The difference between contortion and flexibility.

In short, the purpose of flexibility training is to improve flexibility, and the purpose of contortion training is to learn tricks. In order to be able to safely learn contortion tricks, you must have a certain level of flexibility and strength. I see a lot of people get injured trying things their bodies aren’t ready for, so that’s why I feel the distinction is necessary.

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t go into a ballet class and immediately learn pirouettes, or go to a tissue class for the first time and do roll downs, or go to a gymnastics class and start off with back tucks. You would go to those classes and start by building a foundation. You would work on basic drills that are designed to teach your body how to move in specific ways, and do loads of conditioning until you are strong/coordinated enough to progress to harder skills. So why treat contortion any differently? Why immediately try a chest stand without properly preparing your body? Because not only do you need to be flexible enough, but you need to be strong enough. AND have the control and coordination needed. AND be able to remember/know how to breathe in extreme backbends.

So remember, start by building your foundation. And if you're wanting to get into contortion but feel like you’re lacking the strength needed, go check out my Contortion Strong programs!