One of the beautiful features of yoga practice is the way we can work the whole body in a safe way. Safety is built in when a sequence of poses uses counter-posing.What is a counter pose? It's a posture that helps neutralise the body after performing a particular pose: think of the way backbends and forward bends, for example, can complement each other. The idea is to restore balance, if perhaps the pelvis or spine have gone out of alignment, or need stretching after contracting.In this 75-minute, you'll work the hamstrings to create strength and flexibility in equal measure.

Making space in the chest, strengthening glutes and hamstrings and creating vitality are just some of the reasons we do yoga backbends. This is a 75-minute modulated backbend practice with the aim of having you feel energetic and calm by using an intelligent approach. You'll find a written version of the practice at the end of the video.

This 75-minute class with its breathing exercises, backbends and twisting emphasis is ideal for warming the body in the chilly days of winter. It is a holistic practice that includes standing poses, too, for strength and stability, with a chair savasana to finish with ultimate relaxation and release.

Viparita Karani, also known as Legs Up the Wall, is a favourite among many yoga practitioners because it is so soothing that you will come out of it refreshed. Using a bolster under the hips makes the pose more accessible and restful. Some of the organs of the body that benefit from doing Viparita Karani regularly are: heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach and spleen. If you want to make the pose more of an inversion, you can add folded blankets to the bolster to give more height.

The work of strengthening our core is invariably enhanced by using one's breath. And in particular, by the use of ujjayi breathing, where we can listen to and adjust the sound of our breath.'Abdominals' are a category of exercises we know to be 'good for us', but they can also be onerous and at times even boring. Using ujjayi breathwork skillfully will enhance the positive effects on our digestive and eliminative organs, as well as giving an anchor for our attention.This breath focus can be taken into many of our other postures, and works well in the standing poses presented in this 'Yoga for Core Strengthening' practice.

I've gotten to the age (nearly 80) where I have a good perspective on what makes an effective all-round yoga practice. My template it this series of 'Foundations for Fitness' covers mobility, balance, coordination and strength. But this is yoga after all, so we need to embody an approach that is thoughtful, kind and breath-centered. Here is such a class for you that encompasses all of the above!

This 75 minute class is designed to wake up the muscles that make for easeful backbending poses. When the gluteus medius, minimus and hamstrings support an even arching of the spine, there is less stress and effort. You will get to enjoy more of the benefits of these valuable postures: stimulation of the nervous system, opening the lungs and correction of stooped posture.

This is a contemplative practice for when you feel a need to soothe your nervous system. As we are in the last days before the holidays, it is perfect for relaxing and recharging your batteries so you can actually enjoy your break. As you get ready to start this program, have at hand the suggested yoga props: a bolster, a blanket, two foam blocks (or the equivalent, such as a couple of thick books), an eye pillow and a chair. Begin with the supine version of Baddha Konasana, as seen in the accompanying image and stay for 5 to 10 minutes. Give yourself time to settle into each of the poses. Give up the idea you have to be somewhere or be someone. Just surrender your body/mind to your breath and your Essential Self.

We all know that breathing is integral to doing yoga. But for less experienced yoga practitioners, doing pranayama, or controlled yogic breathing exercises, may feel daunting. This 15 minute relaxation with breathing sets you up for greater awareness and control of your breath in a very gentle way. You will feel nourished and renewed at the completion of the practice.If you would like to make a donation to my continuing to create videos and recordings, please visit https://eveyoga/donation/.