A contortionist is an acrobatic performer who specializes in the athletic skill of contortionism. Contortionism is the art of bending or twisting the body in unusual and unnatural looking ways. A contortionist commonly performs in circus acts and incorporates props such as a bow and arrow, trapezes and hoops into their act.

A contortionist can sometimes be classified as one of two types, a frontbend contortionist or a backbend contortionist. These classifications depend on the direction that the contortionist’s spine most easily bends. A frontbend contortionist is able to bend forward, as the name suggests, bringing his feet up around the neck or folding himself so that his head comes between his legs, facing his buttocks. A backbend contortionist can bend the spine in a backward position, allowing her to touch her feet to her head or her head to her buttocks. Generally, an individual contortionist cannot bend equally well in both directions.

A contortionist is not only able to flex his spine in amazing ways. Many contortionists can also bend their arms and legs into unique positions as well. One position, called a dislocate, involves contorting the body so that the contortionist appears to have dislocated her joints.

A contortionist might be one of the most physically fit people around. Using mind, body and breathing exercises in contortionism training, a contortionist maintains a daily regimen for healthy living. Interestingly, contortionism is very similar to the more commonly known practice of yoga. In fact, advanced yoga exercises are often the same of those of a contortionist.

Not everyone has the special abilities of a contortionist. This ability is the result of a trait that some people are born with, that of having unusually flexible joints. This physical potential is then cultivated with gymnastic or acrobatic training.

It is also possible for an average healthy person to become a contortionist. With determination and perseverance, many people may become flexible and fit enough to achieve some contortionist feats. Professional contortionists recommend that contortionist training not be attempted after the age of 26 years. The average age for a contortionist to begin training is two years of age.

Training to become a contortionist takes a great amount of time, with very little immediate results. Every muscle in the body must be stretched, working on one muscle group at a time. The cartilage and disc space of the spine and joints must also be conditioned carefully before any positions can safely be carried out.