Krentzman’s Yoga for a Happy Back DVD is a wonderful support for students looking for a solid, therapeutic sequence to practice at home. Research has demonstrated such a tool increases ongoing participation in a home asana practice. The DVD is laid out in a logical sequence, using three models of varying ability/mobility in order to clearly demonstrate adaptations and modifications of the asana. The two camera views give the viewer a well lit perspective of alignment, support and body placement. Divided by type of asana, each section can be part of the entire series or stand alone as a shorter practice. It was particularly nice to have a narration with a solid, professional tone and no dreamy, elongated “yoga voice”. Careful detail is given to the use of props and other supports without impeding the series progression. Especially noteworthy is the care taken to walk the student back out of the asana safely where so often the viewer in other DVD’s is left to find their way out. Next time someone you know is complaining of back pain, send them to a qualified yoga instructor and suggest they pick up Yoga for a Happy Back to find their way home to freedom of movement again!
Matthew J. Taylor, PT, PhD, ERYT, Past president of the board of directors of the International Association of Yoga Therapists; founder of the Matthew J. Taylor Institute of Scottsdale, AZ. www.DrofYoga.com
