How come I can't do backbends anymore??

CalBear started this discussion · 10/25/2011

Hi, Ever since starting pole and yoga about a year ago, I notice I'm not able to do backbends or "wheel" as they call it in yoga very well. My lower back hurts when I get into the pose and I "tabletop" off. I dunno what's going on and or what parts I need to stretch or what parts I need to strengthen. It just dawned on me that I'm not able to do this comfortably. But I used to do gymnastics ehm... when I was like 6 and 7 hehe... and could comfortably get into a yogini pose with my toes touching my head while I was on the ground. I'm just wondering what changed? And what do I need to do to get my backbends back? What parts do I work or stretch, anatomically? Thanks!🙂

4 replies

emotioncatcher · 10/25/2011
it´s normal that you loose your flexibility if you stop working on it or don´t do those moves anymore. you could do some stretches for the upper and lower back like the cobra. for stretching the lower back your hips should stay on the ground and for the upper back you should keep more floor contact like this: http://www.yogalokareno.com/images/workshop_photos/cobra%20pose.jpg (i prefer to place my hand in front of my body with straight arms) you also need some shoulder flexibility. as long as it hurts you shouldn´t do the wheel and only do some simple stretches which you can better controll
PaulettePoles · 10/25/2011
After Emotioncatcher mentioned the Valentino Brothers, I got their backbend download. Ive been doing it about two weeks and I now have my backbend back. It is kinda advanced though, but you can modify it. :)
PaulettePoles · 11/20/2011
I have a question e backbends I though I would attach to this thread- I have beenworking really hard on back flexibility and have gotten my back bend back about a mo ago. I notice a problem though.. I broke my shoulder when I was in the 8th grade. When I am in backbend I can feel a stiffness in that are that is preventing me from extending my left arm all the way. My shoulders are strong and I am flexible- it feels more like the bone? My arm doesnt want to extend straight- also is causing my writs in that position to tilt slightly out. WHen I correct it- I feell the stiffness in the bone. Do you think it is possible the bone healed slightly crooked? It sure desnt feel like a muscle.. ANy suggestions on what I cando to help this area? Interestingly, I dont feel it when I am in a shoulderstand, feels ok there. JUst when my arm is extended staright up, then arched back. My back feels fine I alos notice when doing a sretch for back on pole- laying onstomach and lift upper body to grip pole behind- I can grip and reach w my right arm easily- but again- left cant go and not a muscle tightness feeling- feels like a physical barrier It is not excrucuating pain so I am jsut repeating my backbend stretches and bit by bit tryng to hold a few seconds longer and inch the position in correctly
beginner2 · 11/21/2011
I have the same problem with CalBear. I lost my flexibility and my head can't touch my toes anymore. I started gymnastics again 3 years ago. I move slowly & don't push too hard. I see the progress but very little. I'm still working on it. Also, thanks emotioncatcher for the backbend photo link.