BACKBEND 101 – SHOULDERS MOBILITY AND PELVIC FLOOR STRETCHES

Backbend 101 – Shoulders Mobility and pelvic floor stretches

The spine is the root of the human system, and backbends are meant to understand the back parts of our bodies.
“The front body can be seen with the eyes. The back body cannot be seen; it can only be felt” BKS Iyengar

Backbends can be intimidating, but, should be an important part of Yogi’s practice.

When we are bending backwards, not only our spine is involved, also our shoulders, hips, legs, feet, arms, hands, neck, head… It is hard work but it will improve our mind and body connection sensibly.

Here 4 exercises to improve shoulders mobility and stretch the pelvic floor. Preparations that you might use for much deeper back bending or to start your backbend journey.

Exercise 1
Shoulders swing using a stick
Inhale – take the arms overhead
Exhale – lower the arms backwards
Inhale – come back up
Exhale – lower the arms to the front
Repeat 10 to 20 times

Exercise 2
Camel pose
Ideal to stretch the pelvic floor
Take 10 long breath

Exercise 3
Reclined Hero pose
Ideal to stretch the pelvic floor
Take 10 to 20 breath

Exercise 4
Yoga Wheel playtime
Props are a wonderful ally to our backbend practice
You can play as much as you want with them, be creative