Basics and Beyond : Gentle Backbends

Beginner I
(36 Reviews)
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This can either be done as a stand-alone class or as Day 3 - Gentle Backbends in Melissa's weeklong series: Basics and Beyond 7-Day Yoga Challenge. Let Melissa guide you through how to carefully and effectively perform gentle backbends on your back, stomach, all-fours and standing while engaging your deep core muscles to keep your back feeling strong and safe.

Equipment

  • Block
  • Blankets

Focus

  • Spine
  • Backbends
  • Morning

Style

  • Gentle Yoga
barbkoch
June 20, 2021
Comment:

Another one of your calm, restorative practices, no matter what
"level" of yoga you're at. Thank you.

kelly-kicks
December 31, 2020
Comment:

I am still super tight but with time hopefully I can get better thank you

PianoWire
November 19, 2020
Comment:

Love how your legs go straight up in waterfall pose. I can't get mine more than 45 degrees off the floor. Holding my legs there makes for good core engagement, but I feel something is missing. (Same problem in any kind of hamstring stretch, including forward fold.) Any suggestions?

Comment Replies

Melissa Krieger
November 20, 2020
Comment:

Hi! It sounds like your hamstrings are tight (like piano wires?! ha!) which is super common. You want to find a place where your legs are angled towards you rather than away, away makes your abs work (as you are feeling) but it's meant to be relaxing. Play with more height, fiddle with the placement of the block and always bend your knees as much as you need. You could also drape your legs over a chair or couch to get your legs up and get the hamstrings out of the equation. Please let me know if you need more help!

Comment Replies

PianoWire
November 21, 2020
Comment:

Thanks for the coaching, Melissa. You're correct about my hamstrings. Repositioning the block isn't enough: the only way I can get straight legs pointing at the ceiling is in shoulder stand or headstand. But bending my knees to about 90 degrees lets me get my legs above my hips so I can hold the position without much ab engagement. It doesn't look like waterfall pose, but it's a lot easier and more comfortable to hold :)

Psotkany
August 6, 2020
Comment:

Thank you Melissa! I love yoga with you. Practice with you brings such a peace of mind.