the mat to lift your body into a wheel shapeSlowly inhale and exhale for three to five breaths as you hold this poseTo release, lower down slowly until the crown of your head is touching the mat, and then lie flat on your back

5. Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

Another excellent heart opening yoga pose, Bow Pose is a rejuvenating backbend. Bow Pose strengthens your back muscles, increases circulation, improves digestion and posture and also stretches the entire front body.

Let's try it:

Lie with your stomach on your yoga matBend your knees - keeping them hip-width apart - and reach back to grab the outer ankles with your handsPress your pelvis into the mat as you rest your forehead to mat and exhaleOn your next inhale, kick into your hands to lift your head, chest and thighs off the mat while sliding your shoulder blades down your backTake three to five deep breaths here and then slowly release back down

Bow Pose is especially beneficial to calm the mind. If you're feeling stressed, Hit the Reset Button With These 7 Self-Care Rituals to Refresh and Revitalize Mind + Body

Give Yourself the Gift of Wellness This Valentine's Day and Practice These Heart Openers!

Along with physically opening your heart and stretching the muscles in your chest, these heart opening yoga poses offer an incredible emotional release and bring you into a more peaceful state.

After doing these exercises, you'll feel healthier both physically and mentally . . . ready to celebrate Valentine's Day with a happy, healthy Heart Chakra!

Craving More Expansion? Try This Heart Opening Yoga Flow

Release your stress, drop into the present moment, and reconnect to the flow in this Heart Opening Flow with Tiffany Bush on YA Classes. Full of mindful movement, creative transitions, and heart openers, this class will help you step into your power and tap into your heart center.