FitSugar

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Standing Forward Bend

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:30:00 PST

Doing forward bends on your own aren't nearly as deep and satisfying as doing them with a partner. You can pull on each other to stretch your hamstrings and lower back even further and it feels amazing. Give this one a try. It's called Double Standing Forward Bend.

Keep reading to see how to get into this pose.

Amp Up Your Workout With These Balance Exercises

Susi May — Thu, 03 May 2012 02:37:25 PDT

If you're looking to amp up your fitness routine, you need to get unstable. Performing classic single-leg exercises while standing on a foam pad, like the one pictured above by Aeromat, is simple way to do this. The squishy surface forces your core and legs to work harder, increasing your strength gains and caloric burn. Standing on the soft surface also strengthens your feet and ankles, which is important if you're flirting with the barefoot running trend or plan to spend lots of time hiking hilly terrain this Summer.

To get started, try this three-exercise progression I learned from my Equinox trainer Lauren. Once you've mastered a variation, try the next level up. As you experiment with these moves, you will feel your weight shift from side to side on your foot, which means the muscles that support your arch and ankle are working. If you find your feet cramping, spread your toes wide in your shoes or try the exercise in just socks.

Learn the moves after the break.

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Sandwich

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 14:30:00 PDT

Seated forward bends feel amazing on your hamstrings and lower back. Doing this pose with a partner, called Double Sandwich, can add some some weight to your torso and help you elongate your spine even further. It also gives you an even deeper stretch than you could ever do on your own.

Continue reading to find out how to do this pose.