What muscles does this yoga workout target?

The primary focus here is hamstrings, spine, lower back. You will also feel work in your shoulders, hips — I designed these 19 movements across 30 minutes so each body area gets attention without rushing through transitions. The sequencing follows a natural flow that lets your body warm into deeper ranges gradually. Great for anyone interested in yoga for lower back pain. Many women use this as part of their lower back dumbbell exercises routine.

What equipment do I need for this workout?

You'll want mat. Don't have one? A thick towel, carpet works fine — I've taught this sequence with improvised props more times than I can count. The movement matters more than the equipment. Perfect for yoga poses for beginners.

Is this workout suitable for beginners?

Yes. Absolutely. No prior experience needed. Every exercise includes form cues, and there are modifications throughout. Here is what I tell new students: if something feels wrong — sharp pain, dizziness, strain in your neck — back off. Yoga should challenge you, not punish you.

How long is this workout?

About 30 minutes, start to finish. That includes warm-up and cool-down — I never skip those, and neither should you. The main work covers 19 movements. Some days that flies by. Some days minute 20 feels like an hour. Both are normal.

Are there modifications available for this workout?

Yes. Modifications are cued throughout. Examples: Keep your knee slightly bent if there are lower back limitations; Go only as far as feels right if you cannot straighten the leg fully; Use blocks under your hands if needed — I've been teaching long enough to know that the 'full expression' of a pose isn't the goal. The goal is finding the version that challenges YOUR body without breaking it. Use every modification offered. That's not weakness — that's intelligence.

Do I need yoga experience for this class?

Yes. Absolutely. No prior experience needed. Every exercise includes form cues, and there are modifications throughout. Here is what I tell new students: if something feels wrong — sharp pain, dizziness, strain in your neck — back off. Yoga should challenge you, not punish you.

How often should I do this yoga workout?

Two to three times per week is the sweet spot for most women. Daily is fine too if your body responds well — yoga is forgiving that way — I've seen better results from consistent shorter sessions than from one heroic weekend marathon. Pair it with a different movement style on alternate days — a walk, some light strength work, even just stretching at your desk.

Can yoga help with Pelvic Floor?

There is clinical evidence supporting yoga for Pelvic Floor. The mechanism: pelvic floor strengthening — I want to be honest though — movement is one piece. It's powerful, but it works best alongside sleep, nutrition, and stress management. If Pelvic Floor is significantly impacting your quality of life, talk to a specialist. This workout can be part of your plan, not your entire plan.

Why is breathing so important in yoga?

Breathing is not decoration. In yoga, your breath literally determines how deep you can go into a movement and how your nervous system responds. Exhale on effort, inhale on release — that's the basic pattern. But here is what most instructors don't say: if you can't breathe smoothly in a position, you've gone too far. Your breath is your honest feedback system. The diaphragmatic breathing in this session activates your parasympathetic nervous system — the 'rest and digest' mode that most women in their 30s and 40s desperately need more of. This session is particularly effective as a yoga for stress relief option.

Bedtime Yoga For Tight Hamstrings — Session 8

Exercise Breakdown

19 exercises in Session 8

Warm-up3 exercises

2m 2s

1:46

Toe Spreads and Curls

“Spreading our toes away from each other, and then we curl.”

ankles

low

2:26

Ankle Flex and Point

“Imagine somebody's gently pushing your feet down to feel the stretch on top of your feet.”

anklescalveshamstrings

low

3:11

Ankle Rotations

“Nice, slow rotations with your feet, pointing at the front and flexing at the back.”

ankles

low

Cool-down1 exercise

49s

20:51

Windshield Wipers

“Arms behind your back, and drop your knees side to side.”

hipslower back

low

breations1 exercise

1m 45s

0:00

Grounding and Breathing

“Sit nice and tall, roll your shoulders back, spine straight.”

spineshouldersneck

low

yoga13 exercises

20m 7s