Buzz
Flexibility is an area I don’t dedicate enough time to. Sure, I’m able to perform the lifts and exercises that matter to me, but I often convince myself that it’s enough. However, when I see people who have clearly dedicated time to improving their flexibility, the things they can do leave me in awe. Maybe this month we should take a cue from their efforts?
If you’ve been following along for a while, you may recall that we did a flexibility challenge back in March of 2018. That time, you were left to choose your own stretches, but this time we’re going to have a more structured approach. Still, it’s worth revisiting those old posts as they debunk a few myths about stretching and provide additional tips to help you get started.
One key myth to address: stretching does not prevent injury. However, it can improve your range of motion, making certain movements feel easier. We’re undertaking this challenge for the pure goal of becoming a bit more flexible for flexibility’s sake. Many people also find stretching to be a relaxing or enjoyable activity, so let’s see if we can tap into that aspect too.
First, let’s dive into backbends (like the wheel pose, if you’re familiar with yoga). As a kid, I could easily pop into one of these at any moment. But now? Well, it’s definitely a lot more challenging.
The good news is that you can gradually work up to it. Start by lying down, gently arching your back while keeping your hips and shoulders on the floor. Alternatively, you can kneel and reach back to grab your heels. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along this progression, which also doubles as a warmup when you’re ready to attempt a full backbend.
If you think you’re getting close, try practicing backbends with a wall for support. It’s a good idea to do this for the first time with a friend to help spot you, and place some cushions near the wall in case you slip. The goal is to reach back and place your hands on the wall behind you, then slowly walk them down as far as you can while maintaining control.
Flexibility takes time, so don’t get discouraged if these movements feel tough at first. Keep at it, and with persistence, you’ll start seeing the benefits. Let’s give these moves a go this week and see what progress we can make.
