Oh Yes, Praise the Back

About This Class

Bryan Kest leads this expansive flow class—titled "Oh Yes, Praise the Back"—that systematically works through the entire body with a clear emphasis on spinal health, hip mobility, and back-body strength. The class opens in child's pose with an extended foundation on nasal breathing, deep breathing, and present-moment focus before moving through repeated rounds of a six-movement warm-up series (downward dog, forward fold, flat-back lift, fold, cobra, plank/chaturanga). Standing sequences include warrior-style lunges, triangle pose, wide-legged forward folds with clasped hands, and lateral side bends in a wide-leg squat (goddess/frog). Balance work features extended hand-to-big-toe pose, standing splits prep, and airplane/warrior III variations, all practiced with a strong emphasis on calm over depth. Floor work includes locust-style back extensions, bow pose, core leg-lowering, plow, and shoulder stand, followed by supine spinal twists. The class closes with a seated gratitude meditation and savasana. Throughout, Bryan consistently coaches against straining, encourages modification, and frames the practice as a vehicle for cultivating gentleness, awareness, and mental resilience.