Basic Back Flexibility and Stretching Tips!
Hello everyone! Here is some basic back flexibility tips and stretches! :)
child's pose | cat and cow pose | seal stretch | seal stretch with feet to head | basket stretch
The first step, after the warm up, is to get a bridge. You can start by doing this. Basically, you kneel on the ground and lean backwards, trying to stretch your back out. You can also do these, and try to push your pelvis as far up as possible. Here's another standing back stretch.
Once you are more comfortable with that, try to do a bridge from the ground. Lay on the ground with your feet flat, about hip width apart, and your arms up by your shoulders, palms flat against the ground, and fingers pointed in the direction of your feet. Then try to push up. More strength should come from the arms, so don't let your legs overpower you. You can also get someone to help hold your waist up as you try to push up with your arms.
Once you are comfortable doing bridge from the ground by yourself, try doing a backbend! It's essentially a bridge from standing up. :) Here's a tutorial from fitforafeast. It's a good idea to have a spot who can hold your waist as you attempt a backbend. If you don't have a spot, you can always do it against a wall! Lean backwards, and put your hands on the wall. Slowly inch your way down the wall, "walking" your hands as you do so. You should eventually get to the ground. This is good to start out with, but eventually, you should be able to do it without the wall! :)
To stretch a bit further, just push your legs straight to get your body over your shoulders! {This is also a great shoulder stretch!}
One of the things people have problems with are spotting the ground, and loosing balance. When going down into your backbend, make sure you are pushing your pelvis forward.
Don't throw your head back, because that will screw up your orientation. Keep your head straight, with your arms extended by your ears, and then try to backbend!
Any questions? Shoot me an ask! If you find this easy, check out my advanced back flexibility tips.