Backbend
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A backbend is a gymnastics, contortion, dance and ice skating move, where the spine is bent backwards, and catching oneself with the hands. Throughout the move, the abdominal muscles, obliques, and legs are used to steady the performer while curving backwards. Modern yoga includes some backbending asanas. Backbending can be acquired from intense training or genetics.
A backbend is a gymnastics, contortion, dance and ice skating move, where the spine is bent backwards, and catching oneself with the hands. Throughout the move, the abdominal muscles, obliques, and legs are used to steady the performer while curving backwards. Modern yoga includes some backbending asanas. Backbending can be acquired from intense training or genetics. ==Uses== The backbend is important in gymnastics because it is essential to perform a back handspring. Backbends are part of the repertoire of professional and competitive ice skaters. For example, a backbend was performed by Jimmie Santee in the 1994 production of Walt Disney's World on Ice: Aladdin. Backbends and other contortions were a feature of the performance of Mr. Frick from the 1930s ice comedy act Frick and Frack. ==Injuries== When performed correctly, backbends can increase the range of motion of the spine. However, there is a significant risk of injury. These injuries include low back pain, injuries to the spinal discs, muscle spasms and paralysis; In 2016, a 5-year-old girl from Los Angeles became paralysed after attempting a backbend that resulted in damage to numerous areas of her spine. ==Backbending asanas== Modern yoga includes backbending asanas such as the kneeling Kapotasana and Ustrasana, the inverted Urdhva Dhanurasana, and the sitting Rajakapotasana. These are described as "strenuous" poses, and should be worked on gently by beginners or people with stiff backs to avoid injury. The spine can be released after backbending asanas with twisting asanas such as Marichyasana and Matsyendrasana, or by forward bends such as Janusirsasana, practised gently.
Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1372671434 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.