Get Bendy
Spinal Mobility
GET BENDY
In the yoga context, getting bendy can conjure up images of postures that may seem far-fetched or unattainable. What we should set our sights on instead is not an end result but rather all the things we learn while we’re exploring what is possible. Things to set our sights on include strength and, arguably more importantly, technique in order to actually access deeper flexibility. All of these ingredients support greater mobility.
In today’s video, Matt shares techniques to find greater spinal mobility through the movement of lateral flexion. Although it’s easy to become complacent with our regular tendencies, there is always room for growth. What we’ll see today is the use of 3 key actions along with specific drills that cultivate strength, flexibility, and overall better movement.
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STANDING DRILLS
In the first exploration of lateral flexion, Matt demonstrates a standing stretch for the obliques. Here, we learn a technique with 3 key actions that provide support and the ability to be a more active participant in the stretch. The actions include the following:
- Lean—a fairly isolated movement of the rib cage forward and to one side
- Cinch—”belly in and up” is the activation of the transversus abdominis, creating strength within the stretch
- Lift—namely of the rib cage on the side where we’re creating the stretch, which will create more space for the external intercostals
When we extend into the full stretch, the internal and external obliques on the opposite side strengthen, even as they assist with the stretch.
Next, we progress to a Chair Pose shape, targeting more of the internal obliques and quadratus lumborum and actively shifting between stretch and strength on each side.
WATCH THE VIDEO
GET BENDY: DRILLS TO UPGRADE SPINAL MOBILITY
GET ON YOUR BACK
The drill to get bendy on our backs demands an ample amount of awareness and strength.
First, the setup requires us to rest from head to tailbone on a blanket, with bent legs lifted. Some of the key points we need to be aware of are that the pelvis stays flat while we send it to the left and right; therefore, it’s the tailbone that turns. Our back, pelvis, and shoulders are all level on the ground—nothing lifts up off the ground. Once we have the technique down, we can move at a faster pace, still with intention but in a more rhythmic fashion. Since we’ve worked to engage the transversus abdominis and obliques in previous explorations, we adopt this engagement to support the strength required in this drill.
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FROG POSE DRILL
This drill may be more challenging than we think. Matt sets us up in a more “shallow Frog” in order to avoid vulnerability in the adductors, but finding the right position is imperative. If it’s too shallow, we may risk inner knee pain.
The position on the blanket and our desire to be “successful” may encourage us to compensate with the hip flexors, so we must remain connected to the obliques. What’s important here is to be intentional about moving the pelvis while the legs are fixed in the hip joints; they don’t move. It’s the pelvis that rotates. The legs only move as a result of the pelvis leading the way. Again, the strength comes from the external and internal obliques. To get bendy, we aim to move the elbow and knee closer to each other.
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STRENGTHEN TO BEND
If we want to get bendy and achieve the benefits of what comes along with that, we must include techniques and mechanics within our yoga practice that enhance support and strength. What are the benefits? There are many, but important to mention is that strong muscle fibers are more responsive, which encourages them to both contract and lengthen with more efficiency. Further, we will be able to stretch our muscles with better control, limiting the possibility of injury. In terms of spinal mobility specifically, it’s the activation of the core muscles that creates a band of support around the spine, allowing us to move in multiple directions with supreme confidence.
Don’t miss your opportunity to expand on these concepts in Matt’s upcoming Chromatic Global Training.
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Article by Trish Curling
Video Extracted From: Breath of Fire Immersion
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