Contortion Wiki - poses

arabesque_penche

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Arabesque Penche An arabesque in which the back is allowed to drop so that the rear leg may be raised higher. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young

arabesque

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Arabesque In ballet, to stand on one foot (full or demi pointe) and raise the other leg (completely straight and turned_out from the hip) toward the back while keeping the trunk fully upright. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young

archer

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 23:22:16 +0000

pose Archer आकर्ण धनुरासन (Sanskrit, Akarna Dhanurasana) Also: Bow and Arrow pose, Shooting Bow pose A sitting Frontbend where one leg is drawn, knee bent, to the ear. Hands may or may not be kept on their respective set of toes. ----------

ardha_bheka_kapotasana

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Ardha Bheka Kapotasana Also: Half Frog Pigeon Pose A sitting Front Split with both knees bent. The foot of the back leg held by the arm in some manner, depending on the angle of the rear leg. Vamadevasana is a progression.

astavakrasana

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Astavakrasana अष्टावक्रासन (Sanskrit, Eight-Angle Pose) A bent arm handstand, laterally twisted to the side so one leg lays on top of a upper arm, and the other leg hangs beneath it, possibly bent around the forearm. ----------

backbend

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 23:14:01 +0000

pose Backbend Also: 後屈 A generic term for where the feet are drawn to the spine (rather than the knees to the chest).

backgrab

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Backgrab Also: backgrabbing A term used in rhythmic gymnastics to describe when a gymnast kicks one leg to the rear while standing, grabs the leg from overhead, and ends up in a needle scale. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young

bharadvajasana

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Bharadvajasana भरद्वाजासन (Sanskrit, Bharadvajasana, “Bharadvaja's twist”) “Bharadvājāsana is a seated spinal twist. It has three main forms: “Bharadvājāsana I is the basic form in which the legs articulated as in Vīrāsana dropped to one side one foot on the floor and the other's ankle cradled in the arch of the foot below.

bhekasana

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Bhekasana भेकासन (Sanskrit, Bhekasana, Frog Pose) Not: Frog Stretch A mild backbend while laying on the stomach; the feet are brought to the buttocks, The hands reach back to bush the feet further, to the floor. The shoulders are raised form the floor while this is done.

bound_lotus

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Bound Lotus बद्ध पद्मासन (Baddha Padmasana) To sit cross-legged with each foot placed on the opposite thigh, and arms wrapped around the back to grab the opposing feet. Frequently associated with meditation. A progression of the

braced_split

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Braced Split Also: Inverted braced split A suspended split where muscle tension is directed into the elevating equipment to maintain the pose - a minor example of Tensegrity. The side split variant is less than a full split, or there would be no tension to hold the performer off the ground.

bridge

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 23:17:25 +0000

pose Bridge चक्रासन (Sanskrit: Chakrasana, “Wheel Pose”) ऊर्ध्वधनुरासन ( Sanskrit: Urdhva Dhanurasana, “Upward-Facing Bow Pose”) A backbend in which the body forms an arch, supported by both the hands and the feet. Ideally, the arms and legs should be straight and close together. Knees are bent in some variations to produce a different kind of stretch.

butterfly

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Butterfly बद्धकोणासन (Sanskrit: Baddha Konasana, “Bound Angle Pose”) Historically, भद्रा??? (Sanskrit: Bhadrasana, “Throne Pose”) Also: Cobbler's Pose A sitting pose where the heels are brought to the crotch, while the knees are kept close to the floor.

camel_pose

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 01:35:19 +0000

pose Camel Pose Also: Ustrasana Stand on your knees, with the tops of your feet and front of the calves parallel on the floor behind, ideally at shoulder width. Keeping the thighs as close to vertical as possible, arch the back to bring the ribcage parallel eight the floor. Hands grasp their respective ankles. The neck usually continues the curve. The ribcage and calves are the short ends of a rectangle.

