Backyard Series: Inversions

Erich Schiffmann
Year Released: 2002

Categories: Yoga


A word of warning: Do not use this DVD unless you are fairly experienced with yoga and know your limitations. This DVD will not teach you to do inversions: It is assumed that you already know how to do the poses safely. Erich labels this sequence as “Intermediate to Advanced”. However, if you know your limitations and can modify poses safely on your own, you can get value from this DVD even if you cannot do all the poses. I can only do headstand (sirsasana) supported by a wall, but I was able to benefit from the DVD and enjoyed it. (While Erich did headstand variations, I worked on the entrance to & exit from the supported headstand and on taking my feet away from the wall.)

If you normally don’t preview videos, or if you preview at high speed, I suggest watching the headstand and shoulderstand sequences of this DVD at normal speed before doing them. You can really damage yourself by turning your head to look at the TV while in an inversion. If you are not expert at inversions, it’s also a good idea to think through which variations you’re going to try and which ones you plan to skip.

That said, this is an excellent DVD with a lot of variations that I haven’t seen elsewhere. Erich’s slow, relaxed style fits the practice of inversions perfectly, and the whole sequence works very well.

Sequence: There is only a short warmup before you go into the headstand (sirsasana) sequence. This sequence lasts about eight minutes with many variations of leg position, one-legged headstand, etc. The headstand sequence is followed by abdominals, bridge and plow, then a ten-minute shoulderstand sequence, also with many variations. There is a long sequence of counterposes including fish variations and delicious leg stretches, then savasana.

This is a nice well-rounded sequence of about 70 minutes; the counterposes are extensive and lovely. Because my shoulders are very tight, I may do some extra shoulder openers before starting this video next time.

Savasana: The savasana is fairly brief. Erich guides you into relaxation & is then quiet. After the savasana, the DVD goes back to the main menu, which is silent, so you can stay in savasana as long as you like.

How I feel afterward: Erich’s videos make me feel nicely stretched and very relaxed. They are not exhilarating like some power yoga or koundalini practices.

Props: Erich uses a blanket for the headstand and shoulderstand sequences. Since you’re in the inversions for quite awhile, this may be a good idea even if you normally practice those poses without props.

Modifications: Erich does not offer modifications, but most people will need to modify or skip some of these poses. Be sure you understand your body and know how to modify appropriately before you attempt this video.

What he talks about: Erich talks quite a bit, but it is nearly all about the physical effects of the poses, how they should feel, how to subtly adjust your alignment. There is no spiritual talk. He emphasizes that the poses should feel good, and you should have fun.

Music, setting, production: Erich is alone in his back yard, with an attractive flowering hedge behind him. The instruction is voiceover. The production values are just fine, although he does these videos entirely by himself. This is a DVD-R. The music is nonobtrusive and unexceptional. I did not see Fig the cat in this video.

Chaptering and features: The DVD is well chaptered, but the chapters are titled with only the numerals 1 through 9. You may want to make a cheat sheet. There are no extra features, unless you count the bit at the beginning where Erich apologizes (unnecessarily) for the production values.

Instructor Comments:
Erich is extremely knowledgeable and provides a lot of detailed information on alignment. His cuing is excellent and his voice is soothing. He does not have the athlete’s body you often see on exercise videos, but I don’t find him unattractive.

Laura Johnson

02/27/2006