All about back extensions!

Backbends, when they are done correctly, allow you to touch the human system as a whole. In other poses you touch from the outside. In backbends you touch from inside.
B.K.S. Iyengar
The asanas of backward extension are fascinating and attractive but one should be cautious and know how to introduce them.
Geeta Iyengar in Basic Guidelines for Teachers of Yoga

At Iyengar Yoga Source, our teachers develop sequences that prepare the body for back extensions in order to derive the greatest benefits.

Salabhasana/Locust Pose (Copy)

Dhanurasana/Bow Pose (Copy)

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana/Upward Facing Dog Pose (Copy)

Urdhva Dhanurasana/Upward Facing Bow Pose (Copy)

Benefits

Back extensions are beneficial to the spine, strengthening the para-spinal muscles, and bringing space to the vertebrae along the full length of the spinal column.
Improve respiration and circulation and invigorate your whole body.
Back extension are some of the most therapeutic category of pose for back care.
The opening of the chest brings energy and a sense of optimism.
Back extensions, in general, are often used to combat depression and bring a sense of courage.

Improve posture and can help to alleviate some kinds of back and neck pain.
A study by the Mayo Clinic has shown that people who regularly strengthen their back extensor muscles experience significantly less osteoporosis-related fractures than people who don’t.