caterpillar

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Caterpillar अष्टाङ्ग नमस्कार (Sanskrit: Ashtanga Namaskara) Also: अष्टाङ्ग दणडवत् प्रणाम् (Sanskrit: Ashtanga Dandavat Pranam) Eight Limbed pose; Caterpillar pose; Chest, Knees and Chin pose

chest_roll

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Chest Roll Also: Donut Roll (Gymnastics) A Backbend (of varying intensity) variant of a somersault. To start, the proformer lays on their chest, then raises it with their arms, arching backwards. The chest is allowed to fall forward, and while it falls, the legs are kicked up, trying to remain in s semi-circle. But the time the feet fit the floor in front of the head, the arms are in position to push to chest off the floor, adding momentum to the next revolution.

cheststand_split

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 May 2023 03:40:52 +0000

pose Cheststand split Also: viparit valkhilyasana A Cheststand backbend where the legs have been extended to a front split or front oversplit. Frequently the leg extended over the head is held at the ankle. The opposite leg, extending over and past the abdomen, is unsupported in the air, or the spit is extended until the back foot touches the floor.

cheststand

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 May 2023 03:36:38 +0000

pose Cheststand Also: キングアラジン (Japanese: King Aladdin's Pose) Prajaktasana (ankles crossed?) Any backbend in which the performer's chest is resting on the floor for support. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young

chinstand

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Chinstand A pose where the weight of the body is supported by the chin, neck and shoulders. Sometimes overlaps with a cheststand. Often accompanied with some sort of backbend

chitrapatangasana

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 01:06:18 +0000

pose Chitrapatangasana চিত্রপতাঙ্গাসানা - somthing like “adorned moth pose” A backbend similar to the triple fold rotated 90 degrees; the weight is on the abdomen, the soles of the feet are resting on ther ground either side of the waist. The torso may be propped upn on the elbows, or arms may be raised, pulling the head betweeen the knees.

cobra

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Cobra भुजङ्गासन (Sanskrit, Bhujangasana, “Cobra Pose”) Also: Sarpasana A Backbend. Lying face down, the majority of the trunk is raised from the ground, arms kept straight, keeping the hips against the ground, isolating most of the stretch to the lower back.

crab_walk

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 02:03:40 +0000

pose Crab Walk A greatly relaxed Bridge, to the point its not even considered a backbend. Knees and and elbows are bent while the butt is kept suspended off the ground - but not by much. This allows the preformed to still easily look in the direction of the feet as they walk forward. The wrists usually face back during locomotion.

crane

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Crane बकसन (Sanskrit, Bakasana ) ककासन (Sanskrit, Kakasana, “Crow Pose”) A straight-armed frontbend handstand where the lower back is raised above the head, bent knees are brought to the ribcage, and the knees rest on the outside of each respective upper arm.

demarlo_knot

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:33:05 +0000

pose DeMarlo Knot Also: Double Buddasana, Di Mario Knot, Demario knot. A progression the Human knot frontbend. Instead of crossing the ankles behind the neck, the calves cross further down the back. The arms are wrapped backwards around the the calves to keep them in place, as there is insufficient bracing to do so otherwise.

di_mario_knot

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:37:18 +0000

pose You mean DeMarlo Knot, actually.

dimbasana

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Dimbasana Triyanmuka Uttasana ?? no other mentions found A Backbend, progression of chakrasana, where the weight is supported by the soles of the feet, and the hands grab the calves or knees.

downward-facing_dog

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose asana Downward-Facing Dog अधोमुखश्वानासन (Sanskrit: Adho Mukha Shvanasana) A frontbend bent at only the waist, with arms and legs straight. Weight is supported by both feet and hands. ---------- Part of the Wikipedia List of Asanas See Also: Wikipedia

durvasasana

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Durvasasana दुर्वासासन (Sanskrit, Durvasasana, “Durvasa's pose”) Crane pose To stand on one foot with the other leg lifted in front and placed behind the neck or shoulders. Some yoga manuals say that this is a crane pose, others say a crane pose is a handstand in tucked position.

elbow_stand

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Elbow Stand Any inverted pose in which the performer uses only the forearms on the floor for support. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young

extension

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 16:29:36 +0000

pose Extension Also: Y-scale A standing front split with one leg raised in the direction of a straddle split, but with to attempt to parallel the chest. Compare with I-scale, where the leg is brought against the chest in a front split.

