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Backward Bend

Woman doing a backward bend
  • Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointing forward. Do not lock your knees.
  • Place your hands on your back, palms at your waist.
  • Lengthen up through your spine, all the way through the crown of your head.
  • Keeping your legs straight, bend backward over your hands without arching your neck.
  • Hold the pose for 1 to 2 seconds.
  • Return to standing. Repeat 3 to 10 times.

Current as of: February 27, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Joan Rigg PT, OCS - Physical Therapy

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