How to Put Both of Your Legs Behind Your Head

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You want to put your legs behind your head! Be patient. This is not something that you'll likely be able to do overnight. You'll need to build up your flexibility, first, so that your body is prepared to contort into such a complex position. Read on to learn specific ways that you can build up to putting both legs behind your head.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Building Flexibility

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  1. Stretch for at least 10 minutes each day – you can do this in one large chunk, or in several separate sections. [1] Some people may need more time, especially if they have a larger midsection or less lower back flexibility, so adjust as needed. Stretch after a physical activity like dancing or running. The more flexible you are, the easier it will be to put your legs behind your head.
    • Start the first day with a 10-second front lunge on both feet. Put one foot out and kneel with your back leg out. Push your hips forward, switch legs, and repeat.
    • Do a 10-second butterfly stretch. Sit on the floor or ground and bring both of your feet together. Then, pull your feet towards your body, and bring your head as close to your toes as possible.
    • Perform a 20-second star-watching stretch. Kneel with your rear off of your feet. Reach upward and backward, and try to touch your toes. Push your torso up and look at the ceiling or sky. Increase your time 5 seconds everyday.
  2. Practice the splits . You don't strictly need to be able to do the splits to put your legs behind your head, but it can be a good way to increase your flexibility. [2]
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  3. Don't try anything too drastic until your body is flexible and used to contorting. If you try to overextend, you may injure yourself, which will delay your progress even further.
  4. Maintain a healthy diet and try to stay away from junk foods. Try eating salads and raw foods, and stay away from unnecessary carbohydrates.
  5. Yoga will help relax your body while stretching. If you can't go to a class, try looking up yoga routines that you can do at home.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Starting in the Lotus Position

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  1. Practice the lotus pose . In the lotus pose, your legs are crossed with both of your feet resting on top of your legs. This is a difficult position, so you may need to build up to it over the course of days, weeks, or months. Once you can do this, you can do this, try it without using your hands. [3]
  2. Use your hands to bring your right foot, then your left foot, up to your chest. Practice until you can do it without feeling anything. [4]
  3. Bring your feet higher and higher each day until you can bring them behind your head. You may need to put one leg behind your head, to start.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Starting in the "Candlestick" Position

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  1. First, lie supine on your back. Engage your core, and slowly raise your legs straight up into the air. Use your arms for support, if you have trouble. [5]
  2. When you can do the candlestick position well, without needing support from your arms, try moving one foot closer to your head. You should be able to do this with one foot on the floor near your head, both with a bent knee and a straight knee. When you can do this well with each leg separately, try with both legs at the same time.
    • Make sure to bend your knees.
  3. While sitting up, try placing one foot behind your head or as close as you can manage. Doing this a couple of times every day, and it should become easier and easier. Remember to practice equally with each of your legs. [6]
  4. Do the same as the previous step just with both legs at the same time and you should succeed! This can take up to 3 weeks to master and may take beyond that as well so don't worry if you don't seem to be getting anywhere.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How much stretching should I do to put my legs behind my head?
    Jesse Pichardo
    Personal Trainer
    Jesse Pichardo is a Personal Trainer and Nutrition expert based in Fresno, California. He is a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He is also a Certified Nutrition Coach through Precision Nutrition’s Level 2 Master Health Coaching Certification. He is also a Personal Trainer on staff at Fresno Athletic Training Center, a stat-of-the-art training center for personal training, bootcamps, sports-specific coaching, and athletic event training. Jesse helps clients with motivation and accountability, providing a structured and personalized fitness program for each person. No matter where a customer is in their fitness journey, Jesse prioritizes moving them up to the next level and helping them achieve their goals.
    Jesse Pichardo
    Personal Trainer
    Expert Answer
    The amount of stretching would really depend on your flexibility, body type, and overall mobility. There’s no magic number of minutes—it’s more about consistent, targeted practice and listening to your body. If your lower back or hips are tight, you may need more time and patience to safely achieve this pose. It’s also important to note that this pose can put pressure on your neck and spine, so building strength in those areas helps prevent injury. Incorporating core and back-strengthening exercises into your routine will support your flexibility journey. Yoga is a great tool here because it balances flexibility with strength and teaches proper alignment. Be patient and consistent. Flexibility doesn’t happen overnight, and forcing your body into a position it’s not ready for can cause harm. 
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  • Question
    How can I do a handstand?
    Community Answer
    Check out this article on How to Do a Handstand . Practice in a safe place and try to increase your core strength by doing core exercises like planks.
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  • Question
    Can you just exercise a lot?
    Community Answer
    Exercising helps. Along with exercising, you have to do many leg and back stretches.
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      Tips

      • Try putting putting one foot on top of the other. This can be much more comfortable than pressing your soles together, although you may not have the same level of grip.
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      • Try to do it lying down first. That way, you won't have to worry about balance.
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      • Stretch thoroughly before you try to get into this position. Make sure that you're sufficiently flexible.
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      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about physical fitness, check out our in-depth interview with Jesse Pichardo .

      References

      1. ↑ https://gmb.io/get-flexible-fast/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G79JGrmIaWc
      3. ↑ http://www.yogajournal.com/pose/lotus-pose/
      4. ↑ http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2012/07/stretching-and-flexibility-olympian-advice-for-lazy-giz-readers/
      5. ↑ https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/supported-shoulderstand
      6. ↑ http://www.yogajournal.com/advanced/eka-pada-sirsasana/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Being able to put both of your legs behind your head might seem impossible, but with a little training and patience, you can get there! You’ll need to stretch for at least 10 minutes every day to improve your flexibility. Try some lunges, butterfly stretches, and splits. You can also join a yoga class or follow tutorials at home to improve your flexibility. Take it slow and don’t push yourself beyond your comfort level so you don’t hurt yourself. When your legs are flexible enough, you’ll be able to stretch your legs up and behind your head from a sitting position. For more tips, including how to do a butterfly stretch, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Addy Ross

        Jan 3, 2018

        "It really helped me for some stretches since I am a beginner contortionist."
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