Top 10 Yoga Exercises to Relieve Back Pain at Home

Back pain is a scourge of modern man, leading a sedentary lifestyle. But there is also good news: regular exercise, correct posture and a comfortable sleep on an orthopedic mattress will help get rid of pain without leaving home. [1]
For today's busy individual, home workouts are a godsend. Home workouts, especially yoga and targeted exercises, are effective and convenient solutions for back pain relief. With proper technique and planning, you can get the best workout at home as beneficial as gym sessions. This article presents material based on an interview with a personal trainer from Mywowfit Ramy. During the conversation, we discussed the most effective exercises that help improve posture and reduce back pain. [3] This article will be useful to anyone who is looking for exercise to maintain a healthy back and improve their posture at home.
Yoga teacher Ramy
Ramy, Yoga Teacher, Mywowfit
" I love focusing on it because it's very relevant these days. I also teach yoga at hospitals, at mental health facilities, and rehab centers for addictions and substance abuse, and old-age homes as well. So these kind of places we tend to do more therapeutic yoga, and therapeutic yoga the back is quite a focus because that is where you carry most of your tension, most of your tight muscles. Your back is like the trunk of the body. It's the biggest part of the body that whatever you suffer within the back generally translates to the rest of the body, so you can imagine why I have such a keen interest in this focus" — RAMY

Cat-cow pose

cat cow pose

Cat-Cow Pose is one of the best dynamic exercise that improves spine flexibility, releases tension throughout the body, and promotes deep breathing. Regular practice leaves you feeling more flexible, relaxed, and energized. The Cat-Cow Pose is a versatile asana that is accessible for regular practice. Modifications exist that allow the pose to be adapted to individual needs and physical capabilities


1. Come onto your hands and knees, with your knees under your hips and your hands under your shoulders.

2. Inhale, arch your back up like a cat, tucking your belly in.

3. Look straight ahead, with your head lifted up.

4. Exhale, round your spine, tuck your chin to your chest, and drop your head down.

5. Breathe deeply and smoothly, moving from the "Cat" pose to the "Cow" pose and back.

6. Repeat 5-10 times, moving with the rhythm of your breath.

" I love focusing on it because it's very relevant these days. I also teach yoga at hospitals, at mental health facilities, and rehab centers for addictions and substance abuse, and old-age homes as well. So these kind of places we tend to do more therapeutic yoga, and therapeutic yoga the back is quite a focus because that is where you carry most of your tension, most of your tight muscles. Your back is like the trunk of the body. It's the biggest part of the body that whatever you suffer within the back generally translates to the rest of the body, so you can imagine why I have such a keen interest in this focus" — RAMY

Downward-Facing Dog Pose

downward facing dog

Downward-facing Dog is a fundamental yoga pose with numerous physical and mental benefits. It calms the nervous system, relieves stress and fatigue, and refreshes the mind.


1. Tabletop Position: Hands shoulder-width apart, knees hip-width apart.

2. Ground Through Your Palms: Spread your fingers wide, index fingers pointing forward.

3. Lift Your Hips: On an exhale, straighten your legs, sending your tailbone towards the ceiling.

4. Relax Your Neck: Gaze between your feet.

5. Lengthen Your Spine: Draw your belly towards your thighs, chest towards your knees.

6. Breathe Steady: Hold for 1-3 minutes.

7. To Release: Exhale, bend your knees, and gently lower back to the floor.

Locust pose

locust pose

The Locust Pose, resembling a grasshopper's take-off, is a deceptively simple yoga asana with immense strengthening and healing benefits. It stimulates digestion, improves metabolism, and promotes a strong back, good posture, and a feeling of lightness [3]


1. Lie on your stomach with your arms by your sides, palms flat on the floor.

2. Inhale, lift your head, chest, and legs off the floor.

3. Keep your elbows straight and your arms extended back.

4. Bring your shoulder blades together and lift your shoulders.

5. Keep your body straight and maintain your balance.

6. Breathe deeply and evenly, hold the pose for 5-10 seconds.

7. Gently lower your legs and head back to the floor.

Reclining Hand to Big Toe Pose

yoga asana

Its gentle effect on the nervous system calms the mind, relieves stress, and promotes a sense of tranquility. Regular practice of this asana will reward you with ease in the legs, reduced tension, and a path towards inner peace.


1. Lie on your back with your arms by your sides.

2. Bend your right leg at the knee and bring it towards your chest.

3. Straighten your right leg upwards, keeping your back flat on the floor.

4. Grab your right big toe with your right hand. Your left hand should be on the floor.

5. Gently pull your leg towards you, stretching the back of your thigh.

6. Breathe deeply and evenly, hold the pose for a few breaths.

7. Lower your right leg to the floor and repeat on the left side.

Pigeon Pose

pigeon pose

Pigeon Pose is a deep and multifaceted asana, offering benefits for both body and mind. It wonderfully opens the hip joints, increasing their mobility, and deeply stretches the hip rotators, flexors, and gluteal muscles. Pigeon Pose teaches balance and patience not only on the mat but also in life.


1. Start on your hands and knees.

2. Bring your right knee forward, placing it behind your right wrist.

3. Extend your left leg back, straightening it.

4. Lower your hips down until you feel a stretch in the front of your right thigh.

5. Raise your arms up, joining your palms above your head, and reach up.

6. Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.

