What to do when you can't do exercises properly?

There are some exercises which are clearly a progression from another (Good Mornings, Pancacke Walks/Bouces/Circle/Floating). I just can't do the Butterfly and lay without arching from the back. In more detail, my pelvis still won't rotate even 10 degrees (if laying back to the floor and using straps to pull legs to chest, they won't get past 90 degrees).

 

So what should I do with these other exercises? My thoughts say:
1) Partial ROM. This might work for butterfly, but not for the others, as I can't even begin to bend, so circles would be just a seated twist.

2) Ignore them until pancake flexitility allows for a few degrees past perpendicular.

Actually a very simple solution.  Just sit your hips up onto some mats or pillows.  Increase the height at needed until you reach a point where you can achieve some R.O.M. that allows you to lean forward enough to get some work done.

 

Yours in Fitness,

Coach Sommer

 

p.s.  remember also that the stretch strap is your friend.

Will try that today, coach. Thanks!