My Aching Back! Yoga Sequence to Offer Relief

Whether you woke up with a tight lower back, your desk job has you aching, or you overdid it at the gym, here is a relaxing yoga sequence designed specifically to stretch your lower back. Since tight hips, hamstrings, and shoulders can often trigger discomfort and pain, this sequence will also lengthen those tension spots. Do this series of yoga poses any time your back needs a little extra love.

 

An oldie but goodie, the Cat and Cow stretch doubles as a great warmup for your spine before just about any activity.

• Begin on your hands and knees so your back is flat and your abs engaged. As you inhale, let your belly soften, arch your back, and lift your head and tailbone. This part of the stretch is called Cow.
• With an exhale, round your spine up to the ceiling, pull your abs toward your spine, and simultaneously tuck your tailbone in and draw your chin toward your chest. This part is known as Cat.
• For a minute or so, continue flowing back and forth from Cat to Cow, breathing deeply so as not to rush each movement.