In a world where spinal flexion (sitting, sitting, sitting) is often the norm, backbends provide a glorious way to expand the front body and open the heart, providing postural relief and energetic uplift.

A former dancer, Natasha Rizopoulos began practicing yoga in her 20s. Her teaching style combines an emphasis on precise alignment with a commitment to finding joy and ease in the practice. She is celebrated for her ability to communicate the essence of a pose or an action, exploring and explaining the theory and practice in a manner that immediately connects students to their yoga in profound and transformative ways.

A dedicated Ashtanga practitioner for over a decade, Natasha studied in India with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. She has also always been deeply influenced by the Iyengar system. These two traditions form the basis of her teaching technique, combining the heat and energy of Ashtanga with the precision and attention to detail of the Iyengar method. In her teaching Natasha weaves these two styles together so that students can become fully alive to potential in their own yoga.

Natasha is the featured teacher in Yoga Journal’s Yoga Step-by-Step DVD series, has been a contributing editor and writer for Yoga Journal, and appeared in the photo essay Yoga: A Yoga Journal Book. Over her 20-year career she has traveled extensively, leading workshops and teacher trainings around the world. In the last few years she has added online courses and practices on a variety of topics through Yoga University. For more about Natasha visit her website or read the recent cover story about her in LA Yoga Magazine.

Here are two classes that will teach you how to prepare your spine and hip flexors for healthy backbends.