On Backbends and Bridges

On backbends and bridges

How do I open up from my upper back to improve my backbend/bridge ?

The ‘opening’ of the upper back or ‘Thoracic spine’ is an interesting one,

You may have heard 'cues' to open through the 'upper back' elsewhere before… But..

Structurally the Thoracic facet joints are oriented on the ‘Coronal Plane’ (yes ‘coronal’ aka frontal plane). 

Simply put, the movement of thoracic vertebrae support more ‘rotation’ and ‘lateral flexion’ (to us) that is twisting, turning and bending to the side. Rather than ’extension’ or arching back.

The Lumbar (lower back) is more suited to ‘flexion’ (bending forward) and ‘extension’ bending backward.

Please check out the link below, it is a short video of Dr. Blake Martin, breaking this down. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=91DUvQ0wA0A&t=114s

The video below is how this relates to the integrity of the movement. This is a variation and combination of ‘Cat’, ‘Negativa’ ‘Cat to Negativa transition’ and ‘Half Rotating Bridge’ which we visit in our Movement rituals sessions, which actually directly and indirectly aids our bridges!

You can get more tips about this movement directly on my @baris_yazar instagram account.