Power Yoga ‘Backbends’

About This Class

This approachable 30-minute backbend-focused flow is designed to progressively open the chest, spine, and heart center. It begins supine with cactus arms and a bridge warm-up, then moves through tabletop cat-cow, sphinx, cobra, and upward dog to build spinal mobility. Standing sequences feature repeated rounds of twisting backbends with interlaced fingers, chair pose, crescent pose with Prana Mudra, reverse prayer backbends, Warrior Three, dancer's pose (Shiva Natarajasana), Chapasana, and half moon. A prone bow pose (Dhanurasana) and locust (Salabhasana) deepen the backbend experience before a kneeling half-camel variation. The class peaks with upward facing bow (Urdhva Dhanurasana / wheel), then winds down with supine twists and Savasana. The instructor frames the practice around the heart as an energy center of compassion and kindness, encouraging steady, fluid breath throughout to navigate intensity with dignity.