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Flexibility?
A lot of my dream moves involve grabbing your foot behind your head, like the twisted ballerina and the cocoon (And rainbow marchenko in another life). I know it takes back, shoulder, hip flexor and leg flexibility. Any special stretches to get toward grabbing my foot? Or, is it possible that some bodies just aren't engineered to bend like that?
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5 Replies
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Not all bodies will be able to bend extremely it seems to me, but there are many levels of a cocoon for example. To avoid misunderstandings, a cocoon to me is an inside or outside leg hang which is closed by holding the foot or leg.
So it can mean everything from being able to do it with bent arms and a bent leg (easiest version) to being able to do it with both the arms and the leg completely straight (hardcore variant).
I think the easiest version is achievable by a lot of people if they are dedicated in their flexibility training. It may still take years though, keep that in mind. The hardcore variant on the other hand definitely seems to be something that you both need to have the genes on your side for + a very deep dedication. I really don't see that happening a lot.
You could stretch postures like scorpion/needlescale or bring the foot to your head while in a split. If you can't grab the foot and turn the shoulder yet, you can attach a strap to you ankle to practise the movement of the shoulder in that way.
I have no idea how flexible you are at the moment though!
Regarding the twisted ballerina: You don't need much back and shoulder flexibility for that one since you will be grabbing the leg from the side instead of using an over head grip.
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*cocoon is an inside or outside leg hang which is closed by holding the foot or leg WITH BOTH HANDS. Like that it should have been 😉
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Pigeon pose and its variations (from yoga) are also very helpful.
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@kyrstan – can you explain me pigeon pose? I never feel like it stretches anything for me, apart from an uncomfortable pinch in the hip of the front leg, it just feels like I’m stuck there and it doesn’t improve. What am I missing?
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Everyone can become more flexible, to what degree depends on genetics, dedication and methods used.
If your taking the lessons here you'll see a list below the main player that shows what stretches, strength and other pole moves to work on, to help you achieve a move.
This lesson for the Ballerina is a good example of stretches to work on. https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4fa14cec-8224-4de4-87a9-2ec70ac37250
Also in the lesson descriptions you'll find what muscles we'll be stretching in each lesson. All muscle groups are placed together as well. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif
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