Backbend

Description

The backbend can be modified to suit all abilities. Below are the various options:

• Stand up, steadying yourself in a door frame if needed and bend your neck backwards so that the back of your head is laying against your back. Push your chest out and lift your behind as if you’re trying to touch your head to your rear. Count to five, bending a little farther backwards with each count. Try it 5 to 10 times.

• Get face down on the floor and prop your upper torso up. Your palms stay flat on the ground as you arch your back, trying to touch your head to your rear again. If needed, come off the palms and use your fingertips instead to get a greater bend during this exercise.

• Lay on an exercise ball on your back. Stretch backwards, bending over the ball, and planting your hands on the ground. Rock back and forward a little, gently. Use your hands and legs to push and pull your body over the ball as a good stretching exercise.

• Lay completely flat on your back, bend your knees and place your feet flat on the ground, place your hands flat on the ground above your shoulders, then lift your hips into the air creating a bridge. Hold for 30 seconds, come back to the start position for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times total.

Why I Love This Move!

It is an instant energy and mood-booster!

Why/When I Use This Move

We rarely stretch backwards… everything we do is in front of us. Backbends are great for our health!

Watch it here!  

This is a video of my friend, Michelle MacDonald doing her backbends if you are looking for a little inspiration!