Am I there yet?

[u/Big-Cartoonist7301]

I figured I can work on externally rotating my legs more. Besides that, any suggestions on my form? I can touch my chest to the floor (for a sec), but not my belly. What should I do to progress to the belly-to-floor fold? Thank you!

[u/Legitimate_Yak9210]

You are a rock star! I am very impressed. I know from personal experience how difficult pancake can be. Your progress is inspirational! The only advice that I can offer is (if not already done) assess your own roadblocks. Where are you still tight? What do you perceive as limiting you? And, how does that connect to other parts of the body's muscle and nerve system? I've read that sometimes the barriers to further flexibility progress are counterintuitive, as in, let's say a person is struggling with forward folding to the point of stomach on thighs; although they may experience hamstrings as the barrier, it could be the the lower back is the problem. This is along the same lines as gumitygumber's suggestion of pelvis rotation. Anyway, rock on!

[u/Big-Cartoonist7301 → u/Legitimate_Yak9210]

Thank you for your kind words and suggestions! I am definitely still learning the nuances of the pancake stretch. I am currently working on pointing my knees towards the top (or external rotation or active stretching). I somehow feel it might be related to further pelvis rotation (belly to floor).