Oh yes, your practice is diligent and that is definitely the right track. Looking back at your progress I’d say your post titled “back bending day” from January 23rd looked the best shoulder wise, your were pushing through the shoulders nicely, and your hands were very close to being stacked under your shoulders. I know from having tight shoulders myself that being up on the toes really helps you push up and back, even though everyone told me to keep my feet flat 😉
I would start focusing on trying your backbends with your arms against the wall, so you can see how much farther you need to push your chest upwards. Sometimes it is a little easier to push up and backwards when on your tippy toes, then try to maintain your shoulder position and slowly bring your feet flat to the ground. Good luck!
I definitely see a huge improvement as well! The only thing I can say, other than keep doing what you’re doing, once you push taller out of your shoulders and push back into the armpits, slowly try to pull your heels down, thinking about releasing your quads, just like you do in the shin up against wall lunge forward move.
You should be very proud of your backbend progress!!
You are on the right track, progress will come with time, and the fact that your are being so diligent will help tremendously in the long run! Hopefully next week you’ll see some gains, even if it’s an inch, all the inches add up 😉 Keep up the good work, I’m rooting for you!
I’m glad the propped front splits worked well for you!!
To answer your question, I usually switch it up, sometimes I’ll do one variation 4x or I’ll do different variations totaling 4x. It all depends on how much time you have and what is feeling good for you.
I totally understand the shoulder tightness, that’s what made me start hardcore flexibility in the first place! My advice for your shoulders, try to make more space by pushing your arms away from your torso (OR VICE VERSA), I usually do pulse ups or holds for 3-5 seconds. Then once you’ve “made space” in the shoulders try to rock back, pushing your armpits backwards, again you can do pulses or holds, or you can reset each time and cycle through the push up (make space), then push back (through armpits).
Welcome to the flexibility challenge Paul, I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the routine! I look forward to seeing your progress along the way. 🙂
A little tip to start you off, try using two chairs to prop your forearms on while you’re doing your splits, that way you’ll be more comfortable and can focus on breathing, engaging and relaxing.
How did it go? Do you have any after photos?
Oh yes, your practice is diligent and that is definitely the right track. Looking back at your progress I’d say your post titled “back bending day” from January 23rd looked the best shoulder wise, your were pushing through the shoulders nicely, and your hands were very close to being stacked under your shoulders. I know from having tight shoulders myself that being up on the toes really helps you push up and back, even though everyone told me to keep my feet flat 😉
Keep up the good work!
I would start focusing on trying your backbends with your arms against the wall, so you can see how much farther you need to push your chest upwards. Sometimes it is a little easier to push up and backwards when on your tippy toes, then try to maintain your shoulder position and slowly bring your feet flat to the ground. Good luck!
I definitely see a huge improvement as well! The only thing I can say, other than keep doing what you’re doing, once you push taller out of your shoulders and push back into the armpits, slowly try to pull your heels down, thinking about releasing your quads, just like you do in the shin up against wall lunge forward move.
You should be very proud of your backbend progress!!
You are on the right track, progress will come with time, and the fact that your are being so diligent will help tremendously in the long run! Hopefully next week you’ll see some gains, even if it’s an inch, all the inches add up 😉 Keep up the good work, I’m rooting for you!
I’m not exactly sure, it has just been yours, but I’ll fix them every time, no big deal.
I’m glad the propped front splits worked well for you!!
To answer your question, I usually switch it up, sometimes I’ll do one variation 4x or I’ll do different variations totaling 4x. It all depends on how much time you have and what is feeling good for you.
I totally understand the shoulder tightness, that’s what made me start hardcore flexibility in the first place! My advice for your shoulders, try to make more space by pushing your arms away from your torso (OR VICE VERSA), I usually do pulse ups or holds for 3-5 seconds. Then once you’ve “made space” in the shoulders try to rock back, pushing your armpits backwards, again you can do pulses or holds, or you can reset each time and cycle through the push up (make space), then push back (through armpits).
And I’m so thankful you like the routines!!
Welcome to the flexibility challenge Paul, I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the routine! I look forward to seeing your progress along the way. 🙂
A little tip to start you off, try using two chairs to prop your forearms on while you’re doing your splits, that way you’ll be more comfortable and can focus on breathing, engaging and relaxing.
Happy Stretching!