7. Breathe deeply and evenly, hold the pose for 30-60 seconds.

8. Repeat on the left leg.

" So you have to create that balance between the strength and the flexibility. Lengthening the muscles in a healthy way, while strengthening the muscles so that your joints are protected and you're not going to injure your joints hyper extending them and maybe damaging your connective tissues and your joints for example so I definitely think that's the reason I want to bring the pigeon pose, because pigeon pose is creating that flexibility in the lower back and into the thigh area" — RAMY

Real accountability. Real consistency.

🤸

1-on-1 zoom session with online personal trainer

Bow Pose

bow pose

Bow Pose in yoga is a powerful asana that benefits both physical and mental health. It strengthens back muscles, improves posture, opens the chest, stimulates abdominal organs, improves circulation, and stretches the front of the body.


1. Lie on your stomach with your legs extended and your arms by your sides.

2. Bend your knees and grab your ankles.

3. Inhale, lift your head and chest off the floor, and push your hips up.

4. Lower your head back, look up.

5. Hold the pose for 30-60 seconds, breathing deeply and evenly.

6. Exhale, slowly lower yourself back to the floor.

" Then bow pose for example will help with that hip flexor in the front bringing the flexibility there because as I said too much strength is going to tighten the muscles and create more tension and more pain so it's like a fine balance" — RAMY

Child's Pose

Child's Pose is a restorative asana that helps to relax, release tension, and relieve stress. This asana gently stretches the spine, relieving tension and pain in the back, especially in the lumbar region.


1. Start on your hands and knees.

2. Sit back on your heels, bringing your hips back.

3. Fold forward, resting your forehead on the floor.

4. Relax your arms alongside your body, palms facing up.

5. Breathe deeply and evenly, hold the pose for 30-60 seconds.

"Child's pose as well, it's such a wonderful way to just relax and let the back lengthen as the body just relaxes. You basically creating that mood of melting into the mat almost" — RAMY

Seated Spinal Twist

seated spinal twist

The Seated Spinal Twist pose in yoga has a beneficial effect on both physical and mental health. It increases spinal flexibility, relieves back tension, improves digestion, opens the chest, and stimulates the work of internal organs. In addition, twists help relieve stress, improve mood, and develop concentration. [3]


1. Sit on the floor with your legs crossed.

2. Place your right hand behind your back, and grab your right knee with your left hand.

3. Inhale and straighten your spine.

4. Exhale, twist your upper body to the right, looking over your right shoulder.

5. Hold the pose for 30-60 seconds, breathing deeply and evenly.

6. Repeat on the other side.

Triangle Pose

Triangle pose

Triangle Pose strengthens and stretches the body, calming the mind. It strengthens the legs, stretches the hamstrings and hips, opens the chest, improves digestion, and relieves stress. Practice with caution if you have injuries or high blood pressure.


1. Stand with your feet about 1 meter apart.

2. Turn your right foot 90 degrees to the right, and your left foot 15 degrees to the left.

3. Extend your arms out to the sides, parallel to the floor.

4. Bend to the right, lowering your right hand to the floor, and reach your left arm up.

5. Look at your left hand.

6. Hold the pose for 30-60 seconds, breathing deeply and evenly.

7. Repeat on the other side.

Cobra Pose

Cobra pose

Cobra Pose strengthens back muscles, improves posture, opens the chest for better breathing, increases flexibility, and boosts energy and mood.


1. Lie on your stomach with your legs extended, palms under your shoulders, and your forehead touching the floor.

2. Inhale, engage your back muscles and slowly lift your head, chest and abdomen off the floor, using your arms for support.

3. Don't raise your shoulders towards your ears, keep them relaxed.

4. Look straight ahead or slightly upwards.

5. Hold the pose for 15-30 seconds, breathing deeply and evenly.

6. Exhale, slowly lower yourself back to the floor.

Is yoga truly as beneficial as everyone claims, or is it simply a passing trend?

The answer is a resounding yes – yoga offers profound benefits, and its positive effects on both body and mind are backed by scientific evidence. Yoga's power is in its gentle approach to whole-body wellbeing. Moreover, yoga is one of the best type of training to do at home. Regular practice benefits flexibility, strength, stamina and injury reduction. [2]

For personal training and support, consider yoga at home with Mywowfit, that offers guided stretching routines, customised plans, and a supportive community to help you reach your flexibility goals. Book your first trial session with Ramy!

Yoga teacher Ramy
Ramy, Yoga Teacher, Mywowfit
Sources:
  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/
  2. Yoga in-depth (NCCIH): National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Yoga: In-depth. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga-in-depth
  3. Yoga Journal: Yoga Journal. (n.d.). Yoga Journal. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from http://yogajournal.com
  • Cat-Cow Pose (Image): dzeninfra.ru
  • Downward-Facing Dog Pose (Image): freepik.com
  • Locust Pose (Image): myyogaflows.com
  • Reclining Hand to Big Toe Pose (Image): pinimg.com
  • Pigeon Pose (Image): pinimg.com
  • Bow Pose (Image): userapi.com
  • Child's Pose (Image): pinimg.com
  • Seated Spinal Twist Pose (Image): ftcdn.net
  • Triangle Pose (Image): myyogaflows.com
  • Cobra Pose (Image): pinimg.com

Real accountability. Real consistency.

🤸

1-on-1 zoom session with online personal trainer