I spoke with a student today who LOVES hot yoga, used to practice but had to stop because of muscle spasms in her back. She is an avid runner, swimmer, athlete in general. After 5 years of no yoga and missing it, she tried again. Her spasms started up the first class in the upper back. The backbends trigger the spasms. I suggested wood to balance out the core, but have not heard of this before. Anyone have this experience? Any suggestions for her? She really wants to practice again!!

I think Wood would be an awesome class to help with that. She may have weak back muscles that she doesn't utilize often, but you do say she runs and swims, so it may be the smaller muscle fibers are not as strong as they could be. I've found that since starting at Sunstone, my back is stronger and I don't have the tightening in my back that I used to in cold weather, so the spine strengtheners may also provide some help for her(cobra, half/full locust, floor bow). She also may be going too far back in the backbends before her body is ready.
This is my unprofessional, non-teacher opinion, and all I can say for sure is that going to Wood twice a week has definitely had an impact on my practice in a very good way.

I'm not completely sure but I would like to share an experience that I just had with class today. I had two cups of coffee today, no water, and took a fire class. I had horrible toe cramps and calf muscle spasms. The reason I bring this up is that I wonder what her diet is like, I know she is athletic but it is amazing how what you take in can effect you.

Amy and Kahlee, Thank you both for your sharing your experiences They are the best teachers, I'll make sure to pass them on to the student!!