Stand on the carriage facing the footbar with feet hip-width apart, holding a strap in each hand at shoulder height with arms long in front.
Execution Instructions
Inhale to open the arms wide and back, expanding the chest and squeezing the shoulder blades; exhale to return the arms forward with control. Keep the ribs down.
Teaching Cues
Breath
"Inhale to open the arms wide, exhale as they return forward."
Alignment
"Keep the shoulders down and the ribs soft — no arching the low back."
Form
"Squeeze the shoulder blades toward each other as the arms open."
Modifications & Progressions
Reduced Opening (Regression)
Open the arms to a narrower range with a lighter spring, keeping the elbows soft.
Shoulder Impingement (Injury Modification)
Keep the arms at or below shoulder height and limit the stretch behind the body.