In yoga, backbends are by far one of the trickier postures to grasp. There’s lots of engagement occurring in the body and not just in the back, but in the hips and shoulders as well. This is why it’s incredibly important to properly prep for backbending postures. Basic spinal movements Before starting any yoga practice, especially one where back bending is involved, it’s important to move the spine in all six directions. This means twists, lateral bends, spinal flexion, and extension. Not only does this help warm up your spine, creating space between your vertebrae, but it also helps move your bodies natural energy or prana. Traditionally, the yogis believed the spine was…