deeper backbends

I was watching the Olympic Women's Gymnastic Trials a few weeks ago and was so blown away with the amazing balance, and especially flexibility of the young gymnasts. The arches in their backs are so amazing, they are practically folding in half. Great flexibility in my back has always been a challenge for me. It is easier for me to be flexible in my hamstrings and legs, and I need to spend more time backbending.

Maybe you've been in a yoga class and looked around and seen fellow yogis in some really fabulous wheel poses. Greater flexibility in backbends just takes practice, according to Yoga Journal. The only way to learn a new pattern in the body and mind is to practice it consistently. And it's important not to force a biggie right off the bat. Start small, breathe, and gently test your edge. Repeat regularly. Do backbends that feel appropriate to you as often as possible.

Yoga Journal had this advice that I found interesting: Incorporate backbends into your daily life. You can do small backbends—like clasping your hands behind your back, lifting your chest, and simply stretching—while sitting in your chair at work, waiting for the train, or standing in line at the grocery store.

so easy! i just backbended right now!