Valentine's Ideas: Stretch Body and Mind

Mary Singleton is a licensed yoga instructor who teaches at Yoga Path and One-Heart yoga studios in Baton Rouge. But beyond the studio, Singleton sees increasing demand for private yoga instruction, teaching couples in the privacy of their own home. “Yoga’s great at teaching you to listen to your mind, your emotion, and your physical body, all at once,” she said, noting that a private setting enables an instructor to learn about a couple’s physical and spiritual needs and customize a series of poses accordingly. “Sharing something difficult, while taking the time to listen to your body, strengthens the bond between partners,” she observed. “Because how’re you going to be a good partner to someone else if you can’t listen to yourself?” santoshayogabr.com.

Painting with a Twist—the instructional-art-class-cum-social-night-out concept started by two Mandeville-area friends and now grown into a national franchise—is great fun. Guided by spirited art instructors and armed with paintbrushes and bottles of wine, participants gather to paint reproductions of Monets and Van Goghs in a good-natured group environment. Although locations host classes all year round, Valentine’s is especially popular for couples, when “Date Night” offers aspiring artist couples a chance to collaborate. Valentine’s couple’s classes are scheduled on February 13 and 14 at locations in Baton Rouge and Prairieville. paintingwithatwist.com.