Q&A for How to Become a Contortionist

Almost anyone can learn various contortionist moves, but there does seem to be a genetic component which makes these moves much easier for some people. Whether you can learn enough to become a contortionist is probably something you would have to try to know for sure.

The median pay for being a contortionist seems to be around $14.34 an hour, though this means there are many people making much more or less than this. If you are lucky enough to become a contortionist featured in a circus or another high profile job, you could make from $40,000 to $70,000 per year.

Stretch very regularly and practice hard. Watch some tutorials on the internet or read articles on here on how to do certain poses and try them. Remember to get a soft, flat surface to stretch on, and warm up before starting to stretch. Put in maximum effort into your stretches but do not overstretch (stretch so hard until you feel pain) because you can hurt yourself. Try to join a gymnastics, contortion club or get help from friends that are flexible. Practice hard and don't give up.

Yes. It will take a little while of repetitive stretching, but it is very possible with practice. But don't over stretch or you will be sore and there could be long term consequences on your health, so take it slowly.

Any age. Many well-trained contortionists start from an early age. It depends more on body type and flexibility than age.

Yes. In fact, some people are able to do both. It is a little harder to do the opposite of your usual routine, but it is possible. With a lot of practice and stretching, you can be both!

Stretching and practice increase flexibility and allow contortionists to move gracefully.

No. But you can harm your joints, ligaments and tendons when doing it. Be careful and don't over do it.

Yes I think so. In my experience, I went to the gym a lot for about a month and I could see visible progress.

Yes, as most of the moves you will do will require extensive flexibility of your back.

You have to stretch your back and spine because they are very important to get your legs to the other side where your head is.

Yes. Just keep stretching every day. Be patient.

If you don't practice every day, it will just take longer for you to be able to do it.

No, but genetics are associated with back flexibility and you should only push yourself to do as much as you can without pain, don't overdo it, you could strain or pull a muscle.

You can do contortion, no matter what "ideal" is. You may not be as flexible as the best contortionist, though, because the more muscle mass you have, the harder it is to be flexible.

Yes, you can start at the age of 12. It may be hard at first, but keep doing stretches and it will come.

Just practice. Practice will help you overcome your fear. Nothing will happen. Use your talent.

If you watch some vidoes of contortionists, you will see that they are usually extremely fit. Extra weight could get in the way of bending in certain ways, so that would make becoming a contortionist even more challenging. Pushups will help in building muscles which is good for stabilization.

Yes. As a ballerina, I can definitely vouch for this claim. Performing many dance movements mobilizes the upper and lower back while also supplementing the stretch with strength to support the entire torso.

No you may do it where ever you want. Whatever makes you feel comfortable. You may get more knowledge by going to a class and learning from an expert though.

She is a back bender, because she contorts backwards rather than forwards.

You have to be flexible in order to be a contortionist. If you are not currently flexible, you can work at that and change it. See How to Become Flexible .

Yes.

You don't necessarily have to, but it would definitely help. More importantly, make sure you stretch properly before attempting any contortions.

No, you do not.

There's no one answer to that question. Everyone is different.

Try out in an open place. That will help you overcome your fear. If you are afraid of breaking your bones, then do it under a professional or do it slowly.

Of course you can! Look at what Sofie Dossi has done, and try to do the stretches she does. Take it at your own pace, don't expect to be able to do everything she does right away. Stretch into it slowly. You will need patience, but eventually you'll get there!

Of course you can do it! It's never to late. Just stretch regularly and warm up before stretching. You will get there if you put in the maximum effort and believe in yourself.

Lots of practice! It takes a lot of time to get your muscles to bend enough to fit into small places.