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Yoga for Back Relief — Session 4

This 30-minute beginner workout focuses on yoga for core and back strengthening. Led by Petra Kapiciakova, it targets core, lower back, spine with evidence-based exercises designed for women of all fitness levels.

Exercise Breakdown

10 exercises in Session 4

Strength4 exercises
7m 56s
4:01
Heel Slides

Imagine there is a glue on your back and the mat.

corelower backhip flexors
low
6:01
Leg Lifts and Holds

Imagine somebody's stepping on your belly, really engage the core.

quadscorelower back
medium
11:01
V-Shape Toe Taps

Knees together, feet apart, creating like a V shape.

coreinner thighslower back
medium
13:01
Dead Bug

Think of slow, controlled movement. We don't want to go fast.

corearmslower backspine
medium
Flexibility1 exercise
1m 59s
19:01
Windshield Wipers

Drop your knees side to side, turning your head to opposite direction.

spinelower backhips
low
Cool-down1 exercise
6m 57s
21:01
Savasana (Final Relaxation)

Scanning your body from the crown of your head.

full body
low
breathing1 exercise
2m
0:00
Breathing and Awareness

On your inhale, filling up your belly, ribcage, your chest.

corespineshoulders
low
yoga2 exercises
5m 58s
2:01
Pelvic Tilts

Exhale, bring your belly towards your spine, press your lower back down.

lower backcorespine
low
15:01
Supported Bridge with Pillow

Squeeze into the pillow, rotate your thighs inwards.

glutesinner thighscorespine
medium
pilates1 exercise
2m 59s
8:01
Toe Taps

Try to keep that ninety-degree angle in your legs.

corelower backhip flexors
medium

Muscles Targeted

Primary

corelower backspine

Secondary

hip flexorsinner thighsshoulders

Equipment & Modifications

Equipment Needed

  • mat

Don't Have Equipment?

You can substitute with:

thick towelcarpet

Available Modifications

  • Lift leg up and release for more intensity
  • Bring knees closer to chest if lower back arches
  • Keep feet on floor for lower intensity
  • Lower legs down if it's too much
  • Place pillow under knees for back support

Coaching Highlights from Petra Kapiciakova

Exhale, bring your belly towards your spine, press your lower back down.

Form

Minimize the movement of your back.

Safety

If it's difficult and you can't press your back down, bring knees closer to chest.

Modification

Leaving any tension with your exhale.

Motivation

Barre is Pilates with a heartbeat — I designed these sequences for women who want sculpting work without joint impact. Every move has a reason — I'll tell you what muscle we're targeting and why it matters for your daily life.

Form

Health Benefits

Women navigating Pelvic Floor, anxiety will find this session particularly relevant. The focus on core and lower back addresses the specific tension patterns and movement deficits that often accompany these conditions. No prior experience needed — every movement has a modification.

Relevant For

anxietyback paincoordinationcore strengthfatigueflexibilityhip paininsomniaposturestress

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does this yoga workout target?

The primary focus here is core, lower back, spine. You will also feel work in your hip flexors, inner thighs — I designed these 10 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 10 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: Lift leg up and release for more intensity; Bring knees closer to chest if lower back arches; Keep feet on floor for lower intensity — 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.

Related Workouts & Topics

About the Trainer

Petra Kapiciakova

Petra Kapiciakova

Yoga Trainer

From: Yoga for Back Relief