Whether you are a swimmer, cyclist, runner or just a desk warrior taking the time to do "heart opener" stretches is very worth while to keep your shoulders and chest open and your posture aligned. And what better day for Heart Openers than Valentine's Day!

Heart Openers are simply chest and shoulder stretches. Many sports and daily activities we participate in round our shoulders forward and "close our heart". When we keep the chest and shoulder muscles both strong and flexible we allow fuller range of motion and power, injury prevention, and improved posture. What's not to love about that?!

For many, Valentine's Day is about candy and flowers. I absolutely love both! But for me, everything I love, I love more after I do some yoga. So maybe just for today you can join me (and maybe someone you love) and do a few minutes of yoga. Here are two quick sequences you can try...

First, start with the Heart Opener Sun Salutation to get warmed up

Then, try the Upper Body stretch sequence for some deeper chest and shoulder stretches...

And if you don't have time to leave your desk today, try the Desk Warrior sequence...

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!