How do you stretch your back for a backbend?

Open your chest and press your arms into the floor under you feel the upper back muscles working towards the center of your back. Take 3 to 5 deep breaths and then roll down one vertebra at a time. Repeat 5 to 8 times.

How long do contortionists hold stretches?

Once you reach a point of mild discomfort, hold that position and maintain it for 30 seconds. You will not be able to reach the full range of motion that many contortionists are able to until after training for a significant amount of time. Do not jerk or bounce in an attempt to stretch further.

Can backbends hurt your back?

One major problem with backbends that most of us have experienced at some point is a sore lower back. Backbend-induced lumbar pain is the result of following the path of least resistance. Concentrating your backbends in the lumbar spine is simply the easiest thing to do.

Does Sophie have a spine or not?

Yes, she has a spine. If she didn’t, it’d be very hard for her to stand up straight. She is just very, very flexible… so flexible, that watching this video made my back hurt.

What are the best exercises for contortionism?

Extreme contortion poses. Workout contortion training. Flexshow. Extremely backbending poses. Flexible circus performer. Warm-up at the Christmas tree. Oversplits and backbend. Flexible girl.

What is contortion training?

“Contortion is about control when doing a pose or a training exercise such as a waterfall. Strength and control are just as important as flexibility.” I just wanted to say a big thank you to you Jamie from myself and my readers your insight was very helpful.

Is it OK to arch your back when doing backbends?

Caillet and Gross believe that some arching is ok, although they claim hyperextension can cause injury to lower lumbar discs and spinal joints. How ever if you train correctly this can be avoided. From my yoga instruction background I know that you should never have any compression in the spine or joints when performing backbends.

Can you have a long career in contortion?

“As long as you train safely, warm up correctly you should be able to have a long career in the art of contortion. Warming up is always as important as your body changes as you get older. Just remember that its easier to prevent an injury than recover from one.