I learned how to do a backbend as an adult. Personally I think it is one of the best poses you can do for your whole body. Think of how everything in life pulls you forward; gravity, poor posture, gaining weight, pregnancy, sleep, even everyday movements of bending over to pick things up, or hunching over a computer screen like I am right now! Our bodies crave balance. As soon as I started doing backbends I felt like a new person. It was just the counter movement my body needed to combat that constant forward pull. The backbend or Urdhva Dhanurasana has totally changed my posture and how my spine feels in general. I still can't believe I learned how to do this pose with my big grown up body and tight back...and the best part is there is still a lot of room for me to grow within the backbend. I would like to see my shoulders open up more and my upper back flex deeper. And maybe even someday I will be able to lift my leg up like the girl in this picture!
I think this shows the true power of yoga and how it can stretch, strengthen, and truly change your body. I have seen it countless times in my students: a mother of 5 learning to do a headstand, a 60 year old man going into the splits, a 30 year old mother (me) going into a backbend without any fear!