fetal

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Fetal बालासन (Sanskrit: Balasana, “Child's Pose”) Also: Child's Resting Pose A mild kneeling frontbend, where the calves are kept under the thighs, and the forehead touches the ground. Hands reach to the feet. ----------

flair

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 23:21:40 +0000

pose Flair Also: Thomas flair A single hand (or forearm) balance while legs are pulled in long arcs around the body. Hands may alternate in providing support to continue the leg's arcs further - and both hands may leave the ground temporarily with sufficient momentum.

formidable

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 May 2023 19:25:59 +0000

pose Formidable भैरवासन (Sanskrit, Bhairavasana, “Formidable pose”) सुप्त भैरवासन (Sanskrit, Supta Bhairavasana, “Reclining Formidable pose”) अण्कुशआसन (Sanskrit, Ankusasana, “Elephant goad pose

frog_stretch

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Frog Stretch Not: Bhekasana Starting on hands and knees (or elbows, with bent arms), the knees are spread to the side to lower the crotch to the floor. An Inner Thigh/Hip flexor stretch frequently associated with training a side split. W-sit Is when the thighs are parallel, and the calves sper wide on the floor.

front_split

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Front Split Also: stride split, straight split A split in which one leg is extended frontward and the other leg is extended backward, both at right angles to the trunk. Ideally, the hips are square facing to the front, while both legs are turned out from the hips.

frontbend

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Frontbend A generic term for where the rather than the knees to the chest (as opposed to feet being drawn to the spine).

grande_jete

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Grande Jete A ballet term used to describe a split leap. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young

hairpin

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Hairpin A pose in which one kneels down, sits on top of the feet, and bends backwards until the top of the head comes into contact with the tailbone; it may also done with a starting position on hands and knees. ---------- Definition based on the

half_lotus

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Half Lotus अर्ध पद्मासन (Sanskrit: Ardha Padmasana) Sitting cross-legged with one foot placed on top of the opposite thigh, and the other foot underneath the opposite thigh. Frequently associated with meditation. A regression of the

half_moon

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Half moon अर्धचन्द्रासन (Sanskrit, Ardha Chandrasana) A single foot balance. The trunk and one leg are brought parallel to the floor, and the arms extended to be perpendicular to the floor (and parallel to the supporting leg).

handstand

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

Handstand अधोमुखवृक्षासन (Sandskrit, Adho Mukha Vrikshasana, “Downward-Facing Tree”) A pose where the weight of the body is balanced on and supported by the hands. In non-generic terms, arms and legs are straight, and in line with the trunk - there is no

headseat

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 17:24:06 +0000

pose Headseat Also: Headsit, Asshat A backbend while performing a handstand or cheststand. The buttocks is brought to the crown of the head. The legs are held at an angle to allow the buttocks' positioning as a 'hat' to be visible. The backbend may be slightly looser or tighter, bringing the buttocks to the forehead or back of the head, but it's a relatively narrow range.

headsplit

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Headsplit :!: Unconfirmed Stated to be a Combination of a Headseat and a Side Split. Due to the balance of the pose, some of the weight is usually supported by the hands to keep the performer from rolling over.

headstand

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 18:27:14 +0000

pose Headstand An inverted pose where the weigh of the body is supported by the forehead or crown of the head, frequently supplemented by the arms, forming a tripod.

hollowback

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Hollowback A Handstand Backbend where the chest and bottom are on opposite sides of the center of gravity, with the performer able to look towards the ceiling.

human_knot

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 23:14:26 +0000

pose Human Knot Also: Yoganidrasana (yogic sleep); head-foot position; leg-head position A frontbend with ankles crossed behind the neck. The shoulders and arms may be pulled front of the knees or behind, in front is generally more comfortable with adequate flexibility.

