This video consists of two 20-minute lessons, one to stretch your back, the other to strengthen it. You can do them separately or together. She covers all the yoga positions that target the back: three versions of the cobra, the angry cat, swan, child’s pose. All the work is done on the floor – there are no standing poses and it’s definitely a beginning-level yoga video. Her instructions are very clear and she has a voice that’s soothing and matches the mood of the video (no whooping here – no music, either). Both her routines alternate flexion and extension poses so that the back isn’t in one position for too long and the workout is balanced. Priscilla makes it very clear that this is YOUR workout and to modify as needed, letting pain be your guide. She promises progress, which I’m not sure is something that can be promised, but it’s reassuring anyway. I enjoy doing this video, and the lessons are short enough that I can just tack one onto the end of another workout or do it just before bed.

The only thing I would criticize is that there is no introduction, it just starts right off with Lesson One. She includes modifications to some of the poses at the end of the video, but I had to do the whole video first before finding that section. I would have put them at the beginning, or included an intro mentioning the fact that they were there. Also, I would have appreciated just a short description of different back problems and which positions would have to be modified for what problem.

This is the most expensive single video I’ve ever purchased ($28 + shipping & handling); but because of the length of the lessons and ease of the routines, it’s also one I do the most often. I like it better than Rodney Yee’s Back Care Yoga by Living Arts because the movements are much slower paced and there is almost no twisting of the upper body and torso (those moves bother my back).

Instructor Comments:
Priscilla Patrick has produced a no-frills yoga video that targets the lower back. I thought she was very encouraging in her demeanor and precise in her instructions. Her visualizations also helped. Her voice is soothing – usually Yoga videos rely heavily on music or scenery to provide that soothing meditative aspect, but there's no music or Hawaiian beaches here.

Jackie D