Q&A for How to Stretch Like a Contortionist

If you put your mind to it, of course, but be careful not to stretch too hard and take a break once in a while.

Start off with small steps. Start with stretching 5-10 minutes everyday. Increase the time you hold a stretch gradually until you have become completely flexible in that specific stretch. Then, go for more intense stretching, and eventually you will gain flexibility. Remember practice is the key!

You are never too old to start. Start stretching every day, set realistic goals, and work hard to achieve them.

That all depends on the person; there's no clear cut answer for that. At the age of 12, it should be easier for your body that for someone who is 30. You should see gradual progression with your results every day.

You can stretch daily and watch YouTube videos of people demonstrating split techniques. This article might also help you: How to Do a Split .

You can talk to somebody at Firefly (I'm not sure if they sell or not, but they might be able to set you up). Talk to your parents first and then look up Firefly Edmonton with them. Call them.

YouTube is a great place to find tutorials and learn new skills. Also, you don't have to take a class specifically advertised as contortionist training, a gymnastics class would teach you a lot about flexibility as well.

Practice makes perfect. If you repeat what you did to get your left leg split on your other leg, then you should get your right leg split. Stretch regularly and hold each stretch for about 30 seconds. Remember, one leg is always weaker and takes more time to be able to do something. Make sure to warm up before stretching and do not overstretch.

Hip and torso stretches. These really increase your contortion flexibility.

Don't worry -- it takes practice. Just try stretching your legs more and more each day. Eventually you'll be able to keep them there for longer periods of time.

Ask a partner or parent to help or if you have a gym nearby go ask a coach to help as well but don’t push too hard because you could hurt yourself.

Doing a scorpion isn't just about leg flexibility. You need to have a certain element of back flexibility to execute it. Don't just stretch out your legs, also stretch out your back!

To practice balancing, you can go in a back bend and slowly move your legs up the wall into a hand stand. It helps to look at a object that is still.You should practice balance on one foot and try to do that when you get good at balancing.

Yes, you can also do new stretches entirely. Try to look up some advanced stretches. Also, you could do a back bend but keep your legs and arms straight and make them go closer together. Think of what challenges you, and what you need to work on. Then try to add that in to your stretches. Try staying in that position for a long time.

You can't exactly prevent it. You just need to get yourself and your head used to it. Start by holding that position (bridge?) for about 3 seconds at a time and wait about 30 seconds to do that position again and do that 10 times. Repeat this every day and start increasing the amount of seconds you hold the position for (Monday 3 seconds, Tuesday 4 seconds, Wednesday 5 seconds...) and hopefully you will get used to the feeling in your head when you bend backwards and do a bridge.

If you have a coach or gymnastics instructor, ask them what they recommend. Otherwise, take a look at How to Perform Shoulder Stretches , and search YouTube for tutorials on increasing shoulder flexibility.

You can do the elbow handstand if you work up to it. Another thing that helps is using the wall to help you do a handstand.

You don't need anything besides some space on the floor to stretch. You can do your contortion work in your house.

Make sure you stretch every day and push yourself a little bit further.

You will still have to stretch on your own time if you want to be like her. Being a dancer will help with your flexibility, but you will still have to do a lot of extra work. Remember, Sofie Dossi is famous because she can do what most people can't, so if you do get that flexible, it will take many months of stretching.

If you would like to do a chest stand, start with stretching your back every day. If you don't feel strong enough to lift your legs, go into a bridge and lower your chin onto the ground. The best way to become a contortionist is to practice every day. You will need all kinds of moves, so get this one down first, then research others and move on to the next.

Lift your head. It will most likely still put that annoying pressure on your back, but it should help you breathe, which will ease your back pain.

After you can hold a handstand for 1 minute and you are flexible enough. You should have a mat just in case.

Of course! All you have to do is start stretching, slowly at first, and work back up to where you used to be.

You are still too young. Wait a while. And it doesn't stop you from practicing so you can be one when you grow up. Start doing normal stretching till you reach your goal.

Like always, stretch! Stretch out your back, legs, and arms. Then start by standing on your knees with your arms back and your palms facing the floor. Arch your back and kind of roll (like a ball). Don't let your face hit the ground, let your chin hit the ground softly. Then straighten your legs and point your toes.

Do what you can and just keep pushing yourself a little further. If you want to get really flexible, you will probably have to lose a little weight. Cardio exercise is the best way to do that.

Stretch and exercise. You can regain some or all of your former flexibility at any age if you will gently stretch your muscles and joints and get plenty of exercise. Let it be a gradual and never-ending process.

Try stretching more. Some people are naturally more flexible, but that's completely normal. Try half splits on both legs. Try to do the cobra position, and the bridge position.

Always warm up your muscles before trying contortion stretching and exercises on your own, as you do not want to pull a muscle or injure yourself. Seeking professional guidance from a contortionist teacher or coach can also help you to become more flexible and go deeper into contortionist movements. If you can't find contortion classes, then watch professional videos of how to improve.