illusion_turn

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Illusion Turn Also: Illusion kick, Free Illusion In gymnastics, a move that appears to be a forward flip, but one foot maintains contact with the ground. The trunk and other leg pivot around the supporting hip. ----------

kandasana

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Kandasana A wide legged sitting pose with the feet drawn to the abdomen. Knees and feet are hyperextended so that the tops of the feet brace each other, and both heels face outward. Depending on the knees and ankles, the thighs may be positioned in somthing close to a

l-split

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose L-split A Front Oversplit against a vertical wall, with the crotch pushed towards the intersection of the wall and floor. ----------

leg_shouldering

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Leg Shouldering A standing split in which the leg touches the shoulder. Can be done to front (chest), side, or rear (back). When done to the rear, it is progression of a needle scale. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young

lever_scale

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Lever Scale An assisted inclined split. The performer stands in front of their partner facing the same direction, holds both their hands, steps on one of their feet, and raises the other leg to the rear to perform a standing penche split; the partner then lowers the performer until the performer's legs are parallel to the floor, and their back not quite touching the floor.

limber

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

concept Limber [adjective] Flexible; having muscles that are warmed up and ready for activity. [noun] A frontward or backward acrobatic skill that is similar to a walkover, except the legs remain together at all times, and instead of going through an inverted front split. The performer goes through a traditional

lotus

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Lotus Full lotus पद्मासन (Sanskrit: Padmasana) To sit cross-legged with each foot placed on the opposite thigh. Frequently associated with meditation. Progression of the Half Lotus, regression of the Bound Lotus. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young

lunge

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Lunge अञ्जनेयासन (Sanskrit: Anjaneyasana, Crescent Moon) A front split with the front knee bent to support weight on the front foot, and the rear knee and shin. May be a minor backbend component in an arched spine. Arms may be raised to follow the line of the spine.

mahaneelasana

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 14:02:04 +0000

pose Mahaneelasana A standing backbend with a minor spinal twist to bring a shoulder to the back of the opposite knee, I.E.the right shoulder to the left knee. This puts the hand of the touching shoulder either grasping the calf or pressed to the ground, and the head roughly in line with the knees, while not between them.

marinelli_bend

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 18:04:56 +0000

pose Marinelli Bend A headseat with the legs extended, performed while supported only by a mouth grip at the top of a short post. The post of this mouthpiece may be obscured for aesthetic reasons. Frequently performed as part of a Equilibrium Act. This pose can be “doubled

mexican_handstand

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Mexican Handstand M trick, Contortion Shoulder Stand, Handstand Reverse Planche A Handstand Backbend where the center of gravity is behind the shoulder blades, pushing the torso forward. The weight of the legs compensates to keep balance.

natarajasana

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Natarajasana Dancer pose, king dancer pose, lord of the dance pose A standing pose. One leg is drawn up while the trunk leans forward: usually one hand holds the raised foot, the other is extended the other direction for balance. The equivalent of a full front split is usually not achieved.

nauli_kriya

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Nauli Kriya * नौलि क्रिया (Sanskrit: Nauli Kriya) Nauli is a series of motions stated to cleanse the organs in the abdomen, including sections of the digestive system. * उड्डीयन बन्ध (Sanskrit: Uddiyana bandha, upward flying lock, abdominal lift, Stomach Vacuum) is exhaling, then drawing a significant portion of the soft abdominal organs upward into the evacuated ribcage area. The resulting displacement bears some resembalnce to the organs in the later stages of pregnancy.…

needle_scale

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Needle Scale A front split while standing on one foot, and extending the rear leg upward while holding the rear leg overhead. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young

needle

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 23:16:04 +0000

pose Needle Also: Standing needle, Needle scale A standing pose, A Front split with a backbend. The performer balances on the front leg, and backbend towards the rear leg, and has caught the leg in their hands. The raised leg is as straight as possible at the knee. A Scorpion is similar, but the raised leg has its knee bent significantly.

overhang

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:17:56 +0000

pose Overhang A Handstand or a cheststand backbend where the feet hang below shoulder level. The legs are positioned as if sitting upright in a chair, wile Che spine curls back underneath them. The cheststand variant has the feet and legs hanging over the edge of the object the cheststand is being performed on.

