Passive backbends - props?

[daisysheldon]

Just wondering is it is worth getting something like a yoga wheel to do passive backbends?

I wonder if my little flat stool and cushion isn't giving me the range of movement maybe something like this would?

[Jim Pickles]

Yes you need a prop. But you will also probably find that as your flexibility develops, a prop at one point in your life wont be suitable at another. I suggest improvising: eg sit sideways on a sofa (which has firm but padded arms) and lean back and over. If it is near enough to a wall, you can use your arms to pull yourself lower and stretch the front of your torso (or have a partner hold your elbows and pull you back and down). Or lie backwards on a box or edge with the edge just below the tips of your shoulder blades, and lie back. I suggest improvising and experimenting with everything that is around, rather than buying a yoga prop) that might suit you at some point but will quickly go beyond.

That wheel you illustrated isnt giving you much ability to adjust where in the spine the bending is taking place. Your own improvisations will allow that.

[Kit_L]

!00% agree with @Jim Pickles here—with a particular mindset, nothing that you see in this world can't be used for stretching something. The end of a couch is particularly good for what you want to do – and then you'll want something smaller and with a tighter bend, in time. Also, we have found the more stable object you bending over, the more you can relax. Yoga wheels are the opposite of stable!

[daisysheldon]

Thank you! This makes so much sense and is super helpful! Will try the sofa!