THE BACKBEND HYBRID BLUEPRINT
A complete training system for developing stronger, more mobile and more resilient backbends.
If you want to improve your backbending, simply doing more backbends isnât always the answer.
Backbending requires a combination of mobility, strength, elasticity, coordination and control.
And depending on where your limitations are, you may need very different ways of training them.
Thatâs why I created the Backbend Hybrid Blueprint.
Rather than giving you one routine and expecting it to solve everything, the Blueprint gives you a range of different training methods that I use in my own practice and teaching, each designed to develop a different quality.
NOT ONE METHOD.
A COMPLETE SYSTEM.
Inside the Backbend Hybrid Blueprint youâll find a library of pre-recorded, follow-along classes exploring different approaches to developing your backbend.
The Blueprint is the complete training system. Within it, youâll find dedicated classes for each method, alongside a Hybrid Protocol that combines several methods in one session.
WEIGHTED MOBILITY
Use load to develop strength and mobility simultaneously.
Rather than simply stretching into greater range, weighted mobility helps you develop the strength to own that range.
ISOMETRIC LOADING
Build strength at specific joint angles and at your end ranges.
These classes are designed to help close the gap between the flexibility you have passively and the range you can actually control.
Backbending doesnât always have to be slow and static.
Elasticity training introduces rhythm, rebound and dynamic movement to develop a body that can both yield and return.
Sometimes we simply need more range.
These sessions use longer-duration passive stretching to work specifically on the areas that commonly restrict backbending, particularly the shoulders, hips and spine.
MOVEMENT PROTOCOL
Backbending is a movement, not just a shape.
These classes explore different ways of moving through spinal extension, shoulder flexion and hip extension, developing greater coordination and freedom throughout the whole body.
THE HYBRID PROTOCOL
This is where everything comes together.
The Hybrid classes combine elements of weighted mobility, isometric loading, elasticity and passive stretching within the same session.
Instead of treating strength and flexibility as separate qualities, we train them together.
The aim is not simply to become more flexible.
It is to develop usable range of motion.
BACKBENDING WITHIN THE ASHTANGA PRACTICE
Youâll also have access to follow-along Ashtanga classes where we take these principles back into the practice itself.
Youâll move through the Ashtanga sequence and then integrate specific backbending work into the class.
Because ultimately, supplementary training should feed back into your practice.
Identify the limitation.
Train the missing capacity.
Return to the practice.
That is the Blueprint approach.
ALL CLASSES ARE PRE-RECORDED AND FOLLOW-ALONG
This isnât a series of lectures telling you what you should be doing.
Youâll actually train with me.
Each session is already structured, so you donât have to build your own workout from a collection of exercises.
Choose the type of session you need, press play, and follow along.
You can return to the different protocols depending on what your body needs, how much time you have, and where you are in your backbending practice.
WHO IS IT FOR?
The Backbend Hybrid Blueprint isnât only for people who can already do advanced backbends.
Itâs for anyone who wants to understand how to train backbending intelligently.
Whether youâre working towards a stronger and more comfortable Urdhva Dhanurasana, trying to understand why your backbend has plateaued, or looking to develop more advanced backbending capacity, the same principle applies:
Donât just practise the pose. Train the qualities that make the pose possible.
THE BACKBEND HYBRID BLUEPRINT
Build the capacity. Then express it in the practice.
After purchase, the course will be added to your Kajabi account.
TRAIN THE PATTERN, NOT JUST THE POSE.
The Backbend Hybrid Blueprint gives you different methods for developing the qualities that support your backbending practice.
Strength. Mobility. Elasticity. Range. Control. Integration.
All brought together into one systematic approach to backbending.
What my students say about my teaching:
Ric, from Singapore
Mark is an amazing teacher! He is one of the few teachers that actually walks the talk and practices what he preaches. He has an in-depth understanding of movement physiology and biomechanics, and will help anyone that is willing to practice with an open mind.
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Ana, from Brazil
Spending some time under the guidance of Mark has been a dream since I first started yoga. Despite all the fuss around him being âan instagram celebrityâ his presence is abundantly humble and nourishing.
I love to hear his voice cueing me with softness and intention. He is 100% on point on his observations, and like a great teacher would do: everything is explained with the sense of play and experimentation.
Iâve learned a lot from the physical part at his workshops but what Iâm most fond of is the energy and the people he brings together. We love you, Mark đ
Todor, from Bulgaria
Mark is not just an ordinary teacher, he is one of kind, a teacher from a very rear species! Mark is very deep and accomplished in his practice and understanding of it to the highest level and in the same way very open minded and humble to the point where there is no dogma or ego that stops him to learn from other teachers or methods. He is a person who can teach with simplicity and complexity in the same time by explaining very difficult things in understandable and relatable way.Â
He has an exemplary character always kind, super friendly, gentle, patient and open.Â
He is amazing example as a teacher and as a person whom I admire greatly and from whom I get great inspiration!Â
Big brother, thank you for being guiding light for the Ashtanga yoga community and beyond đ
Mollie, from Australia
I have been practicing with Mark for what feels close to a decade now. I have travelled to India and Bali several times to practice with him on his intensives, as well as every time he comes to Australia. Mark is the most trustworthy, consistent, steady mentor I have ever had. He is intuitive, kind and fun. He has held me when I have been at my lowest. He has challenged me to grow when I needed it. He has guided me towards discovering the things and modalities that I now specialise in. He has given me opportunities to step into leadership when he knew I was ready. He has watched me grow into who I am and supported me at every step of the way. He is so much more than a yoga and movement teacher. I feel so grateful to call Mark my teacher, mentor and friend. If you ever get the chance to practice with him and beautiful Deepika, do it! đ¤
Martina, from Italy
I have been practicing with Mark since 2017. Mark has totally improved the way I practice. With his open-minded approach, he makes the practice personal, functional and healing for the each individual. No matter if you are a beginner or a long time practioner, Mark will know how to take your practice to the next level, not only from a physical point of view but as an instrument towards your Self.
Nadine, from Netherlands
I practiced with Mark in Bali for 3 weeks and loved every second of it! Mark has a down to earth and non-dogmatic teaching style. Following him online for years, I was a little intimidated to go but this turned out completely unnecessary. Mark has a high understanding of the human body and asana technique. His constructive way of breaking down and modifying asanas, and specifically work on targeted strength and mobility exercises, lead to a individual approach that avoid injuries. The playful handstand and arm balancing workshops gave me the confidence that one day I don't need him anymore as a wall đ Practicing with Mark has enhanced my confidence and motivation to create my own durable practice.
Chiara, from Italy
Studying and practicing with Mark was the turning point in my experience. With him, I finally found my own way of approaching the practice, and if I may say, he brought me peace through it. His authority in yoga is complemented by his deep knowledge of movement, mobility, and handstands. His comprehensive and open-minded approach makes the practice a continuous field of enjoyable exploration. His kind and clear manner makes him a perfect guide. Mark not only provides techniques but also support and inspiration for each of our unique path
Matthias, from Belgium
Thank you Mark for sharing your teachings the past 2 weeks! I was nervous about returning to a more strict ashtanga practice, but Iâm glad I followed my intuition: your energy is both firmly rooted in old school style teaching, with deep experience, while at the same time being refreshingly open & playful. This gave a healing touch to the experience, in the shared space of the intensive. Humbling, grounding & heart opening.
Build the capacity. Then express it in the practice.
Train with me to develop stronger, more mobile and more controlled backbends.