New workouts: Yoga to the Rescue for Pain-Free Back, Neck and Shoulders

Title: Yoga to the Rescue for Pain-Free Back, Neck and Shoulders With Desiree Rumbaugh two-DVD set

What’s the goal? The goal is to help you heal yourself, making aches and pains a thing of the past as you reduce stress, fight fatigue and release tension by practicing yoga.

Who’s it for? The videos are for the beginning to experienced student who has back, neck or shoulder pain.

Format: This is a value-priced reissue of two DVDs: Yoga to the Rescue for Back Pain and Yoga to the Rescue for Neck and Shoulders.They were originally released in 2007 and 2009, respectively. Both run about 126 minutes and were filmed in a draped yoga studio. The boxed set adds two bonus features: a wrist stretch and a seated twist. The discs allow you to view the videos with instruction and music, or instruction only.

What’s to like? For practitioners of Anusara yoga, Rumbaugh’s references to “spiraling energy” and instructions to “relax in alignment with nature” will be familiar. For those new to Anusara yoga, it is just another offshoot of Hatha yoga, the yoga based on asanas (poses) and pranayama (breathing techniques). Many teachers have taken Hatha yoga, added a little something extra or sequenced postures in their own way and branded it as uniquely their own to the dismay of many yogis and yoginis. John Friend, an American-born yogi who headed the Anusara Yoga organization until his rapid departure last year amid a sex and financial scandal, created Anusara yoga in 1997. Even if you don’t understand the nuances of some instructions, the practice is clearly communicated by Rumbaugh, an accomplished teacher, and includes a progressive lineup of classic yoga asanas.

Yoga to the Rescue for Neck and Shoulders begins with a 30-minute tutorial that includes about a dozen poses. The practice starts at the wall with a nice shoulder stretch. Sphinx, cobra, bow, down dog and locust are just a few of the asanas presented. The tutorial ends with shoulder stand and a final relaxation. The second half of the video incorporates the poses taught in the tutorial section into a 30-minute flow or vinyasa-style practice.

Yoga to the Rescue for Back Pain starts with instructions on how to stand in alignment and demonstrates the rightand wrong way to do poses such as cat, cow and down dog. The subtle muscular changes may be difficult for new students to understand, which is why I recommend beginning your yoga journey with a trained teacher. Thirty-three poses chosen specifically to help release tension and tightness in the hamstrings, hips and lower back are taught on the DVD, and Rumbaugh says, “Wise sages say you are as young as your spine is flexible.” And her spine is very flexible and her practice quite accomplished, which will leave some viewers feeling frustrated. Luckily, Andrew Rivin, Rumbaugh’s assistant, demonstrates modified poses when appropriate.

Distractions? For those with serious back, neck or shoulder problems, the video may seem too advanced and out of reach. I recommend that you only do as much as you feel comfortable with and appreciate the openness available in the body with a regular yoga practice. Most of all, don’t get competitive with your practice. The intent is to heal, not hurt.

Necessary gear: You will need a yoga sticky mat, a strap, a block and a few blankets.

Yogini’s credentials: Rumbaugh has more than 20 years of experience practicing and teaching yoga. She was one of the first certified Anusara yoga teachers, but her name no longer appears on the Anusara website anusara.com.

Price: $24.99 Catherine Rodgers has practiced yoga for more than 30 years.