oversplit

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 23:14:58 +0000

pose Oversplit Also: hypersplit A split extended beyond 180 degrees. Both a front split and side split can be extended into an overspilt, but due to the structure of the pelvis and femurs, it is easier to train a front split to a greater angle. Therefore, a front split is assumed unless specified otherwise.

phillips

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Phillips A handstand with a 90 degree backbend and side split, performed as part of artistic gymnastics routine on the balance beam. From American artistic gymnast Kristie Phillips. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young

pike

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Pike A frontbend at the waist with the legs and trunk kept as straight as possible. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young

pointe

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Pointe In classical ballet, when a dancer uses special shoes (called pointe shoes or toe shoes) to dance en pointe (on their toes). The arch of the top of the foot is at its maximum when the dancer “pushes over”, causing the heel of the foot to be almost directly over the toes. Difficult and often painful to learn, both men and women may benefit from studying pointe technique, however, most performance opportunities are for women only. Children do not begin to study pointe until they have…

purna_dhanurasana

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 22 May 2023 18:35:34 +0000

pose Purna Dhanurasana A backbend balanced on the abdomen.

quadruple_fold

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 23:24:55 +0000

pose Quadruple Fold Also: Quad fold A label put on any supposed elaboration on a triple fold backbend. While these elaborations frequently require a sufficintly advanced triple fold to perform, the elaborations generally would not be considered contortions if performed independent of the triple fold.

rollover

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Rollover The backbend equivalent of a somersault. A transition from standing, to a bridge, to a cheststand, back to standing. Similar to a Chest Roll, except a chest roll never starts or ends while standing.

rucksack

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 23:20:44 +0000

pose Rucksack Also: Backpack, Urabhrasana A standing backbend. Standing straight, raise arms and bend back at the waist, keeping the rest of the body as straight as possible. When facing the floor, grab the thighs just above the knee. Bend the knees to being the chest closer to the floor, leaning forward to keep balance. Bring the line of sight back to horizontal, looking through the knees.

ruppel_backbend

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:46:02 +0000

pose Ruppel Backbend Also: Ruppel Bend A standing backbend where the shoulders are drawn through the thighs and the arms are placed parallel to the legs. Name claimed by Alina Ruppel (when? find picturama post of gerd_rasquin's recounting)

s_bend

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 16:50:47 +0000

pose S Bend Any pose the perportedley combines a frontbend and a backbend simultaneously. Because of the shortness of the lumbar vertabre, such a move would be completely impractical without the hips being the primary source of the counter-bend. Fictional illustrations of such a pose tend to depict a shortened or lenghthened spinal column for asthetic reasons.

sankhasana

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Sankhasana A standing frontbend, with one foot behind the head, hoot hooked under the opposing shoulder. The supporting leg is bent at the knee, so the weight rests on the ankle. ----------

scale

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Scale In acrobatics, when the leg is raised high and held with one hand while standing. Typically done to the side. Similar to leg shouldering to the side, except the leg isn't high enough to touch the shoulder. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young

scissors_leap

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Scissors Leap Also: switch leap A split leap in which the legs exchange positions while in the air, showing a front split with both legs in one jump. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young

scorpion

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Scorpion A standing pose, A Front split with a backbend. The performer balances on the front leg, and backbend towards the rear leg, and has caught the leg in their hands. The raised leg is bent at the knee. Compare to a Needle, where the raised leg is straight at the knee.

shoulder_press

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Shoulder Press भुजपीडासन (Sanskrit, Bhujapidasana, Shoulder pressing pose) A handstand frontbend where the thighs rest on the upper arms. Ankles are crossed in front of the arms. The result... presses the knees into the shoulders on either side. Eka Hasta Bhujasana Straightens one leg.

shoulderstand

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 18:35:48 +0000

pose Shoulderstand A balance where weight is supported primarily above the clavicles, but not the scull. This is usually not the only support; hands or knees usually provide supplementary support. If the performer is “putting weight on their neck”, it's shoulderstand, intentional or not. This can lead to significant difficulty breathing (which you should confirm you're doing regularly - do not hold your breath), on top of reduced lung capacity due to the twisting of the pose.

