These internal muscle groups give the torso and spine strength and also stabilize the movements of the arms and legs. Contortionists work to deeply engage their core muscles for maximum strength and flexibility. This allows them to support their ligaments and bones when they push their bodies into extreme positions.

How are contortionists able to do what they do?

Most people assume that contortionists are able to bend their bodies in extraordinary shapes because they are double jointed. According to mainstream medicine, however, double-joints do not exist. Rather, contortionists are highly flexible in several key joints, and especially in the spine.

Can a normal person become a contortionist?

Can anyone learn to be a contortionist? ... Almost anyone can learn various contortionist moves, but there does seem to be a genetic component which makes these moves much easier for some people. Whether you can learn enough to become a contortionist is probably something you would have to try to know for sure.