Hi- I’m Jessica
I originally developed the 5 minute Happy Back stretches as a quick practice for myself when my daughter was born, because all that bending over was causing constant aches.
This easy practice helped me make space, relax tense muscles, return to my natural curves, so I could play with my daughter and even carry her without pain.
Happy Back in 5 – all 4’s back stretches up to standing. Whether you’ve never done yoga before or you’re a yoga teacher, whether you’re pregnant or a Grandpa, the Happy Back stretches start on the floor and you end up standing, so they’re a great way to start your day.
Back pain is not a mystery.
It’s simple, and is only caused by one thing.
Back pain is caused by compression.
Something is getting squeezed somewhere.
So in general, back stretches feel nice because they make space. But most won’t do much long term.
In other words, they should move your muscles and bones in the direction they want to be: back toward your natural curves, which allows your stabilizing muscles to turn on, and the tension to shut off.
When you lose your natural curves – whether it’s because of physical habits (like sitting with rounded back), false beliefs or ideas you’ve been taught (like flatten your back to strengthen your core), or stress (which tightens your groin muscles and tucks your butt under) – you create compression.
The “beads” – or vertebrae – squish together creating tension in muscles nearby and overstretching others; squeezing the cushions in between; and sometimes pressing on nerves.
Oddly, pregnancy and motherhood – two of the most natural things women’s bodies do – bring you OUT of your natural alignment. Your growing baby pulls your belly and thighs forward, flattening the curve of our low back. Carrying and breastfeeding baby rounds your shoulders forward and even rounds our low back in the opposite direction it wants to be.
Over the years, I witnessed so many students leaving yoga class out of pain. But by the next day, the pain started coming back. Our patterns are strong.
I would try and encourage them to do a little yoga at home, but it’s hard to get yourself to your mat, and know what to do when you get there.
When I created the alignment-based Happy Back stretches, even I was surprised at how effective just a quick 5 minute practice can be.
The lesson for me was this: a little alignment a day is more effective than an intense class once or twice a week.
You just never get too far away from your natural stability and freedom.
It shifts your awareness mentally.
You’ll start to notice when you’re slouching and sit up – not because you “should” have better posture, but because it just feels better.
You’ll pick baby up with an extended spine, you’ll go to sleep with your natural curve of your low back, you’ll stand using the support of your core and the earth.
Aligning with your highest potential will become your new normal.
Just go to the Happy Back in 5 page.
The 5 Minutes to a Happy Back Program is an easy-to-do, self-paced program that will relieve your pain and help you keep it away.
You’ll feel better right away with our Rescue Poses and the 5-minute Happy Back sequence that anyone can do.
By the end of this one hour program, you will have learned how to:
You will be so amazed at how life-changing 5 minutes a day can be!
Each video is less than 10 minutes, and yet will teach you simple shifts you and tools you’ll use for your whole lifetime:
Step 1: ALIGNMENT PRINCIPLES
Understand WHY the Happy Back practice works, and how a simple shift back to your natural alignment can make all the difference in your comfort level.
Step 2: WHEN YOU’RE IN PAIN
What to do when your back seizes up, including simple Rescue Poses to give you relief plus jumpstart the healing process.
Step 3: THE HAPPY BACK PRACTICE
Takes about 10 minutes while you’re learning it, but you can do it in 5 with the PDF. OR, take your time, repeat some of your faves or stay with them longer, and enjoy your freedom to move!
Step 4: HAPPY BACK ALL DAY, ALL NIGHT, AND FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
Apply what we’ve learned to our most common poses: sitting, standing, and sleeping.
Step 5: WHAT’S NEXT?
We talk about the importance of core strength for staying in alignment, and provide resources to help you get it.
Happy Back in 5 is only $27.
However, right now it comes as a FREE bonus with membership!
Start your 2-week free trial here for instant access to Happy Back in 5.
