It's no secret that desk jobs aren't the best for your back [1], but I never really realized just how bad they could be until I started my first job a few years ago. Despite working out regularly, using a standing desk, and going for frequent walks (all things I knew were supposed to alleviate the pain), I'd come home at night and wake up in the mornings with a stiff and painful back.
Turns out there are some things only yoga can cure. I turned to one of my favorite yogi YouTubers, Boho Beautiful [2], and decided to try her strength- and recovery-focused "Yoga For Back" video. It starts off gently, which is perfect for an on-and-off yoga practitioner like me, with a soothing back massage in Child's Pose [3]. You transition to Cat-Cow [4], which provides wonderful relief for my lower back, neck, and spine, then go into a few strengthening movements for your back muscles.
The best part, though, is at the end. From the comforting posture of Knees to Chest [5], you slide straight into my favorite yoga pose, Supine Spinal Twist [6]. This posture feels like I'm wringing all the tension out of my back, arching and stretching my muscles while melting into the ground. By the time I untwist and finish the video, my back feels loose, strong, and pain-free.
Yoga can't solve every pain, and you should talk to a doctor before performing this yoga sequence if you have a history of back problems. But for me, this gentle and effective yoga video hits the spot when I come home from work or wake up in the morning with an ache in my back. Join me on the mat to feel the soothing release for yourself.
