A lot of times people think that it’s the flexibility in their back when it could be attributed to flexibility of the calf and hamstring muscles…especially for a sitting stretch. My first thought was that you couldn’t bend all the way over because your calf/hanstring muscles don’t have enough flexibility in them…not necesarily your back flexibility. When you stretch you have to do more than one area and of course it is better to do your whole body…flexibility is a mix of both stretch and strength. So when stretching your back (bending forward and backwards) I recommend also stretching abs, hip flexors, hamstrings, calfs and quads. Back bends can be dificult if you don’t have the flexibility yet…but they are great for the back. same for torso twists, seated stretches, standing stretches…just remember that flexibility does not happen over night…and to get to your true potential you should stretch everyday. It should not hurt, but it should be slightly uncomfortable. Oh..and if you stretch one muscle group…remember to stretch the opposite muscle group as well. for example..if you are stretching your hamstrings, you need to also stretch your quads. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif