Watch Yoga for Beginners: Gentle Backbends

Yoga for Beginners: Gentle Backbends is a soothing and enlightening film that aims to introduce individuals to the world of yoga through a series of gentle postures and stretches focused on backbends. Directed by Patricia Sullivan, the film features Siri Peterson, a renowned yoga instructor with over 30 years of experience in the practice.

The film starts with a brief introduction by Peterson, who lays out the ground rules for the practice and encourages the viewer to listen to their body and not push themselves too hard. At the beginning of the film, she stresses the importance of taking deep breaths and finding a comfortable space to practice.

The first section of the video features basic warm-up yoga poses intended to loosen up the body and prepare it for more challenging postures. Peterson leads the viewer through a series of sun salutations and standing poses like mountain, forward fold, and chair pose.

The film then moves onto the primary focus of the backbend series. Peterson talks the viewer through gentle backbends that help open up the chest and shoulders while strengthening the spine. Each posture is explained in detail with demonstrations and modifications offered for different levels of flexibility. The viewer is encouraged to move at their own pace, only going as deep into the poses as their body allows.

One of the most enjoyable and beneficial parts of the practice is the Savasana, or corpse pose. Peterson talks the viewer through how to lie down in a comfortable position and completely relax every part of their body, letting go of any tension or stress. Savasana allows the body to fully integrate the benefits of the practice and provides a much-needed mental break for individuals.

Throughout the practice, Peterson emphasizes the importance of mindful movement and staying present in the moment. She encourages the viewer to focus on their breath and tune out any distractions, allowing for a deeper connection to the practice.

The video ends with another short guided meditation, a final Savasana, and a closing message from Peterson. She reminds the viewer to carry the calm and grounding energy of the practice with them as they go about their day.

Overall, Yoga for Beginners: Gentle Backbends is a wonderful introduction to yoga for those looking to ease into the practice or reconnect with it after some time away. The slow and gentle pace of the practice allows for a deep connection with the breath and an opportunity to listen to the body's needs. Peterson's clear and concise instructions make the postures accessible for individuals at all levels of flexibility. The video is perfect for working out some kinks in the morning or winding down in the evening.

Yoga for Beginners: Gentle Backbends is a 2013 non-fiction movie with a runtime of 23 minutes.