Fitness
5 Exercises That Will Make You So Limber, You’ll Backbend as a Party Trick
And will strengthen and tone, too.

01 May, 2019
Alec Kugler
10 November, 2021
Lately we’ve grown tired of the standard sit-up and push-up exercise routine, and so have our bodies, which means it’s time to switch things up, and, you know, kick it up a notch. We went to Lauren Brunt, head coach at New York–based training gym Will Space to create a workout for us that not only targets those smaller muscles and connective structures, but keeps us interested from warm-up to cool-down. Follow along with us below.
Move #1
Rotational Backbend
“Rotate from a deep squat position into a backbend. Then back into the deep squat.”
Move #2
Elevated Pancake Good Morning
“This move is a hip hinge from a center oversplit on stretch blocks. Touch the chest to the ground, and return upright, maintaining a flat back.”
Move #3
Lizard Push-Up
“From a lizard lunge, do a single-arm rotational push-up. This move challenges different systems in the body than a standard push-up.”
Move #4
Cossack Squat with Internal Rotation
“Do a side squat from a standing straddle position. It’s a full hip range of motion. Sit on the ground, internally rotate the bent-leg hip, and return to a standing position.”
Move #5
Tripod Pike Pull
“From a tripod headstand, tap your toes to the ground in a straight-leg pike position. Then return to a pike and lift to the headstand.”
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Want more stories like this?
A Ballet Warm Up You Can Do Every Day
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A 30-Day Workout Challenge You Can Do from Your Living Room