Shoulders, Neck, and Upper Back

About This Class

This approachable 20-minute class with Steve Jones is dedicated entirely to relieving tightness in the shoulders, neck, and upper back. Beginning in Vajrasana (with optional block support), the sequence progresses through seated shoulder stretches — including cross-body arm pulls, Eagle Arms, hands-interlaced behind the back, and clasped-elbow stretches — before moving to tabletop for Cat pose and half downward-facing dog. The class then flows through Child's Pose, Downward-Facing Dog (with a specific focus on spreading the shoulder blades and chin-to-throat action), a standing forward bend with clasped elbows, and a standing shin-pull variation for the upper back. Floor work includes Sphinx pose and a thread-the-needle-style shoulder opener on each side, followed by a prone chest and front-shoulder stretch. The class closes back in Vajrasana with detailed, attentive neck stretches. Throughout, Steve emphasizes smooth, deep breathing, calming the nervous system, and working with resistance rather than passive stretching. Props such as blocks are suggested for seated comfort.