Bendy Myth: I need to relax my glutes in backbends.

False! You need to engage your glutes in your backends to protect your lower back from overworking. What? How? Why? You don't make any sense!

I see way too many people sore in their lower back and have pain after back bending. Your bendy lower back will try to take the brunt of your backends. We need to disperse the backend more evenly through the shoulders, upper back, middle back, and HIPS to alleviate this pain.

Squeezing your bum will allow MORE hip extension and prevent your lower back from working overtime. Squeezing your bum will give you control in dropbacks, stay safe in extreme poses like a chin stand, and protect your lower back from overcompensating. My glutes are sore the day after back bending, not my back. #everydayisgluteday

Here are a few people who have written more in-depth articles about glutes for your enjoyment! @fitandbendy https://fitandbendy.com/2017/09/21/exploring-the-terrors-of-the-boo-ty-the-butt-muscles/ @missinkblot https://bendydiaries.wordpress.com/2019/06/21/the-importance-of-the-butt-in-backbending/ @cirque_physio https://www.cirquephysio.com/every-day-is-glute-day-and-other-stories-from-the-battleofthebooty/ 

What are your thoughts on this matter?! I'd love to hear in the comments below!