Dave demos elbow back bend  | Kit Laughlin from Stretch Therapy
Channel: Kit Laughlin
Date: 13/07/2012

For more in-depth guides please visit https://stretchtherapy.net/

Dave demonstrates a back bend that has some advantages over (for example) the Cobra pose from Yoga.

On advantage is that, if you follow the instructions, you can into the start position without your back muscles tightening up. In beginning students especially, the lower back muscles tighten up in back bends because these muscles are working in the *contracted end* of their range of movement—and like when you point your foot strongly, these muscles can go into spasm. Unlike like a foot, though, a spasm in your back muscles will normally be experienced as something quite serious.

If you have had back problems in past, this tightening can feel like the old problem returning.

A second advantage is that because the elbows are used for support, little effort is required, and you can stay in the position for a while and explore the sensations. If you let your body really relax, the final extension can be quite strong, but because all the muscles around the spine are relaxed, there will be little, or no, discomfort.

Follow the directions, and see if this feels good for you. And have a look at his end position: there is quite a strong extension in the lumbar spine, yet he is completely relaxed.