Flexibility Exercises?

[dizzy_dancer]

I desperately need to improve the flexibility of my back in a short space of time, it doesn't need to be improved long term, just temporarily so I can do this one move I currently can't do for a show. Anyone know of any good exercises which will help. Please leave your advice and tips.......I NEED YOUR HELP!!

[smudge]

I belive that Yoga would help you immensely - it did me.

[smudge]

*believe

[druiaghtagh]

not really a good idea to just temporarily mask your symtoms, you might do more harm in the long run, i am a long term back sufferer, sometimes better than others, just had to learn what my limits are, sorry i cant offer something more constructive

[dizzy_dancer]

Yoga may help but I'm only in my teens and think I'd look a little strange in class of 30somethings! I've tried streching out my back by holding onto my ankles and gently easing my  head through my legs-if you get what I mean- and will continue to do so every day...I think I may need to strengthen my arms as well.

This is the move im trying to do:

From sitting on my bum with my knees nucked in to my chest I need to be able to do a backwards roly poly to finish standing with my legs apart.

If anyone learnt to do this plz tell me how! At the mo I find it hard to push my self up as im rolling over as i have skinny, weak arms, and I can't go in a straight line backwards, the roly poly allways ends up sort of going over one shoulder! PLZ PLZ PLZ continue giving your tips and advice!!!!!!!!!!!

[zgma]

dizzy_dancer, I can't quite picture the move you're talking about, but here's a great yoga move to work on your back.  It's also a terrific workout for the front of your thighs.

 

Lie on your back with feet on the ground near your bum, knees bent.  Push with your feet so your pelvis is way up in the air, and scooch your feet in a little closer.  Try to roll your shoulders back a bit, and use your hands to grab your ankles for stability.  Only your head, shoulders, and feet will be on the ground.  Hold the pose for a minute or two.

[sweetheart]

I do pilates and it's great! Does wonders for your flexibility all over.

[Ouisch]

http://www.drillsandskills.com/images/display?path=bexroll.gif

 

Is this something like the skill you're trying to master?

[smudge]

dizzy - You wouldn't look strange at all. There were women, girls & men of all ages in my class. The Yoga teacher, gave very gentle excercises for backs which worked a treat.

[dizzy_dancer]

Ouisch - You got the backwards roll bit right! It needs to be a backward roll to finish standing up, with legs apart- not a handstand : ) ! I'm going to try your exercise now zgma, thanks a lot but if you think of anything else please still add it!

[buzy bee]

This will sound mad but have you tried 'hanging'.  I used to have a bad back and read somewhere that hanging from a climbing frame or door frame would help, so I tried it and it worked.  It was something to do with stretching out the vertebrae,