side_split

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Side Split Also: straddle split; box split; Chinese split; cut split Samakonasana A split in which the legs are extended to the left and right, mirrored from a back or front view, until a 180 degree angle between the legs is reached. Oversplits can be achieved, but usually take significatly more training than a

side-reclining_leg_lift

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Side-Reclining Leg Lift अनन्तासन (Sanskrit, Anantasana) Also: Sleeping Vishnu Pose, Vishnu's Couch Pose, Eternal One's Pose, Side-Reclining Leg Lift Lie on side. The head is supported with one hand, the upper arm on the ground on that side; the other hand and leg are stretched straight up, the fingers grasping the big toe of the raised foot. The supporting arm, body, and lower leg are in a straight line.

snapdragon

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Snapdragon Also: Foot catch, Feet behind armpits ABackbend where straight legs are quickly tucked into the armpits. Can be done as either a cheststand or Handstand variant. ----------

sphinx

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Sphinx षलम्ब भुजङ्गासन (Salamba Bhujangasana, “Sphinx Pose”) A Backbend. Lying face down, the chest is raised from the ground, arms straight or bent at the elbow, keeping the abdomen against the ground, isolating most of the stretch to the mid back.

split_leap

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Split Leap To perform a split in the air while jumping. Typically done with a front split in the air, but can also be done with a side split in the air. If the performers training has advanced enough, it frequently results in a minor oversplit - never to the same extent that a

split

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Split A generic term for when the thighs are drawn apart. Straight-legged splits include the front_split and side_split. Angles between the thighs greater than 180 degreees are called oversplits.

suspended_split

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Suspended Split A split in which both legs are elevated (usually to the same level). Neither the ground nor the hands are used for support. No force is put into the elevating equipment beyond what gravity requires. Compare to a Braced Split. ---------- Definition based on the

torso_twist

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 02:30:01 +0000

pose Torso Twist Any sideways twisting rotation along the lumbar vertebrae, and to a slight extent, thoracic vertebrae connected to floating ribs. That is, the spine between the pelvis and ribcage. As the axis of rotation is along the spine, a torso twist can be performed at the same time as a

tortoise_position

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Tortoise कूर्मासन (Sanskrit, Kurmasana) Also: pancake A seated frontbend with the chest against the floor between the legs; the outstretched arms are also against the floor, running underneath the knees. ---------- Definition based on the

treblbow_stold

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Treblbow Stold :!: Unconfirmed Stated to be a Combination of a Triple Fold and an Elbow Stand. And thus a portmanteau of the names as well. Suspected to have the feet caught under the elbows. No statement if the whole body was supported on the forearms, or what part of the body was raised above the ground.

triple_fold

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 03:59:24 +0000

pose Triple Fold “False” Triple Fold Also, Mriga-Mukhasana A shoulderstand backbends in which the legs are bent at the knee, and the knees extend to touch the floor, somewhere in the proximity of the performer's shoulders. The shins lie flat on the floor (both knees and ankles touch). The arse is above the head.

twisting_split

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Twisting Split An exercise in which the performer changes from a front split with the left leg forward, to a side split, and then to a front split with the right leg forward, by rotating the legs, and without using the hands for support. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young

vamadevasana

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Vamadevasana Also: “Pose Dedicated to Sage Vamadeva B” A sitting Front Split with both knees bent, to the extent that feet can hook around each other (proximate to the crotch). The hands may be used to hold the feet in place, depending on the legs' angle, or may be free to do other things.

w-sit

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose W-sit A sitting pose where the thighs are parallel, and the knees are rotated so the calves lay on the floor outside. The extreme of this is a T-sit, where the calves run in a straight line, still lying on the floor along their length. At this extreme, hip mobility is mor important than knee mobility.

walkover

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:13:44 +0000

pose Walkover Starting from standing on one foot, go through inverted front split, to a one footed bridge position, then return to standing. Can be done forward and backward. Compare with: limber. ---------- Definition based on the Contortion Glossary by Greg Ullman and